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Perfume (Latin “per fume” meaning “through smoke”) was highly favored by the Egyptians, Romans, and Arabs. In East Asia, perfumes were incense based. People used to make perfumes from spices and herbs like bergamot, myrtle, coriander, conifer resin, and almond. The use of flowers came only after Avicenna, an Iranian doctor and chemist showed the process of distillation, whereby oils could be extracted from flowers. In 1370, at the behest of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, the world’s first modern perfume – “Hungary Water” was made by blending scented oils in alcohol solution.

The composition of a perfume is of vital significance and is handled by an expert known as a perfumer, who deals with primary scents like rose, jasmine, cola, etc; modifiers like esters; blenders like linalool and hydroxycitronellol; and fixatives like resins, wood scents, and amber bases. The resulting scent is explained in a musical metaphor of three ‘notes’, namely, top notes (consisting of fast evaporating small size molecules) like citrus and ginger scents; middle notes (consisting of slow evaporating medium size molecules) like lavender and rose scents; and base notes (consisting of slowest evaporating largest size molecules) like fixatives etc. All these notes work together like a musical chord.

Perfume oils contain volatile compounds in high concentrations and thus have to be diluted by solvents, so that injury is not caused when applied directly on skin or clothes. The common solvent is pure ethanol or ethanol mixed with water. Fractionated coconut oil or wax, neutral smelling fats such as jojoba, can also act as solvents and dilute the perfume oil. The perfume oil is further mixed with other aromatic compounds. Generally, the percentage of aromatic compounds in perfume extract is 20% to 40%; in eau de parfum is 10% to 30%; in eau de toilette is 5% to 20%; and in eau de cologne is 2% to 5%.

The oil concentration in a perfume along with other aromatic compounds, determines the intensity, longevity, and price of the perfume and thus it is a closely guarded secret of every perfumer and perfume house. By adjusting the percentage level and the notes of the perfume, variations on the same brand may be created like Chanel’s Pour Monsieur and Pour Monsieur Concentree.

Classification of perfumes is never complete, due to its ever-evolving nature. The traditional classification comprises of categories like Single Floral, Floral Bouquet, Ambery, Woody, Leather, Chypre, and Fougere; while the modern classification comprises of Bright Floral, Green, Oceanic/Ozone, Citrus/Fruity, and Gourmand. In 1983, Michael Edwards, a perfume consultant, created a new fragrance classification “The Fragrance Wheel”, which classified and sub-grouped five standard families, namely Floral (Floral, Soft Floral, Floral Oriental), Oriental (Soft Oriental, Oriental, Woody Oriental), Woody (Wood, Mossy Woods, Dry Woods), Fougere (has fragrance elements from all the families), and Fresh (Citrus, Green, Water).

Perfumery has used a number of aromatic sources like plants, animals, and synthetic sources in the making of perfumes. Plants are used as a source of aroma compounds and essential oils. The parts of plants that are used are:

1 – Bark (cinnamon, cascarilla);
2 – Flowers (rose, jasmine, osmanthus, tuberose, mimosa, vanilla);
3 – Blossoms (citrus, ylang-ylang, clove);
4 – Fruits (apples, strawberries, cherries, litsea cubeba, juniper berry, vanilla, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit);
5 – Leaves and Twigs (lavender, patchouli, citrus, violets, sage, rosemary, hay, tomato);
6 – Resins (labdanum, myrrh, gum benzoin, Peru balsam, frankincense/olibanum, pine, fir, amber, copal);
7 – Roots, Bulbs, and Rhizomes (vetiver roots, ginger and iris rhizomes);
8 – Seeds (coriander, cocoa, mace, cardamom, anise, nutmeg, caraway, tonka bean);
9 – Woods (agarwood, birch, rosewood, sandalwood, pine, birch, juniper, cedar).

Animal sources include Ambergris, Castoreum, Musk, Rom terpenes, Honeycomb, and Civet. Other natural sources include Lichens and Protists. Synthetic sources include synthetic odorants synthesized from petroleum distillates, pine resins, etc. Modern perfumes are mostly made from synthetic sources as they allow fragrances not found in nature, like Calone is a synthetic compound that imparts a marine metallic ozonous fragrance. Synthetic aromatics are more consistent than natural aromatics, and are hence, widely used nowadays in modern available perfumes.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/perfume-fragrancia.php

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br

Mankind has been using perfume for quite a long time. Some people say it was first discovered in ancient Egypt and used by different civilizations such as ancient Chinese, Hindus, Israelites, Carthaginians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans and finally reintroduced hundreds of years later in France. Ever since, French perfume has become famous worldwide and today sets the standard for excellence.

The word perfume comes from Latin, meaning ‘through smoke’. Perfume came into being in the early days, through the burning of incense and aromatic herbs. Ever since, it has influenced mankind up to a point to become a product of desire.

For those purchasing perfumes, it is wise to become familiarized with basic fragrance groups which will help to find the perfect perfume one might be looking for.

The citrus fragrance category derives from different fruits such as lime, lemon, tangerine, mandarin and others, creating a sort of refreshing aroma. Mostly used during the summer. Appropriate for office wear, day or evening wear.

