BellaSugar

Four Tips For Choosing a Fragrance

BellaSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:22 -0800

Recently, I popped into noted natural perfumer Mandy Aftel's Berkeley, CA studio for a tour. I found it quite inspirational to see someone so passionate about her work. Seriously, the enthusiasm was contagious.

So, when I told Aftel that picking a fragrance is a difficult task for me (as I'm sure it is for many of you), she gave me some cool tips I'll definitely be remembering next time I cross paths with the fragrance aisle.

Love the dry down - When it comes to picking an aroma you'll love, "It's important to get down to that dry down note - which is that last note that's left on your skin - because that's what's going to stay with you," Aftel said.
Don't judge a bottle by its cover - Aftel recommends not even looking at the bottle or names on the label. Just go on smell alone. Hey, in that case, there must be some real gems in this photo collection of ugly perfume bottles.

Discover the other two tips when you read more.

Follow your appetite - For inspiration, "look to what you are attracted to from eating and gardening," she said. Think of wood, leaves, blossoms at night, orange, or the smell of a cup of tea, for instance. "Use your experiences in the natural world to guide you towards ingredients," she advised.
Use your digits - While sampling many of Aftel's essential oils and perfumes, with every dab she applied to my skin, it was always done to a new finger each time. When I asked her why the fingers, she said, "Oh, it's just to keep track." Why didn't I ever think of that? It's like having ten of those perfume sampling sticks at your fingertips. Hey-o.

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How-To: Make Your Own Perfume Solid With Tips From Mandy Aftel

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:00:11 -0800

According to Allure, "The trend toward using natural ingredients was pioneered by perfumer and author Mandy Aftel."

Well, guess what? Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with the famed perfumer in her Berkeley, CA studio. We covered everything from beautifully stanky scents to trends in the industry to advice on selecting fragrances. And when I asked her if she had any do-it-yourself ideas for holiday gifting, she definitely delivered.

In her book, Scents & Sensibilities: Creating Solid Perfumes for Well-Being (approximately $5), Aftel provides a "recipe" for creating your own solid perfume. While the talented perfume maker sells her Single Solids, Double Solids, and the ultra-luxe One-of-a-Kind Antique Cases on her website, you can create these thoughtful and easy gifts for your friends and loved ones on your own. Learn how to make these sweet smelling compacts when you read more.

How-To Make 'Em

In a beaker or small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil with 20 drops of essential oil. Example: 7 drops of ylang ylang and 13 drops of grapefruit (see more of Aftel's combos below). She recommends Whole Foods or your local health food store as a go-to place for inexpensive oils.
Melt 1/2 teaspoon of grated beeswax over heat (she used a hot plate).
Mix oils and wax together, then pour into a small container. Aftel recommends using antique cases, small tins, or lip balm jars - basically anything that closes with a latch, is not too deep, and is rounded in shape for easier finger scoopage. Your solid will set in about 10 minutes.

Great Essential Oil Combos

Clary sage and rosewood.
Patchouli with either rose, ylang ylang, or frankincense.
Plain ol' vanilla extract will work, too - imitation not allowed.

Photo courtesy of Mandy Aftel

Perfumer Mandy Aftel on Food-Based Fragrance Trend

BellaSugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:00:11 -0800

Last week, I met renowned natural perfumer, author, and owner of Aftelier Perfumes, Mandy Aftel, in her visually stunning Berkeley, CA studio.

With wood built-ins, glass bottles lining the windows, and apothecary style furnishings, it was a little Frank Lloyd Wright with a pinch of Harry Potter. Topped off with the collective smell of essential oils and perfumes? Yeah, it was pretty much like heaven.

When it comes to industry trends, "Food-based smells are quite popular right now," she says. Oh, gourmand, you say? I sampled her Layering Gourmand Trio ($125), which was complex, inviting, and - well, delicious.

"Natural materials really mix with your body chemistry in a very interesting way, then they kind of fade away," she says. . .They have that soft arc that I think is very sexy." Humina, humina. As for this set? The three pieces can be worn apart or together for maximum sensuality. Find out which aromas are included when you read more.

Cassis: A great Fall fragrance with notes of black currant and rum.
Cocao: A blend of jasmine, blood orange, and cocao from a Costa Rican plantation. Psst - Aftel distills the cocao herself.
Fig: A mix of fir absolute, jasmine sambac, and yuzu, duplicating the aroma of this sweet fruit to a tee. Speaking of "tea," she makes that, too - of the perfumed variety, of course.

Photo courtesy of Mandy Aftel