Are Fragrances a Friend of the Fridge?
"A simple little tip my mother gave me years ago was
to keep my perfume in the refrigerator. This will help
keep it fresh much longer." --perfume.org reader
Yes, it's important that you keep your fragrances in
cool, dry spaces, but we wanted to know if storing
fragrances in the refrigerator is actually a good idea.
Fragrance Tip: Skin Type Matters
Fragrances smell different on different skin types because of the way the scent interacts with the skin's natural oils. If you have oily skin, go light on your fragrance for less intensity. Dry skin does not hold the fragrance as long; therefore, it is recommended you reapply your fragrance a few times per day.
Simple Steps to Avoid Dreaded Razor Burn
It's the season for baring skin, and darn if that dreaded razor burn doesn't rear its bumpy head! Here are some tips to help you avoid the avoid the ugly mess.
Scents That Make Sense for Father's Day
The last thing your dad needs is another tie. Or a wallet. Or his 600th pair of socks. This Father's Day why not get Dad a gift he (and everyone around him) will enjoy -- a new fragrance (translated: not a cheap cologne).
Here are some suggestions from us at Perfume.org!
Here are some suggestions from us at Perfume.org!
Insect Season: Sacrificing Your Signature Scent
Summer fragrances are touted all season long, and we all have our favorites. Unfortunately, so do summer’s pesky insects. Mosquitoes, bees, gnats and ticks love sweet, floral scents, which – of course – are the same scents most often associated with warmer months.
The thought of dousing yourself with bug repellent is itself repelling, especially if you’re trying to impress a certain someone at the annual summer cookout. Is it worth being mauled by mosquitoes, though? Fortunately, there are some natural alternatives available that will keep the bugs away, but not the boys (or girls).
For centuries the essential oils of plants have been used for everything from healing wounds to enhancing moods. Essential oils can also keep the bugs away.
A simple blend of peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree drops can deter those pests in an instant. Just remember to dilute the oils using carrier oils (such as unscented jojoba). Never apply essential oils directly to the skin.
Peppermint and eucalyptus are strong mosquito repellents, as well as lemon and lemongrass. If chiggars are your culprit, use lavender or peppermint. Gnats are especially repulsed by spearmint and patchouli. And for the worst of them all – ticks? Blend some lavender, sage and thyme.
CB Outside Water Perfume is actually a perfume made to repel insects. It blends lavender, bergamot, geranium, marigold, oregano, cedar wood and patchouli. Its opening notes are earthy, but this fragrance dries down into a subtle peppery aroma.
There are options out there, so you don't have to trade smelling good for swatting pests!
Today's Tip: Testing Fragrances
Oftentimes we aren't exactly sure what type of fragrance we want. Our moods are everchanging. One day our nose might prefer a fresh and fruity scent, the next day warm and sensual. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when trying out perfumes at the store.
Make sure you aren’t wearing any fragrance when you go to test out a new scent.
Use a test blotter if you plan to try several different fragrances. Although testing on skin is the best way, it is not wise if you plan to test many fragrances at once.
Spray the scent onto the blotter and let it dry for a few seconds. Hold the blotter about an inch away from your nose to smell it.
In some specialty stores (like Sephora), they offer cocoa beans to sniff after every few fragrance whiffs. This helps to cleanse your “scent palate,” if you will.
Once you find a scent you like, try it before you buy it. If time permits, leave the perfume on your skin for the day so you get a general idea of what it smells like later, once it’s commingled with your skin chemistry. Then go back and buy it.
Make sure you aren’t wearing any fragrance when you go to test out a new scent.
Use a test blotter if you plan to try several different fragrances. Although testing on skin is the best way, it is not wise if you plan to test many fragrances at once.
Spray the scent onto the blotter and let it dry for a few seconds. Hold the blotter about an inch away from your nose to smell it.
In some specialty stores (like Sephora), they offer cocoa beans to sniff after every few fragrance whiffs. This helps to cleanse your “scent palate,” if you will.
