Absinthe:
Absinthe is a strong herbal liqueur distilled with herbs like anise, licorice, hyssop, veronica, fennel, lemon balm, angelica and wormwood.
Absolute: Also known as an essence, this is the material extracted from a plant or flower using one of various solvents.
Accord: Perfume accords are a balanced blend of three or four notes which lose their individual identity to create a completely new, unified odor impression.
Aerosol: It’s the spraying and/or foaming of liquid or solid materials
by propellant agents from pressurized cans.
Aftershave: Less strong, it is the most popular choice and lasts
for 2 to 3 hours. Aftershaves are kinder to the skin than EDT's. Those with very
sensitive skin should use aftershave balms.
Agar wood: From the Aquilaria tree, and also called Oud or Aloes wood. The tree, when attacked by a common fungus, produces an aromatic resin that has long been used in the Middle East as a source of incense and perfume, now considered endangered in the wild due to over-harvesting.
Alcohol: It’s used in the perfume industry as a solvent for the
production of lotions. An often used alcohol is ethyl alcohol.
Aldehydic: It’s the term for the odor-effect produced by the use
of short-chain aliphatic aldehydes. This effect can be described as fatty, watery
or even "snuffed candle". When concentrated, aldehydes are extremely powerful and
pungent. Aldehydes are used in all perfume types, especially those which feature
elegant feminine notes.
Amber: In perfumery, this usually refers to plant compounds (such as labdanum) or synthetics which have an ambergris-like scent. In general, it’s a heavy, full bodied, powdery, warm fragrance note
Ambrette: Oil obtained from these seeds has a musk-like odor and
is frequently used as a substitute for true musk.
Animalic: Refers to animal-derived ingredients such as civet, ambergris, musk, and castoreum. These are usually replaced by synthetics in modern perfumery. In large amounts, many of these notes are unpleasant, but in smaller amounts they provide depth and a sensual feel to a fragrance.
Anise: An annual herb of the parsley family, grown for its fruits (aniseed), which have a strong, licorice-like flavor.
Anosmia: The inability to smell odors. Many people have selective anosmias, for instance, total anosmia can occur as the result of injury or illness but is relatively rare and partial anosmia is a common phenomenon where people have selective insensitivity or blindness to particular materials smells or groups of smells. As for Benzyl Salicylate and Macro cyclic musks are common examples. Some people on first exposure to a new material may claim not to be able to smell it but after several exposures their ability to smell it improves.
Aqueous: It’s a recent designation for scents that are based more
on a concept of a “watery” smell than an actual scent.
Aroma Chemicals: Chemicals that have a smell and/or taste and are used in perfumes or flavors. Should note be confused with the term Aromatic Chemicals that refers to the Benzene ring structure found in many organic compounds.
Aromachology: The science dedicated to the study of the interrelationship between psychology and aroma.
Aromatic: The term in perfumery refers to the rich aroma and odor
of fragrances, scents and perfumes.
Aromatherapy: Therapy with aroma. It’s the art and science of using essential oils to heal common ailments and complaints. It particularly helps with stress or emotionally triggers problems such as insomnia and headaches.
Ayurvedic: It’s the ancient Hindu art of medicine, herbs to prolong life.
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