The Sunday News
Peter Matika
IT wasn’t until about a month ago I found out that I, among many people have been using wrong perfumes or fragrances. I mean the type of fragrance, the way we apply them on our bodies and even store them, among many other factors, it’s all been wrong.
Call it a fortunate coincidence, my curiosity led me to this tiny . . . well not so tiny but expressive shop called the House of Perfume and Beads.
I needed to get new scent, one that expresses and only uniquely identifies with me. Fortunately after visiting the shop again I managed to find, through Tracy’s assistance of course a unique fragrance.
I had grown tired of buying perfume that doesn’t last because of some unscrupulous people that have the audacity to mix the actual perfume with God knows what, for who knows what reason.
Anyway, enough venting and on to the lighter side of the article, as I walked into the House of Perfume and Beads the lady inside, an intelligent, pleasant, stunning to be quite frank humble, Tracey Burrowes greeted me with smiles.
She showed me all the types of perfume or fragrances, which they stocked. Mesmerised by her knowledge on the subject and of course the spicy, floral and many other scents of the perfumes, I was interested.
She told me they stocked at least 140 fragrances for men and women.
I was interested not only because of the knowledge she had but because of the confidence she had in the products.
Established about two years ago House of Perfumes has significantly grown popular and seeks to establish more ranches across the country. What also drew men was affordability of the prices. They stock a wide range of perfumes in bulk, from the largest bottle down to 10ml sized.
In our chat Tracey told me that people had different acidity on their skin, what smells good on someone may not smell as good on the next person. Tracey gave me a brief introduction to the House of Perfume and Beads:
“Our A grade oil based perfume is long lasting and guaranteed quality. A grade based equivalents of originals. We strive to have fragrances that last 8-12 hours,” said Tracey.
A perfume that lasts and is graded A, is what I have/had been looking for. She explained the various categories in choosing the special and ideal fragrance:
“There are various categories in selecting the ideal and special fragrance. These categories make choosing that special fragrance easier.
Citrus:
These are infused with tangy essence of citrus fruits. They are lively and energy filled and are ideal for daytime.
Floral:
These are sweet and romantic. Generally a combination of various floral scents for feminine appeal, they are ideal for lunch dates, ballets, weddings and other type of dates.
Fruity:
These are fresh and spicy.
These are a blend of apples, peaches, berries, mangoes, and many other fruits blended with florals. They are ideal for movie and dinner dates.
Green:
Fresh leaves, grass, these are sporty, modern natural and energetic fragrances. They’re unisex and are most ideal for daytime use and outdoor gatherings and activities.
Oceanic:
These are modern, crisp and fresh. They are a fusion of synthetic compounds to create mountain air and meadow aromas.
They are best ideal use for interviews.
Oriental:
Exotic, feminine and sensual, they are a blend of musk and warm notes such as amber.
They make grand entrances for a night out or hot dates. They are seductive.
Spicy:
Sugar and spice
They are made of cloves, ginger, cinnamon and pepper. They are comforting and alluring in an old fashioned way. Ideal for lunch and school meetings . . .
Woody (chypre):
Bark and moss
They have a strong classic appeal, good for corporate office wear and functions.
Parfum:
Also called extract or extrait — these are the most concentrated or purest form of a fragrance product. Longest lasting 15 percent more essential fragrance. Eau de Parfum is slightly less potent (less expensive) 8-15 percent of essential fragrance.
Eau de Toilette:
5-8 percent of perfume essence. These have a lighter scent for shorter periods. (Cheaper)
Eau de Cologne:
“2-5 percent of essential scent and less potent,” she explained the types of categories.
With this one is armed with knowledge of the type of scent they want for various occasions or just generally to identify with.
Tracey also told me that perfume had a shelf life, something that most perfume companies don’t bother telling customers.
“The shelf life of a perfume is 3-5 years. They ought to be stored in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight or away from the heat. They are best stored in drawers or fridges. Avoid bathrooms, as they tend to have varying temperatures,” explained Tracey.
Another aspect she enlightened me on was the manner in which to apply perfume. People tend to spray it all over themselves and their clothes, well guess what? That’s not how it’s done.
“It lasts longer on skin that is well moisturised. Oils on the skin trap the fragrance. Apply moisturiser oil after bath or shower.
Concentrate on pulse points, where the veins are closest to the skin surface. Apply on the wrists, neck, between breasts and behind the knees. ‘Don’t rub wrists together, as this action breaks down the oils. Stand still and spray through the hair,” said Tracey.
She also highlighted the less perfume you use the better and longer it lasts.
“Less is more! Apply perfume throughout the day if you have dry skin,” said Tracey.
In parting she gave me a quote from the famous Coco Chanel:
“Apply perfume wherever you wish to be kissed.”
Till next week, let’s keep styling.
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