» Concise Dictionary of Cosmetic Terms »

Brief explanatory dictionary of cosmetic terms

We try to decipher these concepts for you, offering you a brief interpretation of the main cosmetic terms used in colloquial speech:

For search click ctrl+f

Antiperspirant (from English - antiperspiration)
Antiperspirant (other Greek αnτι " against» + English breath - « perspiration») — cosmetic product, designed to eliminate the cause, the consequences of which may be unpleasant odors, namely, perspiration. It is used on certain areas of the body where sweat causes the greatest inconvenience, for example, on the legs, in the armpit area, on the hands. Usually contain organic salts of aluminum or zinc. They close the excretory ducts of the sweat glands, thereby reducing the process of sweating. Apply them after a shower. It is advisable not to use them in a sauna, in a bathhouse or during heavy physical exertion - wherever a person sweats too much, because when sweat does not come out, local swelling in the armpits may occur.

Antisern (from French - anticerne)
Concealer that brightens under-eye circles light makeup. You can find this term in cosmetics from French companies such as Bourjois and Dior. Such correctors are designed for light make-up and will not be effective for masking serious skin imperfections. But they include light-reflecting particles that scatter light, thanks to them, darkening occurs under the eyes and fine wrinkles become visually invisible. Antisulphurs come in the form of liquid correctors with brushes, as well as in the form of dense ones.

Base [under makeup] (from English - tinted / color makeup base)
Colored makeup bases should normally be applied over foundation moisturizer. Unlike primers, their main purpose is not to give durability to applied makeup, but to make the skin tone even. Nude bases will give your skin a healthy and radiant look, while white bases will even out, but leave the original complexion. There are other shades of makeup bases, but they act as neutral congestion: greens will remove redness, lilacs will mask yellowness, blues, Orange color tan. You can use colored bases to create the desired complexion for special occasions, and in everyday life, concealer and a regular tonal foundation will be enough for makeup. These colored bases are usually available as fluids.

Bronzer (from English - bronzer)
Cosmetic products to give your skin a tan effect. There are also other names, such as bronzants or bronzing cosmetics. Produced by almost all cosmetic brands. Matte bronzers can be used all over the face. Shiny bronzing products are more appropriate to use for evening make-up, they are best applied to certain surfaces of the face, such as cheeks, chin or back of the nose, and they will also add elegance when applied to the shoulders and décolleté. Available in powder, liquid, cream or stick form.

Visual (from English - visual)
Visual - a visual (visual) image (picture, photograph, sample), which allows you to see the appearance or contents of cosmetics.

Glitter (from English - glitter)
Glitter is a dry, crumbly gloss. They produce professional brands and specialized brands of cosmetics for the stages. They are used to create special effects in makeup and hairstyles: they can be used to give a unique shine to your eyes, lips, body and hair. Glitter will not stick on a dry surface, it is better to apply it on a liquid or oily base. They can be mixed with moisturizing milk or body lotion.

Kayal (from English - kajal)
Kayal or kayal is a contour cosmetic pencil, which includes natural [Dutch] soot and antiseptic substances. Designed to line the inner edge of the eyelid along the lash line. It differs from ordinary eyeliners in that it does not irritate the mucous membrane of the eye.

Concealer (from English - concealer)
Concealer - concealer, corrector for problem areas of the surfaces of the face or body ( dark spots, pimples, redness, circles under the eyes, etc.). It will perfectly hide bruises, pimples and burst blood vessels, as well as mask scars and burns, freckles, ugly age spots, fine wrinkles. Thanks to its composition, antioxidants, antiseptics, vitamins and brightening agents, the concealer can not only hide, but also heal. It is necessary to apply the product in the form of dots on slightly moistened skin, after which these dots are shaded. Concealers are applied both under the foundation and on it. This makeup ends with a simple powdering. Usually concealers are produced by firms in the form of a convenient pencil. It is actively used for any type of makeup and is produced by all brands of cosmetic products. Concealers are produced in a wide variety of types and tones, so their texture, color and tone should be chosen based on your skin type and problem areas.

