As September rolls around, it marks the beginning of a new school year and presents the perfect opportunity to embark on exciting learning journeys. Whether you are an aspiring perfumer or experienced, we are proud to introduce the largest International natural perfumery educational platform designed to teach all aspects of this captivating art. Our comprehensive curriculum offers a range of courses, masterclasses, and advanced programs that enable you to acquire new techniques and deepen your knowledge, ultimately empowering you to design your own successful brand.
 
Perfumotherapy: Immersing Yourself in the World of Natural Perfumery
One of our flagship courses is Perfumotherapy, an immersive experience that unveils the world and art of natural perfumery. This course provides a solid foundation in perfume creation and technique, emphasizing the crucial role of olfaction and natural essences. Comprising of Olfaction Training, French Natural Aromatherapy, and French Natural Perfumery courses, the Perfumotherapy diploma is a comprehensive program that legitimizes your work as a natural perfumer. Understanding the basics of olfaction and the true essence of natural ingredients is vital for conceiving, comprehending, conveying, and authenticating beautiful natural creations.
 
Master Natural Perfumer: Elevating Your Expertise
For certified perfumers seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge, we offer the Master Natural Perfumer course. This program includes the Perfumotherapy course as a foundation and allows you to choose four additional masterclasses or courses that align with your specific interests. Whether you wish to delve into marketing and brand design, perfect your formula-building skills, explore the role of essences on the psyche and emotions through the aromachology course, or trace the historical perfume routes with our captivating masterclasses, the choice is yours.
 
Supporting Your Art and Passion
We aim to support each natural perfumer in developing their art and passion. We believe that you are the driving force behind the world of natural perfumery today and tomorrow. That is why all Natural Perfumery Teachers Academy instructors are recognized experts in their respective fields, ensuring that you receive the highest quality education. Moreover, our courses are available in multiple languages ensuring accessibility to a wide range of learners and easing your learning experience. Additionally, we offer a convenient installment payment method to accommodate various budgets and make the courses more accessible.
 
As you embark on this new school year, we hope September becomes filled with joyous learning and the opportunity to unleash your artistic potential.
Let the wonders of natural perfumery inspire and guide you on your journey.

​An effective skin care product targets the root of the skin problem. Effective product not only helps to retain clients, but also provides the best marketing results. 
 
Making skin care products is not simply just adding oils and liquids. It involves understanding of some of the terminology, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-septic. One must apply these terms or properties of botanicals in real time and to symptoms on the skin. For example, when one has rashes or hives on the skin, skin care designers need to understand the cause of the problem and determine whether to use botanicals that are anti-inflammatory or anti-septic or both to resolve the skin problem. The best plants to use in skin care are “bio-regional” or plants which grow well in local areas, as these plants live in the same environmental conditions and adapt to counter-balance harsh conditions. It is their adaptations that help local people to stay balanced.
 
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), often the problems expressed on the face indicate the root of the skin problem.
One learns to read the locations of skin issues and design corresponding care products to resolve the source of the problem. A client asked me to help her with dark bags under her eyes. She was shocked to receive a jar of Epsom salt infused with Wormwood. I told her that making products to “mask” the problem is cosmetology. Masking does not resolve her problem. What she really needs is to sleep well. Wormwood warms up the acupressure points of her feet and Epsom salts “lead” the effects of Wormwood. The combination helps her with her sleep problem, which is the root of the dark bags under the eyes. In TCM, the face is almost a “map” of many underlying issues, such digestive, hormonal and stress.
 
The beauty of designing skin care products is incorporating traditional herbal medicine including using natural elements, aromatherapy and basic product making techniques.
Skin issues may not just be “skin” problems. It is more important to understand the body as a whole to deal with the root or source of problems. Getting to the source eliminates future ‘flare-ups” and provides knowledge for prevention. Skin is not a separate unit but has many organ systems attached to it. Thus, designing an effective product requires knowledge of making proper use of earth’s valuable provisions.

If you want to know more about Effective Skin Care Design, enroll in a Skin Care Course with Vennie Chou. 