The floral fragrance category derives from large varieties of flowers such as vanilla, jasmine, roses and others. It is the most popular and used fragrance group. The scent of romance and starry nights.

The oriental fragrance category derives from mixtures of spices, resins, amber, balsams and other exotic essences, creating a warm and exotic feeling. Widely used during the winter season in the evening.

The chypre fragrance category derives from different wood-moss mixes, providing earthly aromas such as oak moss and other types of wood. Chypre fragrances smell slightly dry, not very sweet. Chypre perfumes are rich and tenacious, usually for those who tend to prefer slightly out of the norm fragrances.

The green fragrance category derives from scents of pine, leaves, herbs, juniper and others, providing a sharp outdoor scent. Good day wear and occasional evening wear in warmer weather.

The Fougere category of perfume scents derives from bergamot, oakmoss and geranium, and is mostly used my men. It has a classy style. Great fragrance choice for distinguished gentlemen.

These diversified fragrances will evoke different feelings and people just seem to enjoy that very much. Now that the basic fragrance groups have been explained, it’s up to one to make the best of his next perfume purchase and make use of the perfume fragrance that best suits his lifestyle.

However, while purchasing perfumes one should bewared that famous brand name perfumes are fairly expensive. If one is looking for genuine perfumes, he must be willing to spend fairly amount of money. However evoking memories of romantic moments thru fragrances may just be priceless and the expensive perfume price may just become fair.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Articles section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/perfume-fragrancia.php

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br

From an interview with various women, I have leared the following about dealing with chin hair: “Use the tweezer method. First get the magnifying mirror and then try and find a discreet place that allows direct sunlight – you will find that you have more hairs to pluck than at first thought – regular light won’t show them all. So then you get in the car and look in the car mirror and see the strays in all of their glory. Also need to watch out for the white hairs – they are very strong and really show up under eye shadow. It works great, never irritates, and is fast and easy. I think sometimes women feel funny shaving their face hair but we shouldn’t.”

“I tweeze, but every so often I get fed up and go for electrolysis. The only place it’s uncomfortable is on the upper lip. I try to time visits with going to the dentist. He freezes my upper lip and then I head straight to my electrolysist and ask for a half hour. That takes care of all of them for quite awhile. A dermatologist is the person to ask for a recommendation.”

“It solves the problem permanently, but not forever, but for a long time. I had electrolysis done on my upper lip when I was 20 (no other little hairs were visible then), again when I was around 38, then again, along with some nasty chin hairs, when I was 48 or so. Now, over a decade later, I have almost no upper lip hair, but those darn little chin hairs are growing in faster than I’d like, so will probably go back for more. If I feel discomfort – okay, some pain – my electrolysist turns down the zapper, but then the hair may grow back, albeit thinner and lighter. So it lengthens the treatment somewhat. I think electrolysis is a great solution, not all that expensive and gives you years of freedom! Just check with your dermatologist. Also make sure that the electrolysist designates a new needle just for you (in a holder with your name on it). All the good ones do, in fact, it may be required by law now.”

“I was glad to read in lifestyle magazines that you also enjoy the thrill of the wire like white hair. Actually I had a book written by ex-model Dayle Haddon who was in her 50s at time it was written. She devoted a good section to just this subject -gave all of her girlfriends magnifying mirrors for Christmas. She really stressed the white hairs – actually I find that sometimes I can see them in not as bright a light as the darker hairs – but sure can feel them. I also have naturally wavy hair so many become ingrown with very strong roots.”

“I’m looking into laser hair removal since it’s become so much cheaper now. It is suppose to work well on fair skin with dark hair, which is what I have. I spoke with the plastic surgeon, and I can continue to shave during the process also. It should take care of about 85% of the hair I have. That would be a miracle.”

Victor Epand is an expert consultant at http://www.4Magazines.info/ . 4Magazines.info offers the greatest magazine subscriptions from a variety of top publishers. Browse through our selection of Lifestyle Magazines here: http://www.4magazines.info/category/lifestyle.html

‘Socially Responsible’ has become a buzzword like no other; between oil, conflict diamonds, and depleting natural resources, many designers feel that the earth can only give up so much, and many are working really hard to squash the myth that organic equals crunchy. What started with Al Gore’s movie and the RED campaign at the GAP has become an all out phenomenon with celebrities leading the way. Instead of opting for typical diamonds, many are choosing to purchase conflict-free diamonds as a way to show that they are socially responsible. Turn on the television to any talk show, and one celebrity or another is discussing what they do to stay green. So, as a style conscience consumer, how do you stay fashionable while being socially responsible? Fortunately, designers have done all the hard work, so all we need to do is shop!

Choosing fashions and accessories made from recycled materials is a great way to do it. The amount of jewelry out on the market that is made from vintage baubles and recycled and antique pieces is amazing, and beautiful. Look at any new line for the summer or fall, and you’ll see the market is flooded with it. These large and punchy pieces look great with shift dresses and the large handbags that are hot right now as well. Speaking of handbags, choose a faux leather bag from one of the many up-and-coming vegan stores as opposed to the standby leather handbag.