Corrector (from English - corrector)
A corrector is a tool for correcting (hiding) the shape and individual parts of the face. They are used both in professional make-up (for photography, scenes) and in lifting make-up, separate correction elements are suitable for evening make-up. Professional brands produce palettes of correctors; in ordinary makeup, various cosmetic products can play their role. There are two types of correctors: brightening (applied to the center of the forehead, chin, cheekbones, back of the nose, etc.); shading (applied along the lower contour of the face, in the hollow of the cheekbones, on the wings of the nose, etc.) An example of using a corrector in evening make-up: apply a brightening corrector (light powder or luminizer - see below) high on the cheekbones closer to the eyes, and a darkening corrector (dark powder or beige-brown blush) in the hollow of the cheekbones. Thanks to the play of light and shadow, clear cheekbones will appear on your face, like Marlene Dietrich.

Cushion (from French cushion - pillow)
A cushion is a porous sponge impregnated with a liquid cosmetic foundation that often combines properties foundation, concealer, primer, blush, powder and BB cream, packed in a powder box.

Liner (from English - liner)
A liner is a cosmetic product intended for eye or lip liners. They produce liquid liners for eye contour (eyeliner), such liners are made in the form of a bottle with a brush, in the form of felt-tip pens or ordinary pencils.

Luminizer (from English - luminizer)
Luminizers, products that create a brightening effect and give the skin radiance. They are also known as illuminators. The lightening effect is achieved by adding the smallest particles with a reflective effect. Lumenizers are cosmetic products that contain golden particles that reflect light. They are needed in order for the skin to have the effect of sunshine. Many cosmetic brands produce luminizers. It is allowed to apply luminizers on both clean skin, and on a voice-frequency cream. Usually this tool has a powder structure. In rare cases, luminizers are found in cosmetic serums. The radiant effect of these products is very soft, so they can be used even for light day makeup to place light accents. Available in almost any kind, from powders and sticks, to concealers, as well as in the form of skin care products with the addition of a radiance effect.

Minerals (from English - mineral makeup)
Mineral cosmetics, consisting of substances of mineral origin, not containing chemical dyes, alcohol, preservatives and other specific cosmetic ingredients. Many brands produce a wide variety of mineral cosmetics, including decorative ones (concealers, tonal foundations, powder, blush, etc.), which allow you to perform all types of “safe” makeup for problem oily skin. Natural substances give cosmetics an antiseptic effect, do not irritate sensitive skin and provide sun protection. Due to their absorbent properties, mineral cosmetics are especially indicated for oily skin. Due to the saturation of pigments, products should be applied in small quantities, using thick brushes.

Mixer (from English - mixer, mixer)
Mixers in cosmetics are called means that allow you to mix or complement each other. For example, mixing lip glosses serve to add to the main color.

Nude (from English - nude)
So called colors that are close to natural, natural shades, without embellishment. This range is used in decorative cosmetics to create an “inconspicuous” make-up, made in natural tones close to skin color. At the same time, “nude” makeup should emphasize your natural beauty. However, in such a make-up, shine and radiance are not allowed.

Pigments (from English - pigments)
Pigments are cosmetic products that are maximally saturated with color particles, similar to loose powder. bright colors. Basically, they are produced by professional cosmetic brands. And also some manufacturers mineral cosmetics. The pigments can be used on their own or mixed with any other dry cosmetics, such as regular powder, to achieve unusual makeup effects.

Peeling (from English - Peeling -"sand" or "strongly scrape" )
Peeling, or exfoliation in cosmetology, is a soft, compared to a scrub, cosmetic product for removing dead cells, exfoliating the upper keratinized layer of the skin, which is necessary to improve it. appearance. Peeling is one of the methods of skin cleansing.

Plumper (from English - plumper)
Plumers, not to be confused with "", are cosmetics that allow you to create a short-term effect of increasing the volume of the lips, which can last from 1 to 3 hours. Until recently, manufacturers of flamers were only specialized brands, but now they have been adopted popular brands. Such products are available in the form of colored lipsticks, glosses of different tones, various balms, as well as colorless lip creams.

