Celebrity Fragrances: What’s The Purpose?
November 26th, 2007 — Perfume, Scents
We’ve seen many of the top-selling perfumers scrambling to create the next hit celebrity perfume. Already we have had the scents of Britney Spears, J-Lo, Sir Cliff Richard, Danielle Steel, Sarah Jessica Parker, Celine Dion, Isabella Rossellini, Naomi Campbell, and that timeless classic, Forever Krystle, by Dynasty’s own Linda Evans. Marilyn Manson, Kiss, Russell Simmons and Andy Roddick had their perfumes splashed onto the market with lightening speed. November brings yet another celebrity fragrance to perfume counters, one by Mariah Carey.
Some critics of celebrity perfumes say that it is more about marketing the celebrity and increasing name recognition than it is about creating a quality, original fragrance. Others suggest that celebrities actually have very little to do with the actual creation of the fragrance, and it is primarily a means of cashing in on fame via what is often, with rare exceptions, a mediocre product. However, despite critics panning of the concept of a celebrity fragrance, it should be noted that there are a few that have been quite successful.
The question then, may be whether or not those perfumes are successful because of the quality of the scent itself. Perhaps some of the appeal of celebrity perfumes comes from our more primitive selves, that place from which the shaman rose thousands of years ago to take on the attributes of powerful creatures through ritual and magic. It may be an unconscious hope or desire that with a spritz or splash, a bit of that celebrity’s sex appeal, charisma, power etc., can be the wearer’s. Whatever the answer may be concerning the popularity of such fragrances, the fact is that more and more are entering the market to compete for their share of perfume dollars.
While celebrity fragrances do appeal to some perfume buyers and there are likely some that are quite attractive, there are many who prefer to find fragrances that are more expressive of their own essence, something a bit more personal than the mass-marketed celebrity fragrance. In other words, they prefer a fragrance speaks of them, not one that loudly cries another’s name.
Little Girls Are Made of… Florals
November 21st, 2007 — Perfume, Scents
Perfume is a great gift for little girls, provided that care is taken in choosing the right scent. For this age group, delicate florals are an excellent choice, as these sorts of fragrances are a bit more forgiving of the application mistakes common to those first learning the art of wearing perfume. Heavier scents, particularly when a bit too much is dabbed or sprayed, may become a bit overwhelming to those in the immediate area. Furthermore, those heavier, more earthy scents simply are not really appropriate to the age group, calling a woman to mind, rather than the fragrance of childhood innocence.
Many of the florals suitable for little girls offer a sort of floral melody with one note standing out, supported by a variety of other complementary floral notes. Flower Fairies Sweet Pea is one does that beautifully. Other nice choices, such as Crab Tree and Evelyn’s Lilac, have a stronger focus on a single floral note. Fragrances like this are delicate, yet lasting. Reasonably priced fragrances, such as these, are the best choice, if the plan is that the perfume is to be kept and used by the little girl, rather than being a special occasion treat that is typically held in mommy’s collection until used.
While there other fragrance types marketed for children, florals just seem so much lovelier than sharply artificial sticky sweet candy inspired or strawberry-fruity types of scent. Many fragrances are also available with matching bath products and lotions. The layering of fragrance products is an excellent way to make a scent last for a long time. It is, however, important to remember that children’s skin can be very sensitive, and to choose such items with an eye on the ingredients. Some bath additives, like bubble bath, can be very drying to the skin.
Fragrance can be used to set a mood, and as every parent knows, mood and behavior are closely related. A relaxing scent, such as lavender or honeysuckle, can help ease the transition into bedtime and encourage a restful night’s sleep. Green smelling, energetic florals, such as lily of the valley, can be just what is needed to help bring a positive start to the day, particularly for those that tend towards a bit of sluggishness in the morning. Naturally, perfume etiquette should be a part of a little girl’s learning how to apply and use perfume.
Every little girl should have a bit of perfume to call her own, a bottle or two to spritz or dab on when she pleases. There are numerous moderately priced, quality fragrances to choose from. Delicate florals are the right choice for this age group, not too grown-up, and are the perfect way to introduce the joys of wearing perfume.
Amber-Based Perfumes – What Makes the Magic?
November 14th, 2007 — Perfume, Scents
Amber-based perfumes are notable for their rich, exotic scent. Often classified as Orientals, these scents are deep, whether they are a bit spicy or more floral in nature. Guerlain of Paris has had great success with amber-based scents through the years, as have many of the other well-known perfume houses. And, it’s not just the classic perfumers offering such fragrances. Prada today has a perfume out that blends amber, sandalwood and patchouli. Amber as a part of a rich, sensual perfume goes back deep into the history of fragrance, found in the Arabian Tales and traded in Africa as far back as 1000 BC.
The amber that is used in perfume has nothing to do with the fossilized sap that is typically golden in color and sometimes has ancient insects and plant matter trapped inside. When perfumers, at least the finest ones, say amber, they are referring to ambergris. Not only does it have an unmatchable fragrance, but it also helps to increase the staying power of a perfume, as it help to adhere the scent to the skin.
