Manners matter

CEBU, Philippines - The word perfume is derived from the Latin "per fumum," meaning "through smoke." Perfumery, the art of making perfumes, began in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, and was further refined by the Romans and Persians.

One may ask: What is the difference between a cologne and perfume? Perfumes and colognes differ in a few ways, but the most obvious is that colognes are weaker in scent. Perfumes are created using three layers of fragrance, while colognes are comprised of only a single scent and does not pack as powerful a punch or linger as long as perfume.

Perfumes are one of the most understated accessories in a woman's vanity case. Not because women don't buy enough perfumes but because we tend to buy them depending on what friends recommend or what the celebrities endorse.

Perfumes may be a pleasure to those who wear it, but it's over application can be bothersome to others. Though fragrance is often worn to attract, it stands an equal chance of repelling, because scent is subjective.

A good general rule is that very young women with fair complexion or light hair are better to go for floral fragrances than heavy exotic ones. It would be an error to choose a perfume that one likes and wear it from morning until night as it has no mood-changing effect either on yourself or on those around you.

A lady who chooses one perfume and literally bathes in it, wearing it for all occasions, is being predictable as well as old-fashioned. The same perfume at all times cannot reflect our various moods or complement our clothes.

Here are some simple guidelines when using perfume:

.               Before you apply perfume, ensure that you wash your skin and apply a lotion with a fragrance that compliments the scent of the perfume.

.               Spray the perfume at the pulse points which include your wrists, behind your ears, at your cleavage, at the base of the throat, inside your elbows, and behind your knees.

.               While spraying the perfume, maintain a distance of five to six inches from your body, depending on how strong the scent is.

.               Never rub the perfume into your skin as this alters the delicacy and balance of the fragrance. Instead use a light touch while applying, so that the perfume is never overwhelming.

.               A nice smelling person is always appreciated. To make the impression even better you can use specific brands that have established a name for themselves.

.               The way you smell shows a lot about your style statement and even the lifestyle you lead.

.               If you are on a date you can go for a strong floral or citrus scented perfume. Whereas, if you are in a business meeting you need to keep it subtle and more earthy scents.

.               Never wear scents like strawberry, chocolate or fruity smells to work. They are for day out at the beach.

.               Spray some perfume on the nape of the neck and shoulder for intimate moments. A woman's partner will be pleasantly surprised by a hint of perfume along the collar bone or on the lower back.

.               Select a perfume to augment the outside world. For example, chose a flowery fragrance for those days when the sun is hidden by clouds and the weather is gloomy. Pick an exotic woody fragrance for rainy days.

.               A perfume with a suggestion of spice is a good choice for a quiet time at home.

Perfumes are invisible messengers that give talk about you. So while you may be getting noticed, remember someone may even be romancing the soft puffs of scents rising from you.