A combination of fragrant essential oils or aroma compounds, fixatives and solvents, perfume gives people, animals, food, objects and living-spaces an agreeable odor. Modern perfumes can contain tens to hundreds of ingredients in liquid form that can be used to enhance the sense of smell. Perfumes are often applied to pulse points, such as behind the ears and the nape of the neck. As the person moves, the perfume is warmed and released into the air, dispersing the fragrance around the wearer.
Perfume is a complex mixture of volatile, semi-volatile and solid ingredients that are composed into accords by skilled perfumers. Typical perfumes are made with three sets of notes, which unfold over time: top notes (which evaporate quickly), middle notes and base notes.
The scents used to create a perfume are derived from a wide variety of sources and include natural aromatic plant extracts, synthetic fragrant chemicals, and synthetic or animal-derived materials such as ambergris. In addition to these components, a perfume usually contains a carrier fluid such as ethanol or jojoba oil, which dilutes the perfume and allows it to be absorbed by the skin.
The scent of a perfume varies from one person to the next, with differences in skin chemistry and individual perfume accords contributing to this effect. As a result, many people find themselves drawn to different perfumes, and a perfumer’s “nose” can become highly discerning over time. In fact, one of the most coveted skills in perfumery is to be able to recognize specific olfactory notes.