How to Make Easy Homemade Fragrance and Essential Products

10 ways to use perfume samples from magazines

2011-09-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

What do you do with all those perfume samples from magazines? Give them a quick sniff? Toss them in the trash? Collect them? Perfume samples are handier than you think. Here are 10 ways to put them to good use.

1. Dress up your drawers. Tuck a few of your favorites in your underwear drawers as well as your other clothes drawers.

2. Stow them in your suitcase. Before hitting the road, toss an unopened sample into your suitcase. The sample won’t leak on your clothes and they will smell great for the duration of the trip.

3. Store them in your shoes (not while wearing them, of course). Your friends will think you have the best-smelling feet around. Not to mention your closet will smell much better. (See No. 6.)

4. Stash them under your car seat. Who needs one of those cheap, stinky air fresheners? Place a perfume sample under your seat and you’re good to go.

5. Put them in your purse. With all the stuff we load into our purses, it’s no wonder they sometimes smell a little stale. Nothing a perfume sample can’t fix.

6. Keep them in the closet. (See No. 3.)

7. Give gift bags a little extra something special. Sometimes it’s the little things that matter. Adding a perfume sample to a gift bag not only makes it smell great, but it also adds a personal touch.

8. Sleep tight on scented pillows. Toss a perfume sample into your pillowcase for some fragrant ZZZZZs.

9. Line your coat pockets. If you’re storing your coats during the summer months, placing a perfume sample in the pocket will help to ward off that musty smell. If you’re wearing your coat, even better. You’ll smell great the moment you enter a room.

10. Wear them. This is why they are in the magazines in the first place, right? Collect the perfume samples and try out different scents over time. You can test which fragrances you like before splurging on them.

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5 surprising facts about essential oils

2011-09-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being. There are a wide number of essential oils available, each with its own healing properties.

Here are five things you may not know about essential oils:

1. Neroli oil, or “orange blossom,” is one of the most expensive essential oils on the market. It takes 1,000 lbs. of orange blossoms to make one pound of Neroli oil. This semi-precious oil is used to ease anxiety, depression, insomnia, and given its wonderful aroma, it can be considered an aphrodisiac.

2. Captain James Cook first mentioned Tea Tree oil in 1772 during his voyage to Botany Bay, Australia. He and his crew made a tea from the leaves to prevent scurvy. Tea Tree’s healing properties are abundant. Not only is it a natural immune booster, but it also fights all three kinds of infection. It works to heal skin conditions, burns and cuts, and also works as an insecticide. In addition, it helps to soothe and treat cold sores, respiratory conditions, muscle aches, the flu, Athlete’s foot and dandruff. Its uses are vast and its healing power is quick.

3. In the 1920s, French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term “aromatherapy.” The story goes that during an experiment, Gattefosse burned his hand and had nothing nearby to soak it in except lavender. Apparently the lavender quickly healed the burn, spurring him to begin research on the science behind essential oils.

4. Our sense of smell is the only sense directly tied to the limbic area of the brain, which is considered the emotional control center. This means that when essential oils are inhaled, they go directly to the brain. Our other four senses — taste, sight, touch and hearing — are first routed through the thalamus before reaching designated areas of the brain.

5. Essential oils are beneficial healers because they transport oxygen to the cells, which trigger great healing effects. It is safe to say that all of them are anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-infectious, anti-tumoral, anti-parasitic, and antiseptic on some level.

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Warning: The Dangers of Perfume and Cologne at Your Interview

2011-08-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

Many job search sites will warn you about the importance of good presentation. It is vital that you wear appropriate clothes and maintain an attractive appearance so that your first impression with your interviewers is the best it can be. However, there are warnings that come with making a good presentation as well. The best known issue is that of fragrances.

Scents are one of the primary causes of a good or bad first impression. If you smell bad, the employer is going to immediately think poorly of your appearance, presentation, and even your ability to do the job. Smell good and you appear to be a clean individual that takes care of yourself. Clearly there is a good reason to care about how to smell, since your scent can make a tremendous difference in how you appear to others.

In order to smell decent, many men and women put on massive amounts of perfumes, aftershave, and colognes before their job interview. Logically this makes a lot of sense. If you put on great scents, chances are you will smell great and make a great olfactory first impression.

Here is where the risk comes into play. Many adults, especially women, are massively allergic to the strong smells that come from these perfumes and colognes. So much so that they may not be able to be in the same room with you, let alone shake your hand. When you go to the interview, you risk running into someone that is allergic to these smells and ultimately harming your interview.

There are a variety of tools you can use to still smell your best during the interview without risking these allergies. The first is to use unscented soap and rely on your natural odor to help you out during the interview. Another is to look for hypoallergenic fragrances. You can also put just a light amount of these sprays on a single part of your body. Then, if your interviewer mentions an allergy, simply tell them you can easily wash it off and go clean that spot in the bathroom.

This is not to say that you should avoid perfumes and colognes before your interview. The chance that you will run into someone that is allergic is not too high. However, before you go to any job interview you want to do whatever it takes to maximize your chances of landing the job, so just be aware that if you decide to splash on a large amount of perfume or cologne, you may run into someone that cannot handle your presence.

[Source:everydayinterviewtips.com]

Choosing the Perfect Perfume for Your Wedding Day

2011-08-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

It’s finally here – your wedding day. You’ve waited for this day since you were a little girl, playing dress-up and trailing pillow cases, bed sheets, and tablecloths off the back of your head and your mother’s perfume dabbed behind your ears. You imagined the groom would be that little Johnny Johnson next door and never gave a thought to any life beyond your wedding day.

You’re no little girl anymore and Johnny Johnson moved away a long time ago. This time, the wedding is real. You’ve planned every detail: the music, the flowers, the dresses, and the cake. You’ve sent invitations and chosen your bridesmaids. You are getting ready for the most important day of your life. Your maid of honor walks in the room, and… you nearly gag! Her perfume is so strong that you just know it will override the flowers in the church. You honestly don’t know if you will be able to stand next to her during the ceremony. Your perfect day is ruined!

