One of my favorite things or should I say accessory is a nice bottle of perfume. I love the way perfume adds to my femininity and simply how it makes me feel. So, with all the different versions of fragrances, I thought it would be a great idea to educate those whom perhaps are not as familiar with how the different versions of the fragrances are created.

After I wrote the original post and read it, the post was overwhelmingly long and with that, I’m thinking it would be better to break it down into series and I’ll post everyday to accommodate the lengthy series. In the first series, we’ll discuss the different kinds of perfumes and how they’re formulated, shelf life, how to apply the perfumes which will maximize use of the perfume and we’ll also feature the different designers whom impacted this 10 Billion Dollar Industry.

What are fragrances made from?

Most fagrances are complex combinations of natural materials, such as plant and flower extracts, and these oils and extracts determine how intense the scent is and how the perfume will last when sprayed on the skin. In order to stretch the scent, alcohol is an essential ingredient in the fragrance as it is used as a liquid base for perfume and the ratio of alcohol to scented perfume concentrates determines what the final concoction is labeled.

From highest concentration to least, the different forms of perfume are:
• Perfume, also called extract or extrait perfume, can include 15-40% perfume concentrates. This is the purest form of scented product and is the most expensive as a result.
• Eau de parfum contains about 7-15% perfume concentrates. This is the most popular and common form of perfume. It provides a long-lasting fragrance and generally doesn’t cost as much as extract perfume.
• Eau de toilette has around 1-6% perfume concentrates. This makes for a light scent that doesn’t linger as long as the more intense versions. It was originally intended to be a refreshing body splash to help people wake up in the morning.
• Eau de cologne is sometimes used interchangeably with the term eau de toilette. However, the concoction began as the name of a light, fresh fragrance mixed with citrus oils and was made popular by Napoleon. Some perfumers today have a version of this called eau fraiche.

Famous Early Perfumes:
 
Ernest Beaux, born in December 8, 1881, in Moscow Russia, had the honor of creating what became perhaps the most famous perfume in the world; Chanel No. 5 for Coco Chanel in 1921. According to Osmoz, Chanel No. 5 is a mythical perfume and the undisputed leader of creative fragrances, Chanel N°5 is the number one seller in the world. Mademoiselle Chanel, whose haute couture business was very fashionable in the 20′s asked Ernest Beaux, a Russian perfume creator to develop a “woman’s perfume that smells like a woman.”. He showed her two series of creations numbered 1 through 5 and 20 through 24. She chose the ”fifth sample”. For the first time Ernest Beaux had incorporated synthetic substances, aldehydes, in his formula – Blended with may roses and jasmine from Grasse, they formed a mysterious and indefinable scent. A work of genius! No-one had ever dared to deviate from single flower scented perfumes before. A superstitious woman, Chanel introduced her new collection on the fifth of May, the fifth month of the year, with the fifth sample as selected, and she named it N°5.

I must onfess to you, Chanel No. 5’s superb quality and undeniable sexy scent truly intrigues me. This sexy fragrance is for the true classy lady who’s not afraid to follow her own scent. The lady who wears Chanel No. 5 has a fragrance wardrobes of at least six different perfumes, rather than a single signature perfume, adoring one exquisite perfume for evenings and special occasions. And this, my dear is certainly an evening and special occasions perfume.

Below are some of my absolute favorite Chanel perfumes. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss how to wear your perfume and we’ll also feature another designer who’s engraved their names in the industry. Well, what are your thoughts on this post? How much do you know about perfumes? Let me know your thoughts on the post.

Inspired by you,

Violaine Diogene

The now and forever fragrance. The ultimate in femininity. The most powerful, concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance; the fullest expression of the perfumer’s art. The classic bottle signifies personal luxury and is an attractive addition to any dressing table.

Sexy, fresh oriental fragrance recalls the irrepressible spirit of the young Coco Chanel. An elegant, luxurious scent in a classic signature bottle, perfect for the dressing table or for travelling.

Clean and sheer, warm and sexy. Difficult to define; impossible to resist. An elegant, luxurious spray closest in strength and character to the parfum form. The sleek, portable signature bottle is perfect for the dressing table or for travelling.

A decidedly young scent . . . for those who dare to dream. The most powerful, concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance; a constellation of orbiting scents. Floral notes merge with sensual, sweet and spicy elements for a hint of sexiness and delicious naughtiness.