Understanding Scent Preferences for Creating and Distributing Fragrances
​Distributing a perfume in several countries can be a real challenge. It can be just a failure for famous brands, but a dangerous game for small brands who can financially lose everything.  In the art of fragrance creation, understanding the anthropology of perfume is essential. By delving into the diverse scent preferences shaped by culture, region, and individual sensitivities, fragrance creators can craft scents that resonate on a deeper level. The ability to influence others through the strategic use of preferred scents becomes more attainable when armed with the knowledge of anthropology of perfume. So, let's embrace the rich tapestry of scent preferences and create fragrances that captivate the senses and forge lasting connections.

Men and women have long recognized the power of scents in influencing their fellow humans. While it is impossible to predict exactly how an individual will respond to a particular smell, psychologists have discovered intriguing connections between odors and memories. For example, a single floral scent can evoke memories of a crowded elevator, a funeral, an old boyfriend's excessive aftershave, or even the onset of hay fever. Despite the varying responses, scientific investigations have revealed common preferences among sexes, cultures, age groups, and personality types. By understanding these preferences, perfumers can safely select the countries where their products will be successful.

Cultural Influences on Scent Preferences
Cultures play a significant role in shaping scent preferences and the ways in which scents are used. Let's explore some fascinating examples:

The Japanese: Perfuming Daily Life
In Japanese culture, scent has permeated almost every aspect of daily life. From personal care products to household items, the Japanese have cultivated a deep appreciation for fragrance. They even engage in games with friends and family that involve identifying various smells. Understanding the importance of scent in Japanese culture can provide valuable insights when creating fragrances for this audience.

In contrast, the Anglo-Saxon approach to scent is more understated.
Publicly smelling one's food or wine is considered uncouth in their culture. However, the bouquet of wine and the taste of food both heavily rely on the sense of smell. Anglo-Saxons prefer subtler scents when it comes to personal fragrance, avoiding being too "obvious." Respect for cultural norms is crucial when designing fragrances for this audience.

Across different cultures, there are notable variations in scent preferences. For instance, Orientals appreciate heavy, spicy, and animalistic perfumes. Valerian root extract, which is detested by most Europeans, is favored in Oriental cultures. On the other hand, Asians may struggle to understand the Western love for pungent cheeses. Recognizing these cultural differences is essential for creating fragrances that resonate with specific target markets.

Regional Influences on Fragrance Choices
Apart from cultural influences, regional factors such as climate and environment also shape fragrance preferences.
Northern Europeans, living in colder climates, often prefer heavier fragrances that provide warmth and comfort. In contrast, Mediterraneans are drawn to sophisticated floral scents, likely due to their love for being surrounded by flowers. Taking these climate-based preferences into account can enhance the effectiveness of fragrance creations.

Universally Pleasant Smells and Aversions
While there are cultural and regional variations, it is safe to say that there is a broad agreement within the human race about what smells pleasant and what doesn't. Most people appreciate flower and fruit scents, while being repulsed by foul odors such as rotten eggs, fish, or stagnant drains. Understanding these universally pleasant and unpleasant smells can guide fragrance creators in developing appealing and attractive scents.
People's responses to scents can also vary based on their individual sensitivities, as well as the influence of education, societies, and marketing.

Therefore, do not miss your opportunity to sell and distribute successfully your perfumes worldwide.
Learn more about the Anthropology of Perfume and get ready for your perfume distribution.  

Competition in today’s markets has never been stronger.
​Yet, I continually see examples of natural perfume and natural essence businesses that have not made many adjustments to their sales efforts to overcome the fierce competitive headwinds brought on by a deadly pandemic, numerous supply chain issues, and high inflation. These conditions have seriously changed consumer perspectives and require frequent reviews of sales and marketing strategies to reflect current realities rather than relying on consumer preferences and priorities that no longer exist.
You and everyone working with you should put on their selling hats for a while and focus on how to get consumers needing to purchase your products at premium prices, not just wanting to.

In the High-Value Natural Perfume consumer market, the first order of business is to identify every potential value feature of your products and incorporate those value features into selling benefits for consumers justifying premium pricing you need to charge. 
When consumers see something for sale that appears attractive to them, they determine the level of value that the product could provide them, and then they check the price. If the level of value is above the price, they are more likely to buy. If the level of value is below the price, they are less likely to make a purchase. 
Selling the value and benefits of your products greatly increases the likelihood of closing the sale profitably.