Don’t let this happen to you! So many things need to be done for a wedding and so many accessories to consider, that it’s easy to overlook the perfume. Of course, you aren’t used to deciding what perfume your friends and family should wear, but on your wedding day, it’s so important that fragrances don’t conflict or overpower the room. You need to decide on a single perfume for your bridesmaids and yourself so there is no chance that two scents will clash. So how do you choose the perfect fragrance for your wedding day?

The scent of a perfume subtly changes with every woman who wears it. It also changes over time. A perfume’s fragrance has three layers, called notes. The top note is the one you smell when you put on your perfume. This fades quickly and melds into the middle note. The middle note lasts for an hour or so before it too fades. Finally, the bottom note comes floating up – this is the scent that lasts for the rest of the day.

When you are choosing perfume for your wedding, pay close attention to the middle notes and the bottom notes. You will probably want to apply your perfume just before you walk down the aisle, so the middle note will be most prominent throughout the ceremony. However, during the reception and the party the bottom note will be the one that everyone notices.

It’s a good idea to have all the bridesmaids try the perfume out before the wedding day, just to make sure no one has any sensitivity to the perfume and so you know that the middle note and bottom note on each woman blends in harmony with the others.

Perfumes are also categorized by families. These are the general quality of the scents, like fruity or floral. Many women like a soft floral fragrance on their wedding day for the romantic feel, but you may prefer something else. It’s your day, so choose your favorite.

Just stick with something light so no one winds up with a headache. The perfume from your wedding day will always have a special meaning for you and your husband, so take some time to choose one that fits your special day perfectly.

[Source:weddingandpartynetwork.com]

Perfume Storage: How to Store Your Fragrances to Keep Them at Their Fragrant Best

2011-05-09T19:48:00.001-07:00

When it comes to storing perfume, the most well known guidelines are 1) keeping it out of direct light, and 2) storing it someplace cool and dry. My (and Karen’s) first guess for the best place to store perfume was the fridge, but should we really be putting our pretty perfume bottles between the veggies and cheese? Are there better options?

While heat is definitely harmful to fragrances, large fluctuations in temperature can be even worse, so moving your perfumes in and out of the fridge isn’t necessarily better than storing them on your window.

Just like makeup, perfume cannot stand humidity, so the bathroom is out. Also, you want to avoid exposing them to air as much as possible; keep your fragrances closed at all times, and give preference to sprays over splashes. One problem with splashes, as well as rollerballs, is that oils and dirt can eventually spoil the scent, so try to minimize the applicator’s contact with bare skin.

I didn’t know this for the longest time, but it turns out that one should not shake fragrance, and not just to avoid breaking a fragile bottle. If you like to reapply perfume throughout the day, try to leave the bottle at home and take an atomizer along.

The best storage places for our nice smelling friends are train cases, storage boxes, closet shelves and the like -– places away from direct light, heat and humidity, and where they won’t get moved around too much.

Although I’m sad that I shouldn’t put all the pretty bottles on display on my vanity table, with so many options for cute storage boxes, I’m sure I’ll find something I like!

[Source:makeupandbeautyblog.com]

How to Get the Most from Your Expensive New Fragrance

2011-04-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you met by chance and sniffed it on a friend, in the pages of a magazine, or wafting through the air at Nordstrom. Or maybe you designed it yourself after researching fragrance notes, perfume houses, and bottle designs. No matter how you found it, you finally took the plunge and purchased yourself a pricey new scent. Now you have an expensive bottle of fluid on your vanity, and it’ll be worth less than the box it came in if you don’t handle it with the care.

1. Storage
High heat and sunlight have it in for your fancy new fragrance. They breaks apart the bonds between fragrance molecules, weakening the potency and overall shelf life of your perfume, and eventually leading to a watery, lusterless liquid with little to no staying power. Even more destructive, though, are frequent fluctuations in temperature that can spoil a fragrance fast.

So, what’s the best way to store fragrances to preserve their gentle power? While it’s not always practical, one way is to stick them straight in your fridge. Temps at the higher end of the spectrum tend to degrade fragrances, but lower temps can actually protect them. And because many scents contain a veritable amount of alcohol to accelerate drying time after application, you need never worry about them accidentally freezing and expanding. Should your refrigerator be stuffed to the seams (especially in this post-holiday month), never fear. Simply keep your scents out of your bathroom (where the steam from your shower could prove harmful) and out of direct sunlight (UV rays are another common instigator of scent spoilage). When in doubt, ask yourself this: “Would I store an expensive vintage wine here?” If “no” even crosses your mind, cross this spot out as a potential display area for your cologne collection.

2. Application
One frequent misstep many people make is in applying fragrances to incorrect areas. However hard it is to believe, scents really do mix with your body’s chemistry. It’s why some fragrances smell wonderful on the tester strips but just kind of “eh” when you get them home. By applying your perfume to certain points on your body, you can get it to play perfectly with your pH and body heat to create a lasting and balanced aromatic experience.

The points are known as pulse points, and they’re exactly what they sound like they should be: places where it’s easy to read your pulse. Now, I would never recommend applying your scent to each and every one of them (unless, of course, you’re trying to knock someone unconscious), but here they are from the ground up: behind the knees, the inner thighs, about an inch below the belly button, the inner wrists, the crease of the inner elbow, the frontward facing area of the underarm, the base of the neck, behind each ear, and the temples. Which ones you choose to use are up to you, but I recommend choosing one place to spritz for a Perfume Extract, two for an Eau de Parfum, and three for an Eau de Toilette (in these cases, a “paired point”—such as the wrists—counts as one if you only spritz once and distribute it between both areas, or twice if you use one spritz on each). Of course, this is just a general guideline, and how many spritzes you use will vary greatly depending on the product. For example, my Dior Fahrenheit, an Eau de Toilette, really only needs one spritz to last me throughout the day.