Primer (from English - primer)
A primer is a make-up base or base that is usually applied to a moisturizer as a preparatory step for foundation, which allows you to achieve high durability of subsequent makeup. Made by many popular brands. Primers even out the relief of the skin, give the effect of dullness, create a velvety skin. Foundations are available for the face, as well as bases for the eyes and lips. Tones can be matched to the color of the skin or simply purchase a colorless cream. Some cosmetic brands produce primers for mascara, which will give extra volume to the eyelashes.

Softner (from English - softener)

Softners are skin softening and moisturizing lotions and other cosmetics.

Stick (from English - stick)
Stick - a cosmetic product in the form of a tightly pressed roller made of cosmetic cream, and not made of plastic (roller). In the form of sticks, blush, tonal foundations, concealers and bronzers are produced, often perfumed deodorants. Decorative sticks are actively saturated with color pigments and therefore are perfect for dry skin. Sticks are gaining more and more popularity among various types of cosmetic products.

Talc (from English - talc)
Talc is a powder, often a very high quality starch for the body. Talc prevents fogging.

Tonic (from French - tonique)
Tonic - a lotion or solution, mostly alcohol-free for cleansing and treating the skin, often used as a make-up remover. It should be remembered that the use of a tonic is the most important stage in complex facial skin care after cleansing it, because. tonic not only cleanses and refreshes the skin, but also increases the effectiveness of day and night creams applied immediately after it, which is especially important to consider when caring for mature skin 45+. Tonics effectively cleanse pores, tightening them, create a feeling of freshness and cleanliness, restore the pH balance of the skin and neutralize the effect of hard water, as well as soften the skin and prepare it for further care (applying a cream or mask). Tonics can and should be used after any cleansing procedure, choosing according to your skin type and the desired effect. This cosmetic product is used to refresh, cleanse, moisturize, "invigorate" the skin. By their action, tonics (lotions) are: antiseptic, tightening, anti-inflammatory, soothing, moisturizing, whitening, healing, anti-aging, etc. Regular use tonic reduces the formation of wrinkles, improves blood circulation, restores the natural pH level of the skin, reduces the secretion of sebum, removes toxins, promotes the formation of new cells. As a result of such care, the skin looks healthy and young.

Fixer (from English - fixer)
Fixatives, play the role of a make-up fixer, they are available in the form of sprays, which make the final accent when doing make-up. Such tools are mainly produced by professional brands such as MAC, Make Up For Ever, but Clarins brand fixatives are less common. Fixatives will provide makeup with unprecedented durability and give a feeling of freshness to the skin of your face.

Flanker (from English - flanker)
Flanker, i.e. strengthening [positions] - a product of the main brand line extension, created to support it. In decorative cosmetics, a flanker is usually a variation of the same product, but with some change in properties. Flankers are often produced in limited editions.

Fluid (from English - fluid, liquid foundation)
Fluids are liquid, fluid cosmetics and make-up products. The usual name is liquid foundation, but also in the form of fluids, many other cosmetic products are made that have a liquid base.

Highlighter (from English - highlighter)
Highlighters fall into the category of brightening face correctors, as well as light eye shadows. Unlike, some types of these cosmetic products do not give the skin radiance, their main purpose is to create a light reflex. For example, when applying a highlighter under the eyebrow, you can optically enlarge your eyes, such techniques can be used both for daytime make-up and for stage make-up.

Shimmer (from English - shimmer)
Shimmers are the means to add shine and radiance to your skin. Shimmer - from English. flickering, dimmed light. This is a special cosmetic product that contains shimmering and light-reflecting particles, thanks to which your skin looks well-groomed. Any shimmer gives the skin radiance and shine. They are produced by many popular manufacturers of cosmetics. Shimmers differ from luminizers in that they contain larger sparkles, they can be seen even with the naked eye. Thanks to this, when applying shimmers, the face becomes brighter, which makes the shimmers ideal for creating a festive, formal or evening look. But makeup experts do not recommend actively using shimmers and overusing these glosses. Makeup artists advise using them on only one area of ​​your face for daytime makeup and on the other two for evening makeup. In most cases, shimmers come in powder form, so they are easy to apply over foundation and regular powder.