This season, and likely in the future, you will see many designers donating a percentage of their profits to climate projects or other environmental organizations. In addition, you will begin to see more and more products, including denim, being made from organic cotton, bamboo, corn polymers, milk and seaweed; it seems impossible, but it’s happening. Many manufacturers are also striving to integrate production processes that eliminate PVC.

In Asia, designers have begun making woven handbags from recycled newspapers to help cut down on their waste issues. Here in the states, we see many top knit and crochet designers doing similar things, except with the plastic bags we all get at the market. If you’re not ready to go quite that far, carry reusable tote bags in your car and use them at both the market and the mall; shop around to find the cutest in wicker handbags and you’ll leave the store feeling like a million bucks. Many stores are also offering discounts, both on food and clothing items, if you bring your own bags. And let’s face it, if there is a discount to be had, you ladies are sure to seek it out and use it!

Body care is also going organic and socially responsible. Face powders, bronzers and lip glosses are going to flower-based and paraben-free ingredients. Sunscreens, deodorants, lotions and oils line the shelves of all major department stores touting all-natural and organic ingredients. Reports on these products indicate that they work just as well, if not better, than the traditional products that we’ve used for so long. Not to mention, you get to flash that gorgeous smile knowing that you haven’t coated your beautiful skin with chemicals.

As a whole, the fashion industry is moving in a more sustainable direction when it comes to producing their wares; as a result, many shoppers are realizing that being socially responsible doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your personal style. You can feel good knowing that you are doing your part to help save the environment while still painting the town red in a totally fashionable way!

Elli Rose is a fashion industry insider who writes about the latest trends in clothing, makeup and accessories.
Love to be noticed? Find gorgeous fashions and helpful advice at http://www.amorefashion.com.

Cosmetic Surgeons are popular and have been for some time for cosmetic surgery. Anyone who can make your skin look younger and more gorgeous, or handsome, may not be all that bad, if you can afford their costs of course. Most cosmetic surgeries are elective, so that means the decision to have a procedure done is very personal to you and you alone.

Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to have this kind of surgery, so, before you start searching for a plastic surgeon, search within yourself and decide if those reasons really make sense. If you truly feel that cosmetic surgery will make a difference in your self-esteem and ultimately your life, then you are probably ready to start shopping around for a cosmetic surgeon.

All cosmetic surgeons are not created equal, so you have to gather several opinions to make an informed choice that will best suit your needs. For instance, some physicians focus only on procedures for the face, while others may target breast surgery or liposuction. Take the time and do a little research to narrow down the particular doctors who perform the procedures that you want accomplished on you. Once you have several names on your list, the next step is to ask some questions. You want to make sure that they will listen to what you want and need, while making the best medical decisions based on their personal assessment of your condition.

Here are seven questions to ask your potential cosmetic surgeon:

1. What procedure do you suggest for my goal of a facelift, brow lift, laser skin resurfacing, forehead lift (or whatever your goal is)? By leaving this a rather open-ended question, the cosmetic surgeon has the chance to show you how much he knows. Each may have slightly different answers as to how to help you achieve your goal. You job is to determine which sounds the best for your lifestyle.

2. How many years and how often have you been performing this procedure? Obviously, this question is asking the skin specialist how much experience he really has. You want someone who has been around the block a few times. Tied in with this question could be inquiries as to the surgeons schooling and whether they keep up with the latest technologies and continuing education. Hospital privileges and Board Certification are also important to know.

3. What results can I expect from this cosmetic surgery? This is a realistic expectation to have. You want to know the possibilities. Ask your plastic surgeon about computer imagery to compare a before picture and a realistic expectation of what your results might be.

4. Can you tell me the possible risks and problems I might encounter? Being warned ahead of time is important in case the operation is not quite what you expect. Sometimes, it is your personal medical history that could make achieving your dream results difficult. Other times, it could be a reaction to anesthesia or an infection at an incision site. Preparedness is helpful for peace of mind.

5. How long will it take to recover from the cosmetic surgery? No two cosmetic surgeons are the same, nor may they use the same surgical procedures to accomplish your goal. Each situation is different and recovery times will also depend on your own general health. The healthier you are to begin with, the quicker you bounce back to real life.

6. What is the cost of getting this skin care treatment? Again, each procedure is different with doctors charging different rates. Also, in some cases, insurance may pick up the tab. Sometimes, payment plans are an option. Ask in advance what their fees and other costs cover. Will it take care of post-operative care and follow-up visits?

7. If I smoke, does it matter? Be sure to tell them if you smoke or not. If you are a smoker, this could potentially have an impact on your recovery time and even the choice of anesthesia and other medications, especially those for post-operative pain.

All of these questions and much more are a part of the process in choosing the best cosmetic surgeon for your needs. If you manage to find a good cosmetic surgeon, the whole operative and recovery process will be a whole lot better for you. And soon you will have a new look and life.

Ken Black is the owner of http://www.skin-care-reviews.com, a website about skin care, including cosmetic surgery.