SHIIBA'S WORDS
The olfactory facets
The world of perfumery continues to expand. Thus, perfumes have multiplied, making the choice offered to consumers particularly vast but at the same time creating an immense range in which it is not always easy to find your way. These families were born in the 1900s. Suffice to say that since all this time, many discoveries have been made. As such, for more details, each of the major olfactory families now consists of subfamilies called olfactory facets
These facets are used to describe in the most precise way the family to which the fragrance belongs. They allow to better define and identify the perfume. In addition, as a perfumer, the assembly of large families and subfamilies allows to create an infinite number of different fragrances.
At the end of this article, go to a perfumery and show off in front of your friends.
We can cite 11 different facets that complete the composition of a perfume.
Aldehydes
Aldehydes are recognizable by their metallic, warm, even oily and slightly acidic odors. Aldehydes give power, shine and volume to floral compositions. Note: Aldehydes are naturally present in lemon zest, but in perfumery they are a synthetic composition. This facet goes particularly well with vanilla or rose.
The Ambers
When we imagine the world of perfumery, we only see rhinestones and sequins. Yet one of the major components of perfumes is amber. But where does this ingredient come from? is part of the excrement rejected by the sperm whale. Initially viscous, it will solidify in the air while developing its seductive smell that we use in perfumes. The amber facet is often described as soft, sweet, the vanilla notes then fit perfectly into this facet.
Fruity
The fruity facet is very appreciated. Be aware that most fruity flavors are reproduced synthetically in the laboratory. Today, the fruits most used in perfumery are: melon, pear, red fruits, peach, apricot or even pineapple. The fruits bring a sparkling side to the perfume and attract curiosity. These compositions are all the more worn when spring and summer arrive.
New freshness
The olfactory facet "new freshness". The audacity and novelty obtained by synthetic raw materials. This note was initially used for household products: laundry and cleaning products. The juice that emerges from this facet is very innovative and exhilarating. An ice bath that goes perfectly with the great family of Hesperides for example or Fougères.
The Gourmands
Does this word already make you feel hungry? You may well eat a small candy to continue reading this article. The components of your favorite delicacies are found today in perfumery, you are not dreaming. These gourmet notes are synonymous with sensuality. The rendering is irresistible for the nose. You can abuse it, I promise it won't show on the scale.
Powders
“It smells like makeup”, “it feels like I’m inhaling my eyeshadow”. I present to you the powdery facet, in fact this family is named after the powder compacts of yesteryear. These notes round out the perfume and bring glamour, tenderness or freshness.
Cookeries
There is no point beating around the bush, the leather olfactory family in perfumery simply recalls the smell of leather. It is mainly composed of notes of tobacco, wood, leather. Birch bark is the substance most used in perfumery to give these leathery notes. Previously, leathery fragrances were a large family of perfumes, but little by little, animal materials were contested and this one therefore became a facet.
The Marines
Marine notes are first discovered by pharmaceutical companies before being used and loved in perfumery. This facet highlights iodized (salty) notes and the gentle sea breeze. These notes bring a burst of pep to the perfume.
The Greens
The authentic smell of freshly cut grass or the delicious smell of dew. This facet literally smells of its color, enough to overwhelm your senses. Cucumber, fig tree, bamboo, tomato leaf the world is green like in the Wizard of Oz, the surprising and intriguing effect and just as remarkable as in the movie.
Spicy
This facet is perfectly assimilated to the great family of Oriental perfumes. These spicy notes, as for a dish, come to raise any fragrant bases for a vibrant, dynamic and characterful result. Among these aromas we note: cumin, cinnamon, red berries, or even coriander.
musk
Just like amber, musk is of animal origin. It comes from the glands of the deer during its breeding season. Yes, perfumery is very surprising. Then over the years, synthetic products have replaced musk to protect the animal species. In the world of cosmetics, it is easier to find products that do not contain musk rather than the opposite. In addition to its softness and modesty, it has the power to fix and harmonize the composition of a perfume.
We have just covered the 11 different olfactory facets that a perfume can include. Obviously, a perfume, whatever it may be, can be composed of several of these facets. There are no rules in perfumery regarding the association of odors. We hope that you enjoyed this article and that it enriched your culture and nourished your curiosity.
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