3. General Tips
Layer two different fragrances to come up with a unique signature scent, and help prolong the staying power of both. Spray about an inch to two away from the pulse point for a more focussed, concentrated application (and to waste less product). If you only wear one fragrance year round, spritz a plain piece of cotton cloth with it, and leave it in your drawers; the scent will slowly and subtlely penetrate your clothing to help promote the general aura and projection of your fragrance all day. Also, apply fragrance right after taking a hot shower while your pores are still dilated and eager to absorb.

[Source:makeupandbeautyblog.com]

What Perfume Should I Wear with My Makeup?

2011-04-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well, look at you, Miss Thang. Whether you’re working a smoky eye or rocking a red lip, your fine self is looking flawless (thanks to Karen’s incredible makeup tips). All that remains is a few spritzes of a fabulous perfume. Now, this perfume must do more than simply smell good. A great perfume should be the finishing touch to your look, creating an aura that matches your makeup. It should add to your sex appeal when you’re looking slinkier than Halle Berry, or create a sense of romance when you’re having an ultra-feminine, Keira-Knightley-in-her-latest-period-piece moment. Here are a few suggestions for perfumes that lend themselves to a particular makeup style; please feel free to mix and match.

Smoky Eyes

Your kohl-rimmed eyes already whisper, “Come hither”. Now take your game to the next level with a sexy scent that says, “Hey, Angelina Jolie, this isn’t amateur hour.”

1. Bvlgari Black ($74). Speaking of Ms. Jolie, this is rumored to be her signature scent. With notes of leather, musk, black tea, and vanilla, Black is what a dominatrix would wear to a very grown-up tea party.

2. Dior Hypnotic Poison ($68). From the name to the deep red bottle to the sultry blend of jasmine, vanilla, and musk, Hypnotic Poison was designed to hypnotize, Biggie-style.

3. Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur ($140). Spicy, ambery perfection. Musc Ravageur achieves what so many men do not: comes on strong, but turns cuddly by the end of the night.

Red Lips and Liner

Red lips and a flick of liquid liner recall the glamorous stars of 1940’s Old Hollywood. Classic perfumes of the same era will complement your vintage vibe.

1. Chanel No. 5 ($60). Golden, powdery goodness. A beautiful classic worthy of its 90-year legacy. If it was good enough for Marilyn, it’s good enough for you.

2. Guerlain Shalimar ($56). A smoky vanilla created in 1925, Shalimar is perfect for those who love sweet scents but want something a little more sophisticated than Pink Sugar.

3. Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose, $130. If your look is more inspired by Katy Perry and Dita Von Teese than Old Hollywood, you might enjoy this more modern blend of rose and violet. Lipstick Rose smells just like a Chanel lipstick, and feels retro in a gorgeously kitschy way.

Wild Child

Your delightfully outrageous makeup leads others to suspect that you are none other than the secret love child of Lady Gaga and David Bowie. (Don’t worry, I won’t tell.) To you, makeup is less about finding the right foundation for your skintone and more about drawing a huge lightening bolt across your face. Make the Gaga-Bowie family proud with the most unusual, creative scents the perfume world has to offer.

1. CB I Hate Perfume Black March ($80). The house of CB I Hate Perfume is run by the same man behind the Demeter fragrances, a brand famous for bottling the most bizarre of smells (Glue, Crayon, Lobster, etc.) Black March smells like damp earth, so realistic that you expect to see earthworms wriggling around.

2. Bond No 9 Andy Warhol Silver Factory ($150). Named for the artist who lived a strange and surreal life, Andy Warhol Silver Factory features a prominent incense note with a metallic edge.

3. Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman (about $100). With notes of black hemlock, violet and cedar, Ormonde Woman feels like being lost in a vast, forbidding forest late at night. But in a good way.

Office Chic

Thanks to a delightful gender double standard, women must be cautious about what perfume they wear to their workplace. Nothing too sexy, or you may suddenly find yourself the office hoochie who’s sleeping with the boss and his secretary, Janice. Elegant, sophisticated scents are a good match for your neutral-but-polished makeup.

1. Chanel No. 19 ($90). No. 19 was released at the end of Coco Chanel’s life, and it is a fascinating portrait of a woman who scraped her way to the top. Its green topnotes politely suggest that you are not to be messed with, and its note of iris speaks to the luxury you’ll be living in after your next promotion.

2. Chanel Cristalle ($70). Cristalle captures the sparkle of dew on a patch of sweet-smelling grass. This is about as good as “sophisticated” can smell.

3. Stella McCartney Stella ($50). The cleanest rose in all of perfumery, no mustiness here. Stella feels professional in that hair-pulled-severely-back kind of way.

No-makeup makeup

On those days when your makeup routine consists of Chapstick, a strong perfume can feel too loud or overdramatic. Fresh, clean fragrances work well with the natural look.

1. Fresh Sugar ($75). I love this one. With notes of sugar and lemon, Sugar smells like the lemonade booth that you ran during the summer as a kid. I frequently have to remind myself not to drink this.

2. Chanel 28 La Pausa ($200). The most delicate, stunning iris scent I’ve ever encountered. Liquid sunshine on a cold morning. If the $200 price tag doesn’t appeal to you, Prada Infusion d’Iris ($56) is a more powdery alternative.

3. Marc Jacobs Rain ($65). As refreshing as a sudden summer rainstorm, Rain is the last word in “clean” fragrances. It even captures a bit of the melancholy of rainy weather.

[Source:makeupandbeautyblog.com]

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Selecting a Women’s Discount Fragrance for a Job Interview

2011-03-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

Today’s economy has made job hunting even more stressful than in the past. Selecting the right women’s discount fragrance to wear for a job interview can certainly help give a potential employer the right first impression. Since you will definitely spend some time thinking about what to wear for a job interview, it makes sense to give some thought to what discount women’s fragrance will complement your look and the office environment to which you are going After all, employers are looking at the overall package. Here are some tips you can use to help select the perfect women’s discount fragrance to wear to a job interview.