Elover (from English - all over)
Elover is a decorative cosmetic product (powder, blush, etc.) that has all the necessary properties, all in one, and does not require additional cosmetic products, or is suitable for any area of ​​the face, for the entire face.

P.S. If you want to take part in the completion of this dictionary, please write to us.

review prepared by Natalia Lukyanova
based on printed and electronic publications

Absolute oils- oils obtained from concretes or resinoids. The latter are treated with alcohol, then the alcohol solution is frozen, filtered to remove the wax, and finally evaporated under reduced pressure to remove the alcohol.

Aldehyde shade- aldehydes of the fatty series, which have a peculiar floral smell with an admixture of a sharp "fatty" shade (the smell of rancid fat). This smell in itself is not very pleasant, but in compositions it gives an amazing combination and changes the nature of the smell of perfume so much that the question arises: is it not the leading one?

Headspace analysis- the headspace method, in which "live" odors are placed in a glass flask connected to a device that allows you to determine the molecular structure of the components.

Aroma- a word of Latin origin, meaning the pleasant smell of perfume, an addition to the term "smell", which can be pleasant and unpleasant.

Base- a composition characterized by a simple smell obtained by mixing several types of raw materials. The base is a component of the finished composition, which is used in the recipe as a raw material along with other aromatic substances.

Balms- natural semi-liquid substances, which include marshmallow oils and resins dissolved in them, aromatic and other compounds. The most widely used in perfumery is tolu balsam. Having their own natural smell, balms fix the aroma of perfumes and other perfumes and increase their durability.

Gamma is a term that perfumers use to refer to the range of raw materials they use.

Head- head note when creating the first olfactory impression during the use of alcohol perfumery products. It appears due to the volatility of some perfume components.

Designer- an Anglo-Saxon term: this is how the artists who create bottles are called in perfumery.

Distillation- extraction of odorous substances contained in certain types of natural raw materials with water vapor in order to obtain essential oils.

Diffusion- distribution of odor in the atmosphere.

Dominant- the most noticeable note in the smell of the composition, for example: floral with a dominant jasmine.

Perfume- the most concentrated and usually the richest in smell product in a certain series of products of the same name. It is also called an extract. The term means completion creative work perfumer. Often it is used incorrectly - as a synonym for the terms "aroma" or "note".

Smell- in perfumery, this word refers to raw materials or to simple notes, in contrast to the term "aroma", which refers to the smell of a more spent finished product.

green notes- a term in perfumery. These are fresh, clean aromas of green leaves, roots and freshly cut grass.

Change- change in the smell and color of perfumes, when their smell and color have changed as a result of physical or chemical processes under the influence of air, heat, light or in connection with long term storage.

Isopropyl myristate- Synthetic oil softening the skin, suppressing the drying effect of alcohol. Used in deodorants.

Composition is a complete blend of natural and synthetic products and bases. Perfumers use this term to define a product resulting from creative work.

end note- a note that is felt in the final stage of the evaporation of the perfume after the head note and the core note. Persistence of its smell is due to the least volatile components of the perfume.

Concrete is a solid and semi-solid product obtained after the extraction of aromatic substances from certain types of raw materials of plant origin (such as jasmine, rose, narcissus), volatile solvents (hexane, benzene).

Concentrate- the name of the composition obtained as a result of the work on its preparation (certain components, weighed according to the recipe proposed by the "nose"). Then the concentrates are dissolved in alcohol, the percentage of which varies depending on the product (extract, Eau de parfum, Eau de Toilette or other products).

Volatile- an odor that evaporates very quickly.

Line- a series of products with one flavor, sold under one name.

Infusion- in perfumery, this means the process of long-term contact (sometimes many years) of a solid or liquid substance to dissolve when cooled. Musk, amber, oakmoss are infused.

