Posts from — January 2010

Pheromones are defined as “a naturally occurring chemical compound found in all insects, animals and humans.” There are different types of pheromones including alarm pheromones, sex pheromones, food trail pheromones and a host of others. When secreted from the body pheromones have a hand in attracting the opposite sex as well as in dictating to an extent, sexual behavior. It is sex pheromones that are most often discussed.

The word “pheromone” comes from the Greek word “pheran” which means to transfer and “horman” which means to excite. Pheromones are a very primitive form of communication in the animal world as they perform many functions such as allowing animals to recognize mates, signal sexual interest, mark territory, etc.

Pheromones are natural scents that both human beings and animals release in their saliva, perspiration and tears. The scent from these chemicals sends signals to the opposite sex about health, mood, status and sexual drive. However no one can actually smell these chemicals but instead they are detected on a subliminal level through our VNO system (or vomeronasal organ). The VNO system is made up of a small invisible receptor buried deep in the nose cavity which is able to distinguish pheromones and then send the signal to the part of the brain known as the hypothalamus. The VNO was first discovered in 1703 by F. Ruysch. Pheromones are also detected by something called the Jacobson’s organ which is located between the nose and the mouth. Generally speaking the more sex chemicals an individual secretes, the more sought after by the opposite sex they become.

Research done after 1986, found that pheromones do have a place in human sexual behavior and can be found in the highest quantities in sweat. However by showering and using many toiletry products, the action of these naturally occurring chemicals in the body is dulled. In men the chemical in human pheromones contains Androstenol and in women it is Andtrostenol.

Since we detect pheromones on a subconscious level only, fragrance makers have begun to reproduce human pheromones and incorporate them into fragrances. The fragrances that include human pheromones as an important ingredient work on most people who apply them to their skin but in varying degrees. It all depends on the receiver’s sensitivity to his/her vomeronasal organ. Just like non-pheromone fragrances, one or two drops are best applied at the sides of the neck and/or to the inner wrists. Once applied to skin, human pheromones usually last about four to six hours or thereabouts. One bottle of human pheromones could effectively last, if used regularly, for four to six weeks. Pheromones do not need to be reapplied as often as other fragrances to work properly. Manufacturers of these fragrances charge varying prices for their products.

Fragrance companies are busy both focusing on the whole mystery surrounding human pheromones as well as funding research to determine whether or not it has an affect on mating rituals, sexual attraction and sexual arousal. It is well documented that animals emit pheromones that directly result in sexual behavior while research on human beings is ongoing. To use an example from the animal kingdom, a male pig secretes from his saliva a pheromone known as androstenone. When he does this a female pig picks up on the aroma, becomes sexually aroused and the mating ritual begins to take shape.

Due to the research on human pheromones, many people have come to conclude that the sexiest part of us, males and females alike, is our noses and that we all have a unique “special sexy scent” that is unlike anyone else’s. Just as our pheromones can cause us to be attracted to another person they can also cause us to be turned off by someone else. Our body chemistry is intimately tied in with our sexual yearnings.

One of the most well known pheromone enhanced scents is called “Realm” and is manufactured by the Erox Corporation. Anatomist David L. Berliner created the scent in 1989 when he discovered that the addition of human pheromones to scents helped boost the self-confidence levels of men and also gave them a better sense of well being in relation to their interactions with women. More scents with human pheromones are now available on the market and the research into whether pheromones play a role in getting men and women together, and keeping them attracted to one another, are advancing all of the time.

Assuming you live in a first world country, and haven’t been living under a rock, you’re familiar with at least one Chanel Perfume, either by name or by scent.  Chanel can boast about having one of the most distinguished names in the perfume industry.  With their familiar and distinctive logo, Chanel perfumes are a hallmark of quality and are rightly listed amongst the most highly regarded designer perfumes.

Coco Chanel – the company founder – had a vision.  She wanted women to be able to wear a fragrance that gave them a sense of independence and the feeling that they belonged to an important part of their culture.  Did she succeed?  Look at the number of women who would not be without one of Chanel’s scents and you’ll find the answer.  There is no doubt that her perfumes are an archetype that other perfume makers try to emulate.