First, it is important to consider that likes and dislikes, especially for scents, are extremely subjective. What strongly appeals to you might not to another. With that in mind, it is important that the women’s discount fragrance you select for a job interview should not be overbearing. Spritz your scent on lightly. Often interviews are held in small, closed offices. You do not want your fragrance to be too strong. Keep this in mind when you apply your women’s discount fragrance as well. You may want to apply a little less than usual. Or try spraying your discount women’s fragrance into the air; then, simply walk through the mist once to lightly apply your fragrance.

A key word in preparing for any job interview is “conservative”. It is always wise to dress conservatively for an interview. Likewise, you should avoid overly sensual, sexy women’s discount fragrances. These scents may subconsciously send the wrong message. Classic women’s discount fragrances make excellent choices for a job interview. Consider a classic, conservative perfume such as Chanel Number 5. Also, avoid women’s discount fragrances that might be considered too faddish or trendy. The newest celebrity women’s discount fragrance may not be the right choice.

While classic women’s discount fragrances are sure bets to wear for a job interview, it is also crucial that you wear something you like and that you feel smells good on you. It is hard to project an image of confidence during an interview when you do not really like some aspect of your personal presentation. Pick a fragrance that is conservative but appeals to your sense of style. If you are sporty, a scent like Dolce & Gabanna’s Light Blue may be perfect. If you are an executive, a bolder, more distinctive scent may work. Try Realities by Liz Claiborne. Wearing a women’s discount fragrance you like will lift yours spirits and make you project a much more confident, self-assured image.

It takes great time and thought to prepare for a job interview. While you are likely paying a lot of attention to your clothing and make up, make sure you also consider what women’s discount fragrance you’ll wear to a job interview. Avoid women’s discount fragrances that seem to strong, too sensual or too trendy while selecting a women’s discount fragrance that you like and that makes you feel good about yourself.

[Source: bigdiscountfragrances.com]

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Perfume Family

2011-02-27T15:38:00.000-08:00

Did you know that perfume can be categorized according to their fragrance family? Understanding fragrance families can help your perfume shopping much easier and the most important is you are not disappointed with wrong picks. It may help you to identify the perfume suitable for your friends, spouse and/or family. Let say your spouse love the smell after rain where it smells like the fresh grass, then green perfume family is suitable for him/her, while if he/she loves to smell fresh like in the jungle, then woody is suitable. Some perfumes scent may mixed with one or more family.
Spend a litlle bit time to read this article, you will find it valuable for your perfume buying experience...

FLORAL

This fragrance group is associated with essences of white flowers and fresh linens. This is one of the first perfume categories. It also remains extremely popular especially for womens perfume. They tend to have a distinctive feminine quality. Although a number of fragrances of floral are appearing in mens cologne. Perfumers tend to do a alot of experimentation with florals. They really do combine wonderfully with water or fresh green categories. Since the mid 90's its been the trend to make the fragrance sweeter with hints of fruit. Ideal for young and not-so-young alike. Anyone who wants to feel pretty and feminine without being overpowering should choose a floral perfume. Likewise, they're great as a safe perfume that's suitable for all ages and all occasions.

Some perfumes under this family : Burberry London by Burberry | J'Adore By Christian Dior | Ralph by Ralph Lauren | Incanto Charms by Salvatore Ferragamo | Chanel No 19 By Chanel | CKIN2U by Calvin Klein | Parfum D'Ete By Kenzo | Sunflowers By Elizabeth Arden | Anais Anais by Cacharel | L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci | Charlie by Revlon | Eternity by Calvin Klein

*Subcategories of this perfume family : fruity floral (ie. Escape by Calvin Klein) | fresh floral (ie. Eau D'Issey by Issey Miyake) | green floral (ie. Fidji by Guy Laroche) | woody floral (ie. White Linen by Estee Lauder) | sweet floral (ie. Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden).

ORIENTAL

These are exotic, sensual, and extremely "heavy" fragrances. Also sometimes referred as "Amber'. Think of these as containing exotic flowers, foreign resins, vanilla, spicy amber, and musk. Often mixed with fruit fragrances and additional "fresh" scents from the green group. They have a heavy sweetnes from sandlewood, musk and vanilla. Most oriental perfumes have a wonderful crossing over of qualities from all the other categories from the spicy fruit tones to warm woody tones and this makes them a superb choice for corporate environments, evening events and special occasions, regardless of age.

Some perfumes under this family : Obsession by Calvin Klein | Dior Addict by Christion Dior | Classic by Burberry | Sensi by Giorgio Armani | Joop Femme by Joop! | Tresor by Lancome

*Subcategories of this perfume family : Florientals (ie. Panthere by Cartier) | Spicy Orientals (ie. Angel by Thiery Mugler) | Fruity Florientals (ie. Poison by Christian Dior) | Fruity Orientals (ie. Moshino by Moschino)

WOODY

Best mixed with other fragrances. Oriental woody is a combination of oriental smells mixed with something like a sandalwood to give it a woody hint.Drier, vetiver, cedar, oakmoss, leather, tobacco, burnt wood etc. Mixes well with citrus and fresh aromatic notes. Woody perfumes are versatile and easy to wear, and are better suited to the mature woman who wants to smell fresh but retain an air of sophistication. This type of perfume works well for any season.

Some perfumes under this family : 212 by Carolina Herrera | Organza by Givenchy | Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker | Burberry Touch by Burberry | CK Be by Calvin Klein | Versace Women by Versace | Gucci Rush by Gucci

FRUITY

Fruity fragrances are generally spicy and fresh. They are quite youthful in their scent, and suitable for warm and cool weather alike. In winter, they invoke a sense of warm desserts and cider. In summer, they give an air of crispness. They are an excellent choice for women who like classic fragrances, but also want to add a little flair. If you're the type to be outside with friends on summer evenings, this is the perfume type for you.

Some perfumes under this family : Lauren by Ralph Lauren | Liz Claiborn by Liz Claiborn | Be Delicious by DKNY | Chic by Moschino | Bvlgari Pour Homme by Bvlgari

CITRUS

This type of scent works well on both men and women. Citrus fragrances for men are often blended with wood and spices. For the ladies, it is blended with florals or fruits. This type of fragrance is often sporty, fresh, and perfect for work.

