What is that one thing you cannot step out of the house without? It has to be spritzing perfume. Perfumes are a non-negotiable part of getting ready for the day or night. Be it our favourite bottle of cologne, a roll-on deodorant that fits in our sling bags or the cult-favourite body mists everyone is obsessing over – we all have a go-to fragrance that we rely on for holding our entire outfit together. But do you often wonder how to make the perfume last longer? Or which notes work better during winter? Well, we spoke to an expert. Here’s what Philippine Courtière – Senior Perfumer at Symrise had to say. Scroll on for the deets.
We Bet You Didn’t Know These Facts About Perfumes
What is the process of making perfumes?
Philippine Courtière tells us, “It is a long process that you learn over the years (typically, you need about ten years to be a perfumer). First, it starts with evaluating and memorising the raw materials used in perfumery that will compose the fragrance. The palette of ingredients is around 1500-2000 raw materials, (essential oil and synthetic ingredients), and then you learn how to associate them to get to the composition you are looking for. Once you master the formulation process, the perfumer can start working on projects. To build a well-balanced fragrance that lasts, it needs top, middle, and bottom notes.”
Which notes tend to last longer?
She says, “The most long-lasting ingredients are the bottom notes. They are heavy molecules in opposition to the more volatile top notes—for example, vanilla, amber, musk and wood.”
Can you share some tips that can make our perfume last longer?
I mean with the men smelling good even at the end of the day, we do wonder how do their perfumes last that long. But more importantly, how do we make our perfumes last longer too? The answer has come from the senior perfumer of Symrise. She says, “Spray it again after a few hours! On your skin and clothes. Layering on a non-fragrant moisturiser also makes the scent last longer.”
Tell us some of the fragrance trends to look out for in 2023
Remembering all those times people bought a perfume solely because of its viral status on the ‘Gram, we wanted to be on top of that game this time. So what is the scent that’s gonna be big in 2023? Philippine Courtière says, “It depends a bit on the region of the world. Each one has its own taste. In India, for example, I see a strong attraction toward strong oud/oriental notes, but not animalic like in the middle east. Fresh oriental and amber.”
Does the % of essential oils in our perfumes affect how strong they are and how long their fragrance lasts?
We are aware of the fact that perfumes have variable quantities of essential oils in them that are responsible for the fragrance. But did you know it affects the durability of the perfume on your skin and clothes? Well as per Philippine Courtière, it does. She adds, “However, it is not the only factor determining the perfume’s intensity. The amount of natural ingredients is essential to ensure the lasting, the blooming and the signature. But the magic will only be possible with a good balance with captives, or synthetic molecules, like musk and woody ambery notes.”
What top notes should we look out for if we are looking for some warm, spicy fragrances for winter?
We do like our hot pumpkin spice latte and a warm shade of oxblood red on our balayage during the cosy season. Why stop there when we can flaunt some warm spicy fragrances too? Philippine Courtière is here to help us pick the right notes. She says, “For winters, notes such as cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger, frankincense and mandarin work very well. I am especially fond of Madagascar ingredients such as longoza, pink pepper leaves and vanilla when formulating warm fragrances. As a biodiverse island, Madagascar is pure nature: wild, raw, mysterious, and magnificent.”
What is your personal favourite fragrance?
Okay, we had to know what the pro prefers and she has been quite the sport to let us in on her faves. She says, “I usually wear my own creations. I personally like to wear floral fragrances with ambery accents. Roses, orange blossom, patchouli, dry ambery molecules, warm vanilla, saffron and boya are my type of perfumes.”
Which notes are your favourite this season?
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