This rare and expensive substance comes from sperm whales. It is expelled by the whales and floats around atop the water for years, gradually changing from a loose foamy substance smelling like the digestive aid that it is to a denser form that gives off the rich fragrance that has bewitched so many through the years. It washes up onto beaches and those lucky enough to collect it make a great contribution to the art of perfumery, in addition to making a pretty penny on the sale of this comparatively rare find to perfumers.
Because of its scarcity, especially in terms of the amounts needed for mass production, synthetic amber is the source of the scent in the most common amber-based perfumes on the market today, although it is possible to fine perfumers that do use real, natural ambergris. There are a variety of types of amber-based perfumes, ranging from the types that run to a woody sort of Oriental to those that fall closer to a sort of floral Oriental, using ylang-ylang, jasmine, and other sultry blossoms.
The richness and warmth of amber make it especially delightful as a part of a perfume. It’s depth and fullness help it to blend with the natural scent of the body, personalizing a perfume, making it a part of the wearer. While perfume that uses real ambergris is going to be a bit pricey, there are many affordable options on the market making use of quality synthetics. In this case, perfume is going to be the better choice, as opposed to more dilute colognes. Perfume will offer a richer and longer lasting fragrance experience, with amber being just right for a deep and earthy, intimate sort of scent.
Perfume Etiquette
November 6th, 2007 — Perfume, Scents
In the early days of perfume use, back when personal hygiene standards were markedly different from what they are today, perfume was worn differently. Being able to smell a person’s perfume from 5 feet away was the better option, as compared to what would be the odor without it during eras of infrequent bathing. Times have changed.
Today, many of us work in enclosed spaces, with large numbers of people. It is becoming more common for people to suffer from respiratory ailments and extreme sensitivity to perfumes and other types of fragrance, such as air fresheners and the like. In some work spaces, the use of perfumes simply is not allowed.
That can feel a bit draconian to those of us who wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without a touch of scent. However, in most situations, we won’t face such restrictions, particularly if we make sure to keep in mind proper perfume etiquette.
We’ve all probably had the experience once, that of passing close to a person wearing perfume so heavily that we could actually taste it. It is not pleasant, especially if it is a scent that we do not find appealing. Perfume should be personal, and its scent should not be detectable beyond that certain amount of body space that most of us feel is an appropriate separation between us and the next person, roughly just under three feet.
It is important to remember, when putting on perfume – especially if using a sort of signature fragrance, one used every day – that you can become so accustomed to a particular perfume that you really don’t smell it to the same degree that someone else does. That can make it very easy to put on too much. If heading out to work, a touch or spritz of perfume to the pulse points is sufficient. The wrists, just behind the ears, at the dip between the collar bones, just over the heart and behind the knees are all good spots, especially when applied over a matching body lotion. Spraying from head to toe may be a bit much.
Using perfume rather than cologne may be a better choice for situations in which you will be around a lot of people in rather close quarters. The higher alcohol content of the cologne can be irritating to others with more sensitive respiratory systems. Furthermore, a perfume will mix better with your own body oils and create a scent that will hover closer to your body and require less frequent application.
Perfume is a beautiful thing, and it is natural for us to want to share it. However, it is necessary to remember that, like many beautiful things, the beauty of perfume is often a bit subjective. What suits one may not suit another, and may actually be quite displeasing. For those with health issues, it can go far beyond displeasing and result in the need for medical treatment. Perfume etiquette is an essential part of wearing fragrance.
Beautiful Holiday Nails
November 6th, 2007 — Hands
Now is the time to think about and prepare nails to look beautiful serving a holiday meal or unwrapping a gift. Avoid the high cost of fake nails and the time it takes to have them done professionally. Preparing your nails now will keep you from being tempted to use glue on nails and have them fall off into food!
The first thing to do is to trim nails to a uniform length. Trimming nails will remove damage and jagged edges. Even short nails at a uniform length are more attractive than uneven longer nails.
Smooth nail edges by gently filing them. Always move file in the same direction, avoiding the back and forth sawing motion than will weaken nail tips. Rounded nails than are slightly flat at the top are the strongest and resist breakage. Closer to a holiday event they can be filed to a more rounded and tapered shape.
Apply any cuticle and nail conditioner regularly. Lotion made for hands should be used once or twice a day so that dry damaged skin won’t distract from beautiful nails.
Strengthening nail polish will help nails resist breakage. Clear nail polish won’t stain nails and should always be the first coat. For shorter nails that might not look attractive polished, clear nail polish provides protection without drawing too much attention to nails.
This is a good time to test durability and color of nail polishes so that you don’t find out at the last minute that your choice of nail polish won’t hold up or looks very different on your nails than in the bottle.
Some supplements and a diet with adequate calcium will help nails to grow in strong and smooth.
Daily and weekly care of nails beginning now will help you to have beautiful nails to polish and show off by the holiday.
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