Some perfumes under this family : Azzaro Chrome by Loris Azzaro | CK One by Calvin Klein | Armani by Giorgio Armani | Lacoste Pour Homme by Lacoste

GREEN

Where woody perfumes capture the essence of forests and woodland, green perfumes have tones more reminiscent of cut grass and crisp spring growth. They possess some of the same scents as oriental perfumes, but are far lighter and suitable for casual wear as well as evening and business wear. They are generally funky and contemporary perfumes that are most suitable for younger and sportier people and can be worn on all occasions. Their neutral tones make them excellent for gifts.

Some perfumes under this family : Charlie by Revlon | True Star by Tommy Hilfiger | Hugo Boss by Hugo Boss | Euphoria Men by Calvin Klein | Fleur Du Male by Jean Paul Gaultier | Burberry London by Burberry | CK Truth by Calvin Klein | Style in Play by Lacoste | Diorissimo by Christian Dior.

AQUA / MARINE

Both men and women can enjoy this light, refreshing water scent perfect for wearing during warm weather. Contains fragrances such as sea air, fresh water plants, and of course water. It may be blended with notes of citrus and greens for an energetic and youthful scent to wear by day.

Some perfumes under this family : Charlie by Revlon | True Star by Tommy Hilfiger | Hugo Boss by Hugo Boss | Euphoria Men by Calvin Klein

[Source: jueperfume.com]

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Your Perfume bottle can be worth money!

2011-02-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

Perfumes have been a very important part of culture and religion since ancient times. Not only were the perfumes valuable but so were the bottles that held them. The oldest known perfume bottles came from the Ancient Egyptians. They used containers made of stone and alabaster which kept the perfume cool and did not leak the precious liquids. Many perfume containers have been found in tombs around the globe. Scents and perfume were an important part of the Egyptians preparation of the dead.

Some glass bottles date back to the fifteenth century BC. The glass perfume bottles adorned the homes of the noble and wealthy. While early scents were designed to ward off bad spirits, grace the gods and disguise body odors, the bottles were a true symbol of luxury. In Greek and Roman times, scent bottle designs became increasingly more sophisticated, even imitating the shapes of birds, humans and other animals.

Perfume bottles found in Palestine were made of glass, and had narrow long necks. They were primarily found in tombs. They believed the perfume bottles would cover the smell of the dead bodies.

The Ancient Greeks made beautiful containers for perfume. They hand painted vases which were often shaped as animals. They used lidded bowls for holding less expensive perfumes.

The Roman’s used hollowed-out precious stones to carry their most valuable perfumes before the introduction of glass bottles.

Glass blowing techniques had been developed in Syria. This was a huge advancement in bottle construction industry. Expensive Roman scent bottles created from transparent glass adorned with coloured decorations were widely acclaimed.

Today the trading of unusual, limited editions and ancient perfume bottles has become big business. Their books and material on how, when to be collecting the perfume bottles, conventions, places to sell and buy the perfume bottles. This usually happens at auctions, exhibitions and collectors markets where dealers and appraisers are presents for evaluations of the precious bottles.

[Source: myperfume.com.au]

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Perfume and Memory: Holding Back the Darkness

2011-02-13T15:53:00.000-08:00

One of the most oft-repeated truisms about the sense of smell is how it triggers memories, even those that have long been buried in the past. It applies to every kind of smell of course, but certain things seem to have a more profound effect on people; favorite foods from childhood, the sweet scent of a wedding bouquet, the chalk and ink of a classroom, and of course perfume. Often it's not even our own but that of another that evokes strong emotions; a simple floral cologne favored by a loving grandmother, a husband's bay rum aftershave on his cheek in the morning, the fascinating waft of powder, lipstick and Evening in Paris from a mother's evening purse when she is getting ready for a rare night out on the town. All these things form part of the home movies of our lives, but our fifth sense does not get much respect in our culture so these scent memories are frequently dismissed as sentimental trifles by those who don't understand the effect that scent can have on our lives.

I recently read something that moved me greatly and reminded me yet again of what our olfactory powers can do for us. It is the true story of a career soldier getting ready to go overseas yet again for a long deployment to a war zone, and how he must decide what to take with him. There are those things that are essential for survival itself, the ones he takes because he knows they will be in short supply where he is going, and finally those little luxuries about which hard choices must be made since there is only so much space in a duffel bag, even though these trifles are what keep you connected to your sanity. One precious item is never left behind, however:

“And then finally there is just a plastic baggy with two cotton balls inside. This is your life raft.

The cotton is soaked in your wife’s perfume. It is reserved for the worst days. The days when you need to hold other people up, and yet you do not know where you will draw the strength yourself. The days when grown men cry, and feel that there is no point, and they need somebody to provide a pillar that they can use to pull themselves to their feet again, and it has got to be you, regardless of if you are ready or not, to hold them up, but you are so f**king tired, and worn, and drowning yourself...then, well, then is when these two little balls of cotton come into play. They are your emergency supply of willpower, to be used sparingly, stingily, hoarded, just in case, for those bad days. The perfume is too strong right now, but you know that over a year, it will fade until there is barely more than a memory wafting from that bag. But sometimes, that slightest scent, it is enough. To hold you, and others, up.

And then you are done. There is no more room, nothing more to pack and the only thing remaining is a very long flight to a very foreign land.”

I read this with tears in my eyes, both for the unspeakable burden of what we who stay behind ask of our soldiers and for the connections so tenuously kept alive over a long separation, when the idea of “home” is a vision in danger of fading away altogether as it is overtaken by the reality of war and the exhaustion, terror and boredom of life in a battle zone, not to mention the awful, unbearable smells of violence and fear that come with the territory. That just a little bit of perfume could mean so much to a man that it's the most important thing he packs in his bag is yet another reminder that we should not take our sense of smell lightly; I for one cannot imagine what it would be like to lose it. I wonder if this man felt overpowered by his own feelings as he wrote those words, thinking of what it would be like to have only the scent of his beloved for remembrance, and for such a long time.

