“Perfume follows you; it chases you and lingers behind you. It’s a reference mark. Perfume makes silence talk.”
Above quote by late French fashion designer and writer, Sonia Rykiel (1930 – 2016).
“Perfume is not just about finding a fragrance you like”, according to Allie Quinn, [Latter Resident Cosmetic Consultant, at “Liberty Pharmacy”, No. 34 Liberty Square, Thurles, Co. Tipperary].
“Your choice is also about finding a fragrance that represents you the person and who you are. As French fashion designer Christian Dior once said, “A woman’s perfume tells more about her than her handwriting”.
This Christmas what fragrance should I buy?
“It is important to remember that once you have found a fragrance that you like; its concentration will impact on the products overall cost. So, depending on your budget, you may want to pick either an Eau de toilette, an Eau de parfum or a Perfume Extract “, replied Allie.
So, what’s the difference?
Allie explains “Fragrances come in a range of oil essence concentrations. The more concentrated the oil essence, then it follows the more you can expect to pay. Typically, Eau de Toilette is the least concentrated (Roughly 10% essence) and thus is the least expensive version of any chosen fragrance. The scent lasts a short time before easing off, so, you need a big bottle to re-apply it regularly.”
Allie continued, “Eau de parfum on the other hand is more concentrated (as high as 20% concentration) and therefore at a higher price point. Although more expensive, the higher concentration should ensure you smell nicer and for longer.
“The most concentrated and most expensive version of any fragrance is the Perfume Extract version. It can contain up to as much as 40% oil essence concentration and is most often sold in small quantities, because a tiny drop lasts a very long time”, continued Allie.
“Being powerfully evocative, remains the wonder of all great perfumes. The ability to accurately describe what our nose is signalling to our brain, often doesn’t come easily to either women or indeed today’s men. However, most of the ‘mass market fragrances’ are indeed enchanting; with each and every product having been created by truly imaginative and incredible dedicated perfumers”, concluded Allie.
The proprietor of Liberty Pharmacy, Kate Kennedy, is quick to point out that while modern perfumery began in the late 19th century, ‘Perfumery’, as in the art of manufacturing perfumes, began initially in ancient Western and Southern Asia, and in Egypt, around 3300 BC; same to be further refined in the ninth century, by the Romans and the Arabs. Indeed in 2003, archaeologists found what they believe to be the world’s oldest surviving perfumes in Pyrgos, latter a village in Cyprus. The perfumes found in Pyrgos are understood to date back more than 4,000 years.
The Liberty Pharmacy at No. 34 Liberty Square, Thurles, presently carry a wide selection of all perfumes for men and women of all ages. To help you find that fragrance most suited for you, why not drop into the Liberty Pharmacy and seek advice from their resident cosmetic consultant.
“Wear perfume wherever you want to be kissed”, was the advice of the late French fashion designer, Nazi spy and businesswoman Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel (1883-1971).
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