A perfume is an olfactory composition of fragrant essential oils or aroma compounds, fixatives and solvents in liquid form, used to give the skin and other objects a pleasant fragrance. It also serves as a signal to others about one’s status or mood. A well-designed perfume can leave a trail of smell that is detectable from several feet away, making it the ideal accessory for important occasions.
Some perfumes have become cultural icons and touchstones for a certain generation: Yves Saint Laurent’s Opium conveyed the concept of escape to a mysterious world of illicit pleasures, while CK One stood for freedom, friendship and (gender) fluidity. The beauty of a perfume, however, is ultimately subjective and can only be appreciated by the individual wearing it.
Perfumes consist of a mix of different scent notes that evolve over time, and they typically have three parts: Top, Middle and Base. The first impression is given by the top notes which contain small molecules with high volatility that evaporate quickly. Middle notes, which emerge two to three minutes after applying the perfume, are usually softer and more floral and linger for longer. Finally, the base is composed of a mixture of musks and woods which are more durable.
The olfactory senses are closely linked to the limbic system in the brain, and this explains why some fragrances can trigger specific emotions. For example, a perfume’s smell can affect the way you perceive other people and even how much money you value. This is why perfumers try to design perfumes that leave a lasting impression on their wearers. They focus on the sillage (the trail of a perfume’s smell) and longevity of a perfume, whereas low-quality products will fade after a short while and need to be reapplied.