So, dear readers, what one perfume would you take to war, or into space, or on a long voyage where you had to make those hard decisions about what to keep? What would you bring with you to be your magical amulet of last resort when life becomes dangerous, or exhausting, or unbearably lonely? It doesn't even have to be a physical destination, since we carry life's tribulations around with us; it can be the perfume we reach for in our darkest hour, no matter where we are. Which one has the most memories and associations encoded in your subconscious? My own would be Jean Patou's Vacances, not only because of its great beauty but because it reminds me of a time in my life when I was happy and had just begun the journey of discovering how much I truly loved perfume. It is the essence of longing, of yearning for spring and for a love just out of reach, but also the joy of celebrating new life, with its dewy green grass and tender clouds of lilac, hyacinth and mimosa. It breaks my heart and lifts me up at the same time. The perfumes that are the greatest works of art are so often those which are also the most evocative, both of one's own store of memories and also creating emotions we didn't even know we had inside us until the moment we first smelled them. Which fragrance can do that for you?

[Source: perfumesmellinthings]

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How to wear a Fragrance……

2011-01-17T15:38:00.000-08:00

Did you know that fragrances can match personalities, the different seasons, occasions and gatherings and mood? So once you have decided on the fragrance you will be wearing below is a quick guide to help you apply the fragrance.

Most common was to apply a fragrance is on the pulse points and common areas. These are the wrists, crook of the elbow, back of the knees and neck. If you spray, dab or spritz your wrist (pulse point) with a fragrance, do not crush the scent or rub the scent on another area, this will break the aroma and lesson its longevity.

You can also spray a small amount of the fragrance or perfume into the air in front of you and walk through it. This way your whole body will be immersed in a light spray of scent.

For the guys you can spray some cologne on the nape of the neck and shoulder for intimate moments. A woman will be pleasantly surprised by a hint of cologne along that area.

We have heard of instances that some ladies, for those romantic intimate moments wear a light spray of perfume around the cleavage. Not common however some people do.

Some people also spray perfume and fragrances (a light layer) onto their clothes. This is good if you know that you will be around smokers for example and don’t want smell of smoke if you are out all night. The only problem is, the fragrance or perfume may stain the clothes so be careful.

Doesn’t matter which way you apply your fragrance or the method you use to wear you perfume everyone has a way that works for them which is sometimes the best after all. Finally always read the product labels and its safe instructions on how to use.

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Perfume Smell Different?

2011-01-10T15:38:00.000-08:00

Why the same perfume smell different than my friends?

Everyone's skin chemistry is different. Skin acidity, diet, and hormones all affect a fragrance.

The biggest factor in how a fragrance will smell on you is your body's PH balance. Ideal PH is alkaline - but stress and poor nutrition will turn your balance to acid, and that will affect fragrance.Diet can affect the way a fragrance smells. With high fat, spicy diets, for example, fragrances are more intense. A change in diet can change skin chemistry, causing a fragrance to smell differently.Skin type also affects the way a fragrance smells. Fragrances on women with oily skin will have a more intense scent than those with dry skin.

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Celebrity perfumes – What perfume does celebrity wear?

2011-01-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

Celebrity perfumes - What perfume does celebrity wear?

We just created a list of "What perfume does celebrity wear?".

Did you ever think of what cologne movie super star and athlete, politician Arnold Schwarzenegger wears? Maybe you searched what perfume does Cameron Diaz like or what perfume is Ashton Kutcher favorite?

Celebrity favorite perfumes made for entertainment purposes only and not intended as an endorsement. Information based on rumors and some media sources.

You can find a big list of celebrities and what perfume they like and wear. Enjoy!

View list of celebrity perfumes here

5 “Power” Best Men’s Discount Cologne

2010-12-27T15:38:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt that scents can affect our mood, our self-confidence and our overall image of ourselves. Many men have a favorite discount fragrance that they like to wear because it makes them feel more confident, sexier and ultimately more powerful. Here are five excellent men’s discount fragrances that will give you an empowered feeling. Wear these men’s discount fragrances to job interviews, important negotiations or for that big client presentation and you’ll be sure to have an extra jolt of confidence.

Tuscany
Tuscany Cologne by Aramis is a men’s discount fragrance featuring geranium, patchouli, oregano and mint accented by cinnamon and warm woods. This men’s discount fragrance has an elegant masculinity about it. The unique scent will certainly gain attention. As a result, it is a top recommendation for a “power” men’s fragrance. This elegant blend is ideal for evening or formal wear but also makes an excellent men’s discount fragrance for those “power” days at the office. Knock them dead wearing Tuscany!

Creed Green Irish Tweed is a classic scent said to be favored around Hollywood. This is said to be the favorite men’s discount fragrance of George Clooney. Featuring a lively mix of lemon verbena, violet, ambergris and sandalwood it is a men’s discount fragrance with a clean, fresh scent. This classic fragrance projects a clean, sophisticated but poised air.

Guerlain Vetiver Extreme
This men’s discount fragrance is a modern take on the 1950s classic Vetiver by Guerlain . Classic woody scents with cedar, pine, patchouli and vetiver make this a classic masculine scent. This men’s discount fragrance is said to be a favorite of Andy Garcia and Frank Sinatra is said to have worn the original Vetiver. This discount fragrance exudes confidence and masculinity with its fresh woody scent.

Polo Black
Polo Black Cologne from Ralph Lauren is a men’s discount fragrance which features a sensual, spicy mix of patchouli, tonka, mango, sage and sandalwood. This men’s discount fragrance portrays an air of elegance and enlightenment. It is urban yet sophisticated. Another fragrance typically reserved for evening or formal wear, it will provide that extra boost to an important business engagement.

Bvlgari Pour Homme Soir
Bvlgari Pour Homme Soir cologne is another men’s discount fragrance that is usually recommended for evening wear. However, it’s masculine and sensual notes of tea, black pepper, bergamot, amber and musk make it an ideal “power” discount fragrance. The unique blend of notes gives an almost leather note to this men’s discount fragrance which suggests a rugged and masculine individuality. It’s an ideal scent for executives in creative industries such as advertising.