Nose- the olfactory organ, in addition, this term in perfumery refers to people who create perfumes.

Note- characterization of the aroma of the raw material or composition: for example, floral note, green note, spicy note.

snuff paper (blotter) - required item in the work of perfumers and chemists. It's about about a thin strip of special paper (without glue), which absorbs moisture well; the paper is immersed in the composition or fragrance. Bringing it to the nose, the perfumer evaluates the quality of the product and monitors the change in smell (head, middle, end notes).

Volume- so they say about spirits that quickly spread in the air.

Organ is a term used by perfumers to refer to the variety of raw materials and base elements they use.

Spin- a method of extracting certain essential oils, usually from the peel of citrus fruits, using such mechanical means like pressing, centrifuging.

fern flavors - fresh flavors, reminiscent of the smells of greenery, fern foliage and freshly cut grass.

perfume liquid- a phrase used to refer to an alcoholic solution of a perfume concentrate.

Perfumer-creator - a person who creates spirits, that is, who composes them.

Resinoid- a resinous product obtained during the treatment of certain balms, gums and natural resins with volatile solvents. Usually used in the final note.

Heart- the core note, which, when the perfume evaporates, is felt after the initial (top), head note and before the final (basic) note. This note determines the type of perfume smell.

Combination- the effect obtained by mixing two or three types of raw materials or simple notes. This is a harmonious combination, that is, the amount and intensity of the smell of each odorous substance is balanced.

Stabilizer- a chemical compound that perfumers sometimes add to compositions to slow down oxidation.

Dry perfume- a mixture of aromatic (sachet) substances or crushed odorous plants with filler, usually packaged in bags, sachets.

solid perfume- a waxy mass (ointment), most often made in the form of a pencil or packaged in jars, saturated with fragrant substances and colored. Such perfumes are convenient on the road, tourist trip.

Topic- the main smell around which the perfumer develops his creativity.

Test- a test to evaluate a perfume product before it is placed on the market.

Odor Type- the smell, depending on the composition of the fragrant substances included in the perfume composition, which is a very important component when choosing aromatic products (for young and mature women and men, for summer and winter, for parties and work). According to the type of smell, perfumes are warm, fresh, cool, sweet, dry, spicy, tart, oriental, bitter, exotic, balsamic.

Farnesol- natural deodorizing ingredient. Destroys the bacteria causing an unpleasant smell of sweat. At the same time, the rest of the biological flora of the skin is not disturbed.

Chromatography- a physico-chemical method of analysis that allows you to identify and control the qualitative and quantitative composition of a perfume product.

Plume- a term for conveying the olfactory sensation of the smell of air left by a perfumed person passing by.

Extract, see Perfume.

Essence, see Essential oil.

Essential oil- aromatic components (or essences) and volatile extracts of plants obtained either by distillation or cold pressing. These are oils of rose, sandalwood, lemon, etc.

"Haute couture": "haute couture" - high fashion.

"Headspace": English word, means new technology vacuum analysis of volatile products.

"Absolute": absolute oils are obtained from concretes or resinoids. The latter are treated with alcohol, then the alcohol solution is frozen, filtered to remove the wax, and finally evaporated under reduced pressure to remove the alcohol.

In this section, the leading perfume retailers present four "top" fragrances that can emphasize your individuality and become a successful addition to your modern image:

If any of the perfumes seems worthy of your attention, you can get more detailed information about it and its promotional price by clicking on the appropriate link...

"Aldehyde shade": fatty aldehydes have a peculiar floral smell with an admixture of a sharp "fatty" shade (the smell of rancid fat). This smell in itself is not very pleasant, but in the compositions it gives an amazing combination and changes the character of the smell of perfume so much that it is difficult to say whether it is the leading one.

"Change": A perfume is said to have changed when its scent and color change as a result of physical or chemical processes, exposure to air, heat, light, or aging.

"Isopropyl myristate": a synthetic oil that softens the skin, suppressing the drying effect of alcohol. Used in deodorants.