Once you find a scent you like, try it before you buy it. If time permits, leave the perfume on your skin for the day so you get a general idea of what it smells like later, once it’s commingled with your skin chemistry. Then go back and buy it.
Scent-sational Summer Fragrances
Strawberries, homegrown tomatoes, lemonade and fresh rain are just a few summertime scents that trigger the olfactory senses.
Naturally when the weather warms up, we begin to shed our layers. One such layer is our favorite winter fragrance, which tends to be heavier and warmer, like our that old winter blanket. We toss it aside and hunt for a new scent that captures the essence of summer.
Not only does our personal preference change for a certain fragrance, but our body chemistry changes as well. We sweat and shower more, use bug spray and sunscreen. All of these factors can change the way a perfume works for us.
During the summer, we look for lighter, crisper fragrances that scream fruity citrus sexiness or breezy ocean rain air.
Think light, fruity, citrusy and crisp. Think summer.
A sampling of fun, summer fragrances:
D&G Light Blue: Light Blue opens with a green apple top note, giving it its notorious crispness.
Lola by Marc Jacobs: The girl who wears Lola is a flirty, fun, free spirit who lives and breathes summer!
Le Feu d'Issey Light by Issey Miyake: Subtle sophistication, perfect for romantic summer nights.
Boucheron: Flowers and citrus all rolled into one.
Pleasures by Estee Lauder: A summertime flower garden dotted with lilies, violets, roses and peonies!
Halle by Halle Berry: An edgier fragrance that draws invokes summer sexy.
Burberry Summer: Refreshing, crisp with a hint of sweetness.
Givenchy Absolutely Irresistible Soleil d’ete: Irresistibly feminine. He won't say no to a summer night stroll.
Keep Your Summer Skin Radiant
Summer is almost here. You've dusted off the flip-flops and have been working hard to get your body bikini-ready. The summer sun might give you a mental lift, but the changing seasons can wreak havoc on your skin. It's time to switch gears, shove that winter skin regimen to the side and start applying the sunscreen -- and liberally! But don't toss that moisturizer to the side!
It might seem like an oxymoron, but hot and humid weather can actually cause your skin to dry out. Exposure to hot weather can suck the moisture right out of your skin. It's important to apply and reapply moisturizer (with a high amount of SPF) so you don't lose too much water. Over time, extended exposure to the sun can cause your skin to look dry, damaged, even leathery. Continued use of moisturizer can help to prevent this from happening to you.
Let's talk a little about sunscreen. You've heard it over and over. But it can't be stressed enough. Sunscreen can make the difference between a long, healthy life and one cut short by skin cancer. Here's a sobering statistic, according to the Skin Care Foundation: More than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer in two million people are diagnosed annually. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It only takes a few minutes a day to lather on a protective coating of moisturizing sunscreen. If you're concerned about getting a tan, don't worry. Even with a higher SPF, you will tan. You just won't burn. And that is the key.
Treat sunburn immediately. There are a number of home remedies, but the easiest method is to apply lotion or gel with aloe vera. This helps to alleviate the burn by cooling down the skin. You should also stay out of the sun for a few days until the burn subsides. There is no shame in spending time in the shade!
With the changing seasons comes a new crop of fruits and vegetables. Not only are they delicious, but they boast their own specific health benefits. To energize your skin, apply a facial mask using strawberries, peppermint or cucumbers. Kiwi, lemon and grapefruit are fruits rich in vitamin C, which is very good for skin. For a quick, refreshing mask, mix honey, cold milk and lemon juice and apply to your face for 30 minutes.
To achieve that radiant glow, your skin needs to be healthy from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water will keep your skin hydrated. Regular exercise increases circulation and rids the body of toxins. Boosted circulation means more oxygen to the skin. And again, replenish your fluids after a workout!
Top 12 Perfumes and Colognes You Need To Buy Just Because Of The Bottle
Perfumes and colognes aren't just nice to wear; they are also nice to look at. Designed by artists, perfume and cologne bottles are beautiful in and of themselves. If you love scents that look as good as they smell, check out this list of the top 12 perfumes and colognes that are housed in gorgeous works of art.