Today, Chanel perfumes are a favourite among many celebrities and media personalities, and this only adds to the glamour surrounding the Chanel name.  Take for example, Chanel No. 5, the most famous Chanel perfume.  Advertising, and a desire to be like celebrities, has moved millions of women to buy a bottle, thereby contributing to the success of the brand even more.  With a history of more than a hundred years behind it, and scents that millions of women today want to wear, it’s no mistake that perfume retailers stock their shelves with a good selection of Chanel fragrances.

Let’s talk about some of these fragrances in detail.

Chanel No. 5.

The first, and for good reason, as this is the most popular Chanel Perfume.  This insanely successful perfume is said to sell a bottle once in every thirty seconds!   It’s contains ylang-ylang and neroli, as well as notes of jasmine and rose.

Chanel Gardenia Perfume

The original formulation of this perfume was created in 1925 by Ernest Beaux, and was a stunning illustration of his ability in composing floral fragrances.  In the 1980’s Gardenia was reformulated, working with Bois des Iles and Cuir de Russie, and is distinctly different from its original.  And don’t be fooled by the name, because the chief note of this perfume is not Gardenia.  The scent is actually dominated by sweet tuberose, arranged with orange blossom and jasmine.

Wishing you had your own bottle of a famous Chanel perfume, but afraid of the possible cost?  Yes, Chanel is quite expensive, but as with any other designer perfume, you can find them at discounted prices.  There are several places online that sell perfume at reduced prices, but be aware that prices may vary and some places may run seasonal campaigns.  So do your due diligence and check them all out before making your purchase.

Let’s face it.  All of the trendy, celebrity and designer perfumes are expensive.  If you want to adorn your dressing table with an array of chic perfume bottles, you’re in danger of breaking your bank or choking your credit card account.  Most of these perfumes and colognes are priced in an area of hundreds of dollars an ounce, and then if you add the additional products in the lineup, you are looking at a fortune.  But don’t despair!  You can stay within your budget.  I’m going to tell you how to find cheap designer perfume.

So, where should you look?  First of all, you can check your local department stores, since they often have sales throughout the year.  If they aren’t running any sales currently, move on.  Otherwise you are going to end up paying the suggested retail price, and in my opinion, that’s often overpriced.  So, leave the cosmetics counters in your mall’s department stores behind and head for a perfume outlet.

You may not have to travel far for a perfume outlet, as many malls now have them., but if that’s not the case in your area, check you phone book, or online, and find an outlet that isn’t too far away.  It will be worth the time and effort, and you’ll be satisfied when you realize just how much money you can save.  You’ll find designer perfumes reduced in price – sometimes quite significantly – in the majority of outlets.  Expect to find prices marked down anywhere from thirty to seventy percent off.  You may not find all the ancillary items that are part of the line, but since you’re likely looking for the perfume and not all the accompanying lotions and notions, that should be okay.

A few things to be careful of when outlet shopping.  Make sure you are not purchasing a knockoff.  You want to spend your money on the real deal.  Even though a knockoff might smell just like your favourite designer perfume, it likely has a higher alcohol content, and more importantly, the scent will expire almost immediately.

Another option for finding cheap designer perfume is to check discount stores that sell seconds and/or last years fashions.  In the USA, such stores would be Ross, Marshalls and TJ Maxx.  In Canada, you can try Winners.  You should be able to find a variety of perfumes and colognes at any of these establishments.  And again, another thing to be careful of when shopping at these types of places.  Since the bottle won’t be locked up behind a counter, make sure the perfume bottle you buy isn’t only half full!  You want to go home with a full bottle of your new favourite scent.

The best place to find cheap perfume is on auction sites such as eBay.  Chances are you won’t find a better price elsewhere.  A good time to check would be after the holidays, when people are starting to regift.

In conclusion, you should never have to pay full price for a designer perfume.  If you know where to look, you can always find the best brands at a reasonable price.

There is a science to applying women’s perfumes.  It’s simple yet effective and will increase the staying power of your fragrance of choice.

So, let’s begin.  Your major pulse points are between your breasts, around your ankles, the sides of your neck, the base of your throat and behind your knees. These are the spots to which you should apply your perfume.  However, there is something you should keep in mind.  If you wear a watch around your wrist, or some sort of pendent or chocker that rests in one of these places, the perfume could have a chemical reaction with the leather or metal and dull or damage the material.