"Ketones": Substances found in essential oils. They have wound healing properties and facilitate the secretion of mucus, as well as promote the growth of new cells. Oils containing ketones include oils of rosemary, sage, eucalyptus globulus, and hyssop.

"Nose": in addition to the olfactory organ, this term also refers in perfumery to people who create perfumes.

"Snuff", "sample": this is a necessary item in the work of perfumers and chemists. We are talking about a thin strip of special low-density paper that absorbs moisture well, which is immersed in a composition or in a fragrant substance. Bringing it to the nose, the perfumer evaluates the quality of the product and monitors the change in smell (head, middle, final notes).

"Volume": talking about perfumes that are widely distributed in the air.

"Combination": the effect obtained by mixing two or three types raw, or simple notes. We are talking about a harmonious combination, i.e. the quantity and intensity of the smell of each odorous substance must be balanced.

"Alcohols": chemicals that make up essential oils. They have a bactericidal, stimulating, invigorating, antiviral and diuretic effect. Essential oils of rose, orange, peppermint, myrtle, tea tree, sandalwood, patchouli and ginger are rich in alcohol.

"Stabilizer": This is a chemical compound that perfumers sometimes add to perfumes to slow down oxidation.

"Dry perfume": they are a mixture of aromatic (sachet) substances or crushed odorous plants with filler, usually packaged in bags, sachets.

"Solid perfume": they are a waxy mass (ointment-like, most often in the form of a pencil or packaged in jars), saturated with fragrant substances and colored. Convenient on the road, tourist trip.

"Theme": The main scent around which the perfumer develops his creativity.

"Terpenes": chemicals found in essential oils. They have antiviral properties and can irritate the skin. Oils of lemon, orange, bergamot, black pepper, pine wood and needles, nutmeg and angelica are distinguished by a high content of terpenes.

"Test": A test to evaluate a product before it is released to the market.

"Smell type": perfumery depends on the composition of the fragrant substances included in the perfume composition, and is very important when choosing aromatic products (for young and mature women and men, for summer and winter, for parties and work). According to the type of smell, perfumes are: warm, fresh, cool, sweet, dry, spicy, tart, oriental, bitter, exotic, balsamic.

"Toilet water", "eau de toilette": a widespread type of perfumery products, the main disadvantage of which is low durability - only 2 - 3 hours.

"Unisex": a style, the main feature of which is the complete absence of signs indicating gender.

"Farnesol": a natural deodorant component. Works against bacteria that cause bad breath. At the same time, the rest of the biological flora of the skin is not disturbed.

"Phenols": chemicals found in essential oils. They have powerful bactericidal properties, have an immunostimulating, invigorating and warming effect. Their danger is that when taken in large doses for a long time, they can cause mild liver toxicity. Phenols are rich in essential oils of cloves, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, savory, cumin.

"Orange Blossom": white flowers of the orange tree, or an infusion of these flowers.

"Chromatography": a physico-chemical method of analysis that allows you to identify and control the qualitative and quantitative composition of a perfume product.

"Cytophylactic properties of essential oils": the ability of essential oils to stimulate the growth of skin cells.

"Chypre fragrance": A fragrance that is a mixture of oak moss, labdanum, bergamot and patchouli.

"Plume": Perfumers use this term to convey the olfactory sensation of smelling the air left behind by a perfumed person passing by.

"Trail notes": we are talking about the note that is felt in the final stage of the evaporation of the perfume after the "head" note and the "heart". Persistence of its smell is due to the least volatile components of perfumes.

"Extraction": extraction from a mixture of liquid or solid substances of the main components by means of special solvents.

"Extraction": The process of extracting a substance from parts of a plant.

"Essence": see the term " essential oil».

"Essential oil": the term refers to the aromatic components and volatile extracts of plants obtained either by distillation or cold pressing. These volatile substances quickly evaporate in the air. When inhaled, they enter the body through the organs of smell, when rubbed - through the skin; baths with essential oils allow them not only to be absorbed through the skin, but also to pamper the olfactory organs with fragrant vapors.