Scent can affect how we think and feel about ourselves. By choosing a men’s Cologne that makes us feel empowered and confidant we can bring a boost to our business power. Several men’s discount fragrances that would normally be reserved for formal, evening wear make excellent scents for those daytime occasions that demand our best game.

[Source:bigdiscountfragrances.com]

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HONEY ROSE BEAUTY BALM RECIPE

2010-12-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

This luxurious balm can be used as a hot cloth cleanser, a massage treatment or as an intense, rich moisturising treatment for dry or ageing skin.

INGREDIENTS

10g Jojoba Oil
10g Almond Oil
10g Rosehip Seed Oil
10g Hemp Seed Oil
10g Borage Oil
Note – You could use different oils to the above as long as the total adds up to 50g
20g Beeswax
30g Shea Butter
10g Manuka Honey
6 drops Rose Otto
4 drops Patchouli

METHOD

Melt the Beeswax and Shea Butter in a bain-marie or bowl over a pan of hot water on the hob. Add the remaining ingredients except for the essential oils and stir gently until everything is liquid. Remove from the heat and add the essential oils. Keep stirring the mixture gently as it cools to mix in the Manuka Honey as this may not totally dissolve with heating. As you mix you will notice the mixture getting thicker and the honey will start to blend in. Once it is a thick but pourable consistency, pour into a clean 100ml jar to set. If you want to make less then just halve all ingredients. Please note that measurements are weighed on a scale in grammes as this is more accurate than measuring out in millilitres.

[Source: thefragrantalchemist.com]

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What is the best oil for massaging hair?

2010-12-13T15:38:00.000-08:00

What is the best oil for massaging hair?

Coconut oil has long been used in India and the South Seas for keeping hair soft and shiny. It has the added benefit of a lovely natural scent, that can remind you of Hawaii without the added expense of plane tickets. You can also use sesame or olive oil to massage the head and hair.

Massage for hair is generally a conditioning activity: you're applying oil to the hair and rubbing it in. it does make the hair softer, but even better, it tends to be relaxing to the scalp and neck. Having your head rubbed makes many people feel the way they did when they were babies. Once we're children, our parents forget to rub our heads, but when we're infants, they smooth our hair, pat us, and nestle us against them. Rubbing someone's head can be soothing, calming and loving.

Rubbing someone's head with scented oil can be downright erogenous. Use the oil warmed, and add rosemary or other essential oils to the base vegetable oil.

[Source:askthebeautyexpert.com]

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Anti Aging Perfume

2010-12-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

Forget anti aging creams, therapies, and surgery, as we now have anti aging perfume. A perfume which is designed to take years off your appearance.

Ageless is a perfume created by Harvey Prince and Co with the concept of reversing the effects of ageing. With this is mind the fragrance is developed with notes of youthfulness including pink grapefruit, pomegranate, mango, jasmine and soft musk.

This perfume is said to be ‘the essence of youth’ it plays around with teenager smells of pink flowers and fruits and memories of playfulness and a younger past. However I don’t think these factors actually reduce the physical affects of aging.

I believe that this was a clever idea though up by someone. Claiming that a perfume will reduce the effects of ageing is bound to create publicity. Now days everyone wants to physically look younger, and the media has made everyone feel insecure and doubtful about naturally aging, making us believe that we must try and proceed with drastic and expensive measures to stop the effects of aging.

If you like the smell of this perfume then fair enough as it is a nice floral citrus scent, but buying this one for its anti aging effect could prove wallet damaging.

[Source: bopnews.org]

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The Art Of Making Perfume - How To Mix Essential Oils & Make The Homemade Fragances Last!

2010-11-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

The Art Of Making Perfume

You’ve been hearing all about making perfume and how much fun it is and are all hyped about making it yourself. You’ve read the directions and all you have to do is buy the main supplies, particularly the essential oils, which is what gives your perfume its fragrance.

If you’re planning to make your own perfume, it’s important that you understand the basics. When we think of expensive perfume, we automatically think of France, since France is the perfume capital of the world. Although the French did not discover perfume, they were the ones that turned making perfume into a Science.

It sounds easy enough, right? All you have to do is go to your local health or craft store or start browsing the web and you’ll find all the essential oils you need. However, before you rush out and start buying, here are some helpful tips and suggestions on what to look for in essential oils.

Price: $2.99

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The Artifice of Beauty: A History and Practical Guide to Perfume and Cosmetics

2010-11-01T23:52:00.000-07:00

Why did Egyptians wear so much make up? Were the Vikings really unwashed barbarians? How did the fashionable Elizabethan deal with bathing, lice and excessive facial hair? What happened underneath all that hairpowder and scented pomade in the eighteenth century? How did young women find out about the latest beauty products in the past? This fascinating and unique book traces the way in which we have adorned, perfumed and presented ourselves from the earliest prehistoric evidence right through to the dawn of the multi-million dollar cosmetics industry. We discover what the perfumes found in Tutankhamen's tomb would have smelt like, what made the medieval woman so synonymous with "the lily and the rose," and where the most fashionable place was for a woman to buy perfume in the eighteenth century. In the sixteenth and seventeenth century the devil reputedly carried a looking glass, and the most expensive cosmetics could kill. A century later, Beau Brummel recommended the scent of freshly aired linen as an appropriate perfume for a gentleman, and Napoleon himself doused himself in quantities of cologne. This richly illustrated book also includes a wide selection of modernised recipes for those wishing to experience some of the cosmetics or perfumes used by our ancestors.

Price: $34.95

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Perfume Love Spell

2010-10-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

According to the Mirror News you can use your favourite perfume to cast a love spell upon the one you love. This will help you capture the heart of the one you love, and they will hopefully return your love.

The Mirror News claims that if you take your favourite perfume, spray it upon a mirror or glass window and write your name, your lovers name and what you would like to happen, then rub it off with a cloth and keep the cloth close to your skin, then your love spell will be granted.