Your skin type also comes into play here.  If you have dry skin you’ll need to reapply your perfume more often, but for those of you with oily or combination skin, this isn’t necessary as oily skin retains the scent longer.

Now, before you get to the point of reapplying, you need to know how much to apply in the first place.  The rule of thumb is that less is more.  A light spritz on a pulse point is really all that’s needed.  And this is especially true if you’re attending any kind of crowded event, where every man and woman in the room may be wearing some kind of scent.  Too many fragrances trying to overpower each other in the same room isn’t what anyone is after.

Here’s a little known tip that’s perfect for the social event scenario mentioned above.  Spray the outside of your hand instead of your wrist.  This allows the scent to defuse outwardly instead of inward, creating an airy and subtle release of your fragrance.  Another way of achieving this effect is to spray your perfume into the air and then walk through the scent as the particles fall around you, adhering to you.  This way of applying your perfume is subtle, yet extremely effective.  And you don’t need to worry about damaging the fabric of your clothes when you do this as they will not be affected in any adverse manner.

And there’s another reason why less is more, unfortunately it’s one we would rather not think of.  As we age, our sense of smell is not as sharp as it once used to be, and this dulling effect means we might not be able to gauge whether we are wearing too much, instead of just enough of our favourite perfume.  We might end up assuming that since we can’t smell our cologne on our own skin, that no one else can.  Never assume that!

Call it what you want—eau de toilette, cologne, perfume, parfum, scent or fragrance—there are over 20,000 women’s perfumes.  That’s pretty intimidating!

So, how do you go about choosing a perfume, or your signature fragrance?  Well, your first step is to decide on what kind of mood you’re looking to create.  Remember, scents are inexplicably tied to emotions, so this is a very important step.

In a very general sense, fragrances can be classified into three different groups.  These are classic, delicate and sensual.  Keep reading, as I will explain each group to you!

If you’re already confused by the choices and not sure what kind of fragrance you’re looking for, I recommend going with a classic scent.  These are the tried and true perfumes, the ones that have stood the test of time.  They are the real deal—authentic.  Don’t be fooled into thinking these perfumes are dull or boring because they have been around since your mother’s day.  The classic, little black dress has been around for decades as well, and that will never go out of style!  In fact, it should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe.  The same can be said of a classic scent.  It will go with everything.  Going shopping for groceries in jeans and a t-shirt, a little more dressed up for dinner with the girls, a business meeting, a job interview, or yes, you are pulling out all stops with that little black dress, a classic perfume will work in any of these cases.  One of the all-time classiest perfumes is Chanel No. 5.  It’s timeless.  A blend of ming, rose and jasmine, it’s a sophisticated and elegant choice and is a favourite of women around the globe.

The second group of women’s perfumes is the delicate scent.  These fragrances are soft and feminine, as the name suggests.   Two of the most popular delicate scents on the market today are from Nina Ricci.  The first has been around for decades and the second has been out for just a few years.  They are L’Air du Temps and Premier Jour.  L’Air du Temps is a floral mixture that mainly consists of gardenia and carnation, but also jasmine, rose and sandalwood.  The ultra modern Premier Jour is based on a note of sugared almond.  Another delicate favourite is Dreaming by Tommy Hilfiger.

The third group of women’s perfumes is sensual.  Bold.  Self confident.  Passionate.  The most notable sensual perfume to hit the market is Opium, which appeared in 1977 and has been popular ever since.  Described as sultry and magical, this fragrance is a blend of carnation, jasmine, lily of the valley, mandarin, amber and vanilla.  Chanel Chance was released in 2002, and is another sensual choice.  Described as spirited and edgy, it’s made up of citrus notes, jasmine, pink pepper and white musk.

There’s a lot to think about when choosing a perfume for yourself.  Remember, your choice of perfume should complement the entire you—your looks, your personality and your lifestyle.  It’s generally a good idea to test a fragrance on your skin first, but this isn’t always doable.  Just remember that perfumes mix with your body chemistry, so the same scent will smell different on every woman.  Once it’s on your skin, it becomes something absolutely individual.  You can make a perfume your signature scent in every sense of the word.