Casual magazine presents to your attention a mini- alphabet of perfume terms so that you can not only easily understand the intricacies of perfumery and communicate in the same language with the seller, but also choose the right fragrance without his help. Moreover, each new season brings so many perfume novelties.

Absolute - the most concentrated ingredient in perfumery even compared to essential oils. It is obtained from plants not by pomace distillation, but by extraction. The result is a pure quality material that lies at the heart of the aromatic composition.

Blotter - this is the same piece of paper on which consultants in stores apply fragrance to let you smell it. Literally translated from English, blotter is a blotter. Initially, it was used to remove excess ink from the pen, and then someone noticed that the porous structure allows you to hear the full sound of the aroma - this is how paper blotters were born. Some perfume companies have gone further: they began to produce and use ceramic, stone and even glass models. The actual material used can be anything, as long as it does not react with perfume components or alcohol and does not distort the aroma. But, in any case, you can understand if a perfume suits you if you apply it on the skin and let it open (it will take about 30 minutes).

Distillation - the main method that allows you to extract ether from plants. To do this, they are placed in a vat and heated. As a result of condensation, distilled water and essential oils remain, which, without dissolving, appear on its surface. It is assumed that distillation was invented by the Arabs before the 10th century, and Avicenna mentions it as a method for obtaining essential oils. To this day, in perfumery, distillation produces the bulk of the aromatic components.

Musk - an aromatic component secreted by the glands of some animal species, in particular muskrat, muscovy duck, some species of crocodiles, representatives of the cat family and artiodactyls. They need it to mark territory and seduce individuals of the opposite sex. In perfumery, musk is used to increase the durability of the fragrance and give it a sensual noble touch. Unfortunately, the production of this substance is associated with the killing of animals, therefore, at the end of the twentieth century, associations for the protection of animals and environment, including WWF, launched a campaign against the use of natural civet and animal musk. IFRA (International Perfume Association) supported them with this initiative and strongly advised all fragrance manufacturers to refrain from using this component. An alternative was found: a plant like labdanum has a similar smell. It is this that is most often used for the production musky fragrances. Also, a musk-like substance is found in angelica root, ambrette seeds, angelica root, hibiscus seeds, and galbanum. If you come across very expensive perfumes or musk eau de toilette, then most likely they are made in Saudi Arabia. There are several farms where the necessary component is extracted without harm to animals. Adult deer are temporarily put to sleep with sleeping pills, a catheter is inserted into the musky sac, with the help of which the precious substance is literally decanted. But since this method is expensive - the cost of musk reaches 100 euros per 1 gram, this automatically increases the cost of the fragrance several times. The most prominent representatives of fragrances, with a predominance of vegetable musk, are: Very Irresistible Givenchy, Pure Poison Dior, Crystal Noir Versace, Jadore Dior, Amor Amor Cacharel.

Olfactive pyramid - is usually drawn on the packaging of perfume, and if you know how to interpret it correctly, you don’t have to ask the consultant about anything else. The olfactory pyramid is made up of aromatic components included in the perfume composition. Since each of them opens in a certain period of time, it was decided to line them up in a pyramid. At the top are the most unstable notes (the so-called top), in the middle - with an average speed of weathering (heart notes), and at the base of the pyramid - the most long-playing (they are called the bottom, or trail).

Oriental fragrance - it is also oriental, a perfume with components that are associated with the culture of the same name. These include almost all aromas of spices, patchouli, vanilla, musk and jasmine. Oriental fragrances are somewhat heavy, thick, spicy with an exotic touch.