Colognes:
1. Diesel Green – Form meets function with this funky green fragrance bottle featuring a cool retro-style spray top.
2. Jean Paul Gaultier – An unconventional bottle echoing the male torso is the signature look of this mesmerizing designer fragrance.
3. Salvador Dali – Created by the design house of Salvador Dali, this cologne bottle reflects the unique, surreal style favored by the Spanish painter.
4. Cuba Black by Cuba – A large cigar-shaped bottle is a beautiful vessel for this Jasmine and woodsy scent.
Perfumes:
1. Thiery Mugler Angel – An angelic glass shooting star bottle as unique as its scent. The bottle is refillable so you can continue to use and enjoy its dreamlike design.
2. Marc Jacobs Daisy - As fresh as a daisy. A single sophisticated white daisy accented with a gold center wraps around this sweet, unabashedly feminine perfume bottle.
3. Betsey Johnson by Betsey Johnson – As fun and funky as the designer herself, this bright, colorful and attention-grabbing bottle is inspired by 1950s art deco. A little vintage, a little pop art and all Betsey flair.
4. Azzaro Now by Azzaro – A curvaceous perfume bottle that pushes the edge of sensual design. Modern, sexy and fresh…just like the fragrance itself.
5. Bvlgari Omnia by Bvlgari – This unique perfume bottle depicts two interlocking rings reflecting the enticing combination of wood and floral scents.
6. Gwen Stefani Harajuku Lovers – Gwen Stefani's popular fragrances are bottled in adorable, fashion-forward fragrance dolls that have quickly become hot collectibles.
7. My Insolence by Guerlain – A beautifully feminine perfume bottle with tier-like glass circles. The design hints of a rose and of the pink fragrance's sweet scents of almond blossom, vanilla, tonka bean, raspberry, patchouli and jasmine.
8. Cofinluxe Watt Pink – A bright idea in perfume bottle design. This lightbulb-shaped spray bottle will light up your dresser with pink pizzazz.
Colognes:
1. Diesel Green – Form meets function with this funky green fragrance bottle featuring a cool retro-style spray top.
2. Jean Paul Gaultier – An unconventional bottle echoing the male torso is the signature look of this mesmerizing designer fragrance.
3. Salvador Dali – Created by the design house of Salvador Dali, this cologne bottle reflects the unique, surreal style favored by the Spanish painter.
4. Cuba Black by Cuba – A large cigar-shaped bottle is a beautiful vessel for this Jasmine and woodsy scent.
Perfumes:
1. Thiery Mugler Angel – An angelic glass shooting star bottle as unique as its scent. The bottle is refillable so you can continue to use and enjoy its dreamlike design.
2. Marc Jacobs Daisy - As fresh as a daisy. A single sophisticated white daisy accented with a gold center wraps around this sweet, unabashedly feminine perfume bottle.
3. Betsey Johnson by Betsey Johnson – As fun and funky as the designer herself, this bright, colorful and attention-grabbing bottle is inspired by 1950s art deco. A little vintage, a little pop art and all Betsey flair.
4. Azzaro Now by Azzaro – A curvaceous perfume bottle that pushes the edge of sensual design. Modern, sexy and fresh…just like the fragrance itself.
5. Bvlgari Omnia by Bvlgari – This unique perfume bottle depicts two interlocking rings reflecting the enticing combination of wood and floral scents.
6. Gwen Stefani Harajuku Lovers – Gwen Stefani's popular fragrances are bottled in adorable, fashion-forward fragrance dolls that have quickly become hot collectibles.
7. My Insolence by Guerlain – A beautifully feminine perfume bottle with tier-like glass circles. The design hints of a rose and of the pink fragrance's sweet scents of almond blossom, vanilla, tonka bean, raspberry, patchouli and jasmine.
8. Cofinluxe Watt Pink – A bright idea in perfume bottle design. This lightbulb-shaped spray bottle will light up your dresser with pink pizzazz.