Perfume is a combination of aroma compounds dissolved in a solvent (ethanol or a mix of water and ethanol) and mixed with other ingredients, such as colorants and preservatives. It can also contain animal substances such as castor oil from beavers, musk from male deer or ambergris from the stomach of sperm whales. These animal substances are added for their ability to make perfume last longer.
Perfumes are often classified by their fragrance family, the most familiar being floral. This can be a single flower (solifloral) or a floral bouquet (floriental).
Other categories include:
Woody: Usually contains tree resins or essential oils of conifers such as cedar, pine and juniper. Occasionally, these are blended with fruity or oriental aromas.
Green: This category includes natural scents from plants such as grass, cut flowers and cucumber. Some perfumers also add nuances from figs, oakmoss, lavender and lily of the valley.
Aquatic: This fragrance family has a clean, aquatic or oceanic smell and is the newest fragrance grouping. This category may be blended with synthetic calone and other similar substances or natural extracts.
Many people wear perfume for emotional reasons, but it also is an important part of a person’s style and can be a way to mark oneself as distinctive. Whether you enjoy the smell of fresh citrus, rich berries, warm vanilla or smooth woods, perfume is a wonderful way to express your personality and create memories. Thanks for WONDERing with us, Briana!