Pheromones - the collective name for volatile substances released by animals and humans for non-verbal communication and attracting attention at the time of excitement. The creators of some fragrances claim that they add synthesized pheromone molecules to aphrodisiac fragrances, but unfortunately it is impossible to verify this: since these important components are odorless and cause a violent reaction from others, working at an unconscious level.

fougere aroma . Fougere means fern in French. But fougere fragrances do not have the smell of this plant, which, by the way, almost does not smell. And to be honest, fougere or fern notes are nothing but a myth and once again a myth. The appearance of this type of fragrance dates back to the end of the 19th century, when the house of Houbigant released the perfume "Royal Fern" (Fougere Royale). The unusual fragrance smelled of lavender, oakmoss, vanilla and bergamot. It was this combination that gave the perfume a fresh vegetable tone, which the French dubbed "la fougere". Since then, if a perfume or eau de toilette contains notes of lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin (a hay-scented substance), they are called fougere. The most prominent representatives of fougere fragrances are: Jicky Guerlain, Egoist Platinum Chanel, Davidoff Cool Water, Eau de Tsar Van Cleef&Arpels, Boss Hugo Boss.

Chypre fragrance . In 1917, the famous French perfumer François Coty created the famous Chypre (translated from French as Cyprus). The fragrance was feminine, which in itself was a bold statement. Against the background of the usual light floral perfume, the combination of bergamot, oak moss, patchouli and incense sounded at least strange. However, the public liked this fragrance so much that a woman who tried it once went in search of perfume shops with the words: "Chypre, chypre". So Chypre became a household name, and now this word is used to name a group of fragrances in the olfactory pyramid, which always contains bergamot (lemon), patchouli and oakmoss - the rest is added to the taste of the perfumer. The most prominent representatives of chypre fragrances are: fruity chypre - Mitsouko Guerlain, aldehyde chypre - Aromatic Elixir Clinique, floral chypre - Dioressence Christian Dior, green chypre - Eau du Soir Sisley.

Essential (essential) oil got its name rather by misunderstanding - essential oil has nothing to do with oils (except texture). This is a fragrant mixture of volatile substances that is extracted from plants in several ways (steam distillation, cold pressing, extraction). If you drop this substance (without impurities) on paper or cloth, it will evaporate in 15-20 minutes. However, chemists have noticed that the ether can be retained if it is dissolved in fatty oil, wax or alcohol. The last option perfume companies use most often.

Reproduction of material is prohibited -

Now everyone believes that you need to be responsible consumers and get as much information about the product that you buy. We are particularly sensitive to food, cosmetics and household chemicals. Always read the composition of cosmetics and pay attention to the expiration date? Wonderful! But it's time to arm yourself stronger and find out what the mysterious symbols on the boxes, jars and bottles mean. Here is a list of the most common icons on cosmetic products with a breakdown.

Eurasian Conformity- this sign must be present on goods sold in the territory of the countries of the Customs Union. Such cosmetics received a certificate of state registration or a declaration of conformity.

Conformite Europeenne- in turn means that the product meets all the requirements of the European Union, first of all, it is safe to use.

Period after opening- a very important symbol that tells us how long the product can be stored after opening. In the center of the jar is usually a number and the letter M, which stands for months. That is, if 17 M is indicated there, then after opening such cosmetics can be stored for 17 months.

Best Before End Date- in fact, this is the expiration date of cosmetics, regardless of whether the package was opened or not. It is worth noting that such a sign is required in the European Union, unlike the United States, where there is no rule to indicate the deadline.

Mobius Loop- the Moebius loop tells us that cosmetic packaging is made from recycled materials and can be recycled again in the future. Sometimes next to this icon is indicated the percentage of recycled materials used.

Refer to Insert- a very simple sign, meaning that the product has an additional insert with information that you can read. Most often, the symbol is used on small packages where all the information does not fit.

Green Dot Symbol- the symbol is used only in Europe and means that the cosmetics manufacturer pays certain amounts to save the environment and invest in recycling. But this does not mean that the packaging of the product is made from recycled materials.

Tidyman is not only a call to keep the planet clean and to throw away used packaging. This is also an indication that it is not recyclable.

Cruelty free- the sign may look different. The main thing to remember is that if there is an image of a rabbit on the package, then cosmetics have not been tested on animals.

Safety Conscious Formula- a sign of product verification by the international organization for the fight against oncological diseases. It means that there are no dangerous and carcinogenic substances in cosmetics.