I don’t really believe in spells and magic, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be giving it a go. After all I believe perfume is very powerful, and alone it could get you noticed or even attract others. Perfume has been used for years to make the wearer more attractive to others, and some scents can be intoxicating. Therefore a love spell that involves perfume could stand a chance of working. Being in love with someone who doesn’t return your love can be painful. Therefore next time I have unreturned love I will give this spell a try, got to be worth a go. Now I need to find someone who I can make fall in love with me. Hummmm.

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How To Make a Perfume – Getting To Know Your Materials

2010-10-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

The aromatic materials used to make perfume are categorised by the way they last in the air and on skin.

The oils and materials that last the longest are called base notes and generally make up 40-55% of the blend. These are the notes that last longest on the skin as they are the least volatile (take the longest to evaporate). Natural base notes include sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, vetiver, labdanum and oak moss as well as some of the more exotic materials such as cognac, tobacco, tea and spruce.

The materials that will give your perfume its character are the middle or heart notes, they will be around 20-30% of your finished fragrance concentrate. Heart notes determine the nature of the finished perfume and will pretty much always have floral elements such as rose, jasmine & ylang but could also include spices such as cinnamon or clove and herbal notes such as basil and clary sage.
The final 25-35% of your perfume should be made up of top or head notes. These are the materials that give the first impression of your fragrance but will disappear quite quickly on skin. They are the most volatile and include all the citrus oils as well as spices like nutmeg and black pepper.

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How To Make An Oil Based Perfume

2010-10-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Take a clean glass beaker or shot glass and add 10ml jojoba or fractionated coconut oil.

Add your aromatic materials starting with the base notes and working up to the top notes.
As you add each material swirl it in the oil so it blends, smelling as you go. Record your formula as you you go along so that you do not forget anything. Always date and label your creations and store in small glass bottles.

20 drops = 1ml approx

10% fragrance will be 20 drops essential oil or absolute consisting of:

8 drops base notes
6 drops middle notes
6 drops top notes

15% fragrance will be 30 drops essential oil or absolute consisting of:

12 drops base notes
9 drops middle notes
9 drops top notes

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Body Massage with your Homemade Fragrances

2010-10-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

Having one’s body being massage while inhaling the fragrances of essential oils and rhythmically rubbed into the body is extremely relaxing. It was once a matter of much dispute whether these oils could pass directly through the skin. Whoever refuses to believe will soon agree when they try this simple experiment. Cut garlic gloves and rubbed it to the soles of your feet and after few hours the unmistakable smell of garlic will be lingering on your breath.

To pay homage to Science, massage assists in the elimination of toxic wastes which relieves muscular pain by increasing nutrition to painful areas of the body. As body tensions are released, so fear, anxiety, and other negative emotions dissolve into sweet nothingness. A combination of good massage with subtleties of your homemade body massage oils, the fortunate person being massaged may be influenced on many different levels.

Avoid giving or receiving a massage under the harsh artificial, electric light. Intensify the atmosphere by illuminating the bedroom or the massage parlour with candles, or drape the lamps with cloth of a soothing color.

If you’re still going to prepare the oils to be used in giving body massage, make sure that the essential oils are diluted in suitable base oil with proper proportions. (Refer to this page on how to make your own body massage oils) Concentrations of between one and a half percent should be used for facial massage or if using Basil, Chamomile, Fennel, Ginger, Lemon Grass or Melissa. In no circumstances should a concentration be more than three percent be used.

Mother Nature has endowed us with such wealth of oils that there is sure to be an admixture that is just right for you. So by all means follow these tips on things you should know about making your own homemade massage oils here in this blog but dear readers, do so with care.

How to make your Workplace Stress-free with the help of Aromatherapy

2010-08-24T02:12:00.000-07:00

The innovative workplace, be it government agency, business office, department store or manufacturing plant, is a place of stress and friction. The pressure to succeed in the hothouse atmosphere where survival is often a great challenge. Aromatherapy can help us all to take these stress in our stride and to overcome them on a delicately scented cloud.

Those lucky enough to have their own working space can decide the oils that suit them best. Those who work alongside with others should regard the feeling of their colleagues and gain their approval before introducing them to the delights of mood enhancing aromas. It may take numerous attempts to find an aroma that is acceptable to the olfactory organs of all, but it is worth the time this may take.

There are several ways to diffuse perfumes:a mere bowl of potpourri with a few drops of your favorite oil being dispersed may be appropriate; a small bowl of a desirable mixture of oils rested atop on a heating source, will sweeten the air and cast out stress, similarly a brass contraption that rest on the top of an electric light bulb, diffuses the aroma of the oil within when the bulb is hot. If you can afford you may also consider buying decorative earthenware vaporizer, or yet a new dangled "electric fragrancer".

You may be wondering which fragrances to use? Through experience, the most enhancing aromas for the work environment are those either of the green family which are reminiscent of Pine, Cypress and Juniper: or its sister citrus with its tangy lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit scents.

Leave the hustle and bustle of your workplace behind and for a moment or two, just close your eyes and deeply breathe the aromatic scents. A mixture of either Cypress, Petitgrain and Bergamot, or Pine, Eucalyptus and lemon will send the imagination on an invigorating stroll through scented groves: while Rosemary, Lavender and Grapefruit all together to create the crystal-clarity of the air in an Alpine meadow.

Aromatherapy in the workplace can also help maintain a healthy atmosphere , preventing the spread of bacteria. Eucalyptus oil and tea tree extracts are extremely efficient allies to fight against coughs and sneezes that plague us so during the winter months. If their aroma is not favorable or pleasing to all, they can be blended with lemon or lavender.

For those who are seeking mental stimulation, peppermint, rosemary and basil encourage clear thinking. You can also do a mixture of Basil, bergamot, and coriander, an amalgam of juniper and lemon and a mixture of Eucalyptus, grapefruit and bergamot.

Don't worry be happy with Aromatherapy^^ until next time!