ENHANCING LONGEVITY WITH NATURAL FIXATIVES
This week let's delve into the fascinating world of natural fixatives in perfumery. These unsung heroes play a crucial role in enhancing the longevity and complexity of your favourite scents.
THE MAGIC OF NATURAL FIXATIVES
Natural fixatives are key ingredients in perfumery that help stabilize volatile notes, making the fragrance last longer on your skin. But their role isn't just about endurance; they also add depth and richness to the overall scent profile.
Digital artwork by Melanie Jane and DALL-E
COMMON NATURAL FIXATIVES
Clary Sage: This herbaceous plant is not just for aromatherapy! Clary Sage oil has fixative properties that can impart a musky, deeply soothing undertone to your fragrance.
Benzoin: A resin with a warm, vanilla-like aroma, Benzoin acts as a fantastic fixative. It lends a creamy richness, anchoring lighter notes and giving your perfume a lasting presence.
Other Notables: Traditional fixatives like ambergris and musk are well-known, but there are also many botanical alternatives like vetiver, patchouli, and labdanum, each adding their unique touch to a fragrance while enhancing its staying power.
WHY GO NATURAL?
Natural fixatives not only prolong the life of a perfume but also evolve with your body chemistry, creating a unique scent experience. They're a nod to the artistry of traditional perfumery, where the beauty of a fragrance lies in its ability to change and last.
The video below shows how to make your perfume last longer on your skin.
TEENY TINY TIP
When experimenting with natural fixatives in your own blends, consider their olfactory profile and how they complement other notes in your perfume. It's like a dance – each component should harmonize with the others, creating a scent symphony that lingers beautifully.
So next time you're creating or choosing a fragrance, think about the fixatives that lie beneath the surface. They're the foundation that supports the bouquet of top and middle notes, ensuring that your scent tells its story from the first spritz to the last lingering note.
Until our next fragrant exploration,
Fragrantly yours,
“Perfume is like a new dress, it makes you quite simply marvelous. Natural fixatives are the seamstresses who tirelessly work to ensure the dress fits perfectly all day long.”