Perfume is a mixture of aroma compounds that are used to give objects and living spaces a pleasing scent. The compounds can be either natural or synthetic. There are three major types of perfumes: top notes, middle notes and base notes.
During the early seventeenth century, the French monarchy was a big consumer of perfume. Guests who visited the royal palace were bathed in rose petals and goat’s milk, and dried flowers were placed in decorative bowls.
In the 17th century, Europeans discovered the healing properties of fragrances. The fragrances also helped to mask unpleasant body odors. Doctors believed that the spices would protect patients from disease.
Perfume is usually made in liquid form. It is a mixture of essential oils, alcohol, and other components. Typically, the ingredients are hand-picked for their fragrance.
Aside from the plant-based components, animal substances are often used as well. These substances provide a longer-lasting effect and a slow evaporation. Animal secretions include civet from the civet cat, musk from the musk deer, and ambergris from the sperm whale.
Aside from being made in a liquid form, perfume can also be found in the form of a spray, lotion, and bath gel. This is because it can change the physical properties of the materials that it is mixed with.
The most common method of extracting perfume is distillation. Steam is then used to vaporize essential oil. Other methods include enfleurage and solvent extraction.
Aside from perfumes, fragrances are also used as air fresheners and to make cleaning products smell more pleasant. They can also alter moods.