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Confused about what perfume to wear for that big job interview or first date? Here’s a guide to help you choose the right scent for any occasion!

What is perfume?

Let’s start with the basics to get some background: perfume is a mixture of fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds, fixatives and solvents blended together and used to give people, places, things and living creatures a pleasant smell. In ancient times, people made perfumes by mixing flowers, spices, oils and other ingredients. The word “perfume” comes from the Latin “per fumum”, meaning “through smoke”.

Aroma compounds are usually vaporous molecules that stimulate our olfactory sense (sense of smell). The main aromatic components of perfume are terpenes and esters. Terpenes are hydrocarbons (molecules made of hydrogen and carbon) that occur naturally in plants. Esters are molecules that contain both an alcohol group (-OH) and an acid group (-COOH).

Fixatives are used to help the perfume last longer on our skin or clothing. Common fixatives used in perfume include ambergris, musk and synthetic chemicals such as polycyclic musks. Solvents help to dissolve the aromatic compounds so that they can be easily spread on our skin or clothes. Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is the most common solvent used in perfume.

The history of perfume.

In ancient times, the word perfume referred to the art of burning incense. The first recorded use of perfume was by the Egyptians who perfumed their bodies with resins and spices. The art of perfume making spread to ancient China, India and Greece. The Romans used perfume extensively, particularly in the form of scented oils.

In medieval Europe, perfume was used primarily for medicinal purposes. During the Renaissance, perfume became more popular for personal use. By the 17th century, cosmetics were being perfumed as well as clothes and furniture.

Since the 18th century, perfume has been an important part of fashion in Europe and America. In the early 1900s, classic French perfumes such as Chanel No. 5 became famous worldwide. Today, there are thousands of different perfumes available to suit every taste and occasion. Want to read more on the history of perfumes, then read my other blog post.

The different types of perfume.

There are four distinct types of perfume:
-Eau de Parfum (EDP)
-Eau de Toilette (EDT)
-Eau de Cologne (EDC)
-Parfum

An Eau de Parfum has a 15-20% concentration of perfume oil, and will last approximately 2-3 hours. This is the most popular type of perfume, as it strikes the middle ground between being too intense and too subtle.
An Eau de Toilette has a 5-15% concentration of perfume oil, and will last approximately 2 hours. This is a lighter version of an EDP, and is therefore more suitable for daytime wear or for those who prefer a more subtle scent.
An Eau de Cologne has a 2-5% concentration of perfume oil, and will only last for around 1 hour. This is the lightest type of perfume, making it ideal for hot weather or for those who do not like strong scents.
Parfum has the highest concentration of perfume oil, typically around 20%, sometimes even 30% and above. As such, it also has the longest lasting scent – up to 8 hours – making it ideal for special occasions.

How to choose the right perfume.

Knowing how to choose the right perfume will make a big difference in how confident and put together you feel. Whether you’re headed to a job interview or a first date, the right scent can help you to make the best impression.

In general, there are three different types of perfume: floral, oriental, and fresh. Floral scents are dominated by flowers like roses or jasmine. Oriental scents are more mysterious and sensual, with notes of amber or musk. Fresh scents are just that – fresh and clean, like citrus or lavender.

The occasion you’re dressing for will also play a role in which perfume you choose. A strong scent is more appropriate for evening wear, while a light scent is better for daytime. If you’re not sure which scent to choose, ask a sales clerk for help. They can give you some samples to try before you make your final decision.

The best perfumes for different occasions.

Most people have a favorite perfume or cologne that they like to wear on a daily basis. But what if you need to choose a different scent for a special occasion? Here is a guide to help you select the best fragrance for different occasions.

1. For a casual daytime event, go for a light, fresh scent. Something like citrus or lavender would be perfect.

2. If you’re going to be out in the evening, you might want to choose something a little more daring. A heavier scent like jasmine or musk would be ideal.

3. For an important business meeting, you’ll want to make sure your perfume is professional and not too overpowering. A floral scent with a touch of spice would be perfect.

4. If you’re attending a formal event, such as a wedding, go for something classic and elegant. A timeless fragrance like Chanel No. 5 would be perfect.

How to store perfume.

This is an important point if you start to experiment with various perfumes. You might have them longer at home, and we don’t want them to go bad, do we?:-)

So, perfume should be stored in a cool, dark place – away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

To keep your perfume at its best:
– Store it in the original box or in a dark-coloured, airtight box.
– Do not store perfume in the fridge – the extreme cold can break down the scent molecules.
– Do not store perfume next to radiators or in hot cars.

If you are taking your perfume on holiday with you:
– Decant it into a smaller bottle (no more than 50ml, I suggest even max 30ml. The latter should be sufficient for even more than two weeks of vacation). This will reduce the risk of it spilling or being damaged.
– Keep it in your hand luggage, not in your checked baggage.

The benefits of wearing perfume.

There are many benefits to wearing perfume, from making yourself feel more confident to masking body odor. But did you know that different types of perfume can be better suited for different occasions? Read on to learn more about choosing the right perfume for the right occasion.

Office: When choosing a perfume for the office, you’ll want something that is subtle and not too overpowering. A light floral or citrus scent is a good option. Avoid anything with a heavy, sweet scent, as it can be distracting to others.

Date Night: For a romantic night out, you’ll want to choose a perfume that is sexy and alluring. A heavier, Oriental-inspired scent is a good choice. Avoid anything too floral or girly—you want your date to be focused on you, not your fragrance!

Girls’ Night Out: When it’s time to let loose with your girls, you’ll want a fun and festive perfume to match your mood. A fruity or sweet scent is always a good choice. And don’t be afraid to go for something bold—after all, it’s just girls’ night!

Wedding: On your big day, you’ll want a perfume that is both elegant and timeless. A classic floral scent is always a good option. Avoid anything too youthful or trendy—you want your wedding day fragrance to be something you’ll cherish for years to come.

The drawbacks of wearing perfume.

While perfume can be a wonderful addition to any outfit, there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you spritz on your favorite scent. First, it is important to understand that perfume is made up of many different chemicals, some of which can be quite potent. If you have sensitive skin, you may find that perfume irritates your skin or causes an allergic reaction. In addition, perfume can be very strong and overwhelming, especially if you are not used to wearing it. It is best to start with a light scent and build up to a stronger one if you decide that you would like to wear perfume more regularly. Finally, keep in mind that perfume does not last forever. It will eventually fade away, so you will need to reapply it throughout the day if you want to keep the scent going.

If you are looking for a quality perfume that you can wear to pretty much any occasion, be sure to check out Peïthō.

Peïthō produces handmade molecular perfumes using quality ingredients to create unique, one-of-a-kind fragrances.

#peitho #handmademolecularperfumes #swiss #rightoccasion

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Peitho-Perfumes.ScentedCandles_ A woman with purple hair posing in front of a white background, holding a scented candle.

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