Here are 7 solid tips on strengthening and updating your Natural Perfumes and Essences selling strategies:

1. Focus on value to overcome consumer resistance to the premium prices you need to charge. If you build value that consumers consider benefits, they will respond despite higher prices.
2. Identify and sell higher income consumers in your local community that will be better able to budget for higher priced products they need.
3. Identify what you think high value consumers should consider valuable about your products. Examples of this could be sourcing from growers and producers who grow and produce with care by not using GMO seeds or synthetic pesticides, and utilizing sustainable packaging.
4. Avoid lowering prices. Consider charging for shipping but occasionally offering free shipping for a period of time as a way of discounting without having to lower your price.
5. Recognize that the most important sale is not the initial sale, but the second, third or twentieth sale. Effective selling creates lifetime customers.  And remember, it is always much less expensive to sell to an existing customer than to find a new one.
6. Move your selling strategies from discretionary sales (things that consumers may want, but don’t need) to necessary sales. Everyone needs the health benefits of natural essences.
7. Sell solutions to consumers problems. Natural essences reduce stress, improve immune systems, and promote well-being for everyone!  

Good Selling!

Terry Johnson is teaching and consulting at The Natural Perfumery Teacher's Academy. If you want to learn more about Business and Marketing in the Natural Essences World, you can follow his course or contact us for consultancies.

Unveiling the Ancient Art of Enfleurage: Capturing the Essence of Flowers
Natural perfumery it's not just about creating amazing fragrances, but also about growing flowers and extracting essences. One technique that holds a special place in this aromatic world is enfleurage. It's all about capturing the magical essence of a flower to make one-of-a-kind scents. So, let's dive into the enchanting process of enfleurage and get tangled up in the mesmerizing world of scents!
 
It is to the Greeks that we owe the addition of oils scented with flowers to spices, gums and balms.
​The flowers and plants used for export must be transformed to be preserved. Olive oil, one of the main wealth of Greece, was used as an ointment and as an excipient in the manufacture of perfumed oils. The Greeks practiced enfleurage and very early developed the art of making perfumes.
During the mid-1700s. Grasse became a thriving center for industrial production and essence extraction, thanks to the refinement of this technique. However, in today's modern perfume industry, enfleurage is considered more of a historical extraction method. Solvent extractions and the utilization of aromatic molecules have taken precedence. Nonetheless, with the recent resurgence of interest in natural perfumery, some perfumers have embraced enfleurage once again, making slight modifications to the classical procedure and achieving remarkable results.

Enfleurage is primarily employed for flowers that contain small quantities of essence or delicate blossoms that could be compromised by other extraction methods.
​The technique capitalizes on the principle of fat absorption, where the most volatile aromatic molecules are captured by a fat medium upon contact. Various fats, such as lard, ox fat, lamb fat, vegetable oils, mineral oils, and even Vaseline, were traditionally used. Often, a combination of fats was employed, and the specific formula was carefully guarded as an industrial secret, tailored to different flowers and extraction seasons.
 
The unique property of fats to adsorb odorous substances is harnessed when other extraction methods fail to capture the desired scent from flowers or plants. In enfleurage, the flowers are placed in direct contact with the fat, be it in liquid or solid form, until the fat becomes saturated with the perfume. Enfleurage can be performed using either the hot or cold method, depending on the flower and desired outcome. Nowadays, enfleurage is predominantly practiced for illustrative and educational purposes, as it is a labor-intensive and costly process.

During cold enfleurage, flowers were placed daily on frames coated with a thick layer of fat.
​It took approximately 60 days for the fats to absorb the fragrance fully. For instance, 25 kilograms of jasmine flowers were required to perfume one kilogram of fat, while a mere two kilograms of tuberose flowers achieved the same result. This exemplifies the delicate nature of enfleurage and its ability to capture the essence of a flower in minute quantities.
 
Enfleurage holds a special allure for many, as it manages to capture the ethereal essence and aromatic breath of a flower, entwining them in a magical alchemical process. While it may be a time-consuming and demanding technique, it offers a more intimate and personal relationship with the raw materials. For those fortunate enough to have a garden, a balcony, or even just a window, enfleurage can be an enchanting experiment worth undertaking. Through cultivation and extraction, one can discover unexpected and delightful results, forming a deeper connection with nature's fragrant gifts.

Enfleurage stands as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of perfumery.
It allows us to delve into the essence of flowers,  their fleeting beauty and transforming it into olfactory masterpieces. While modern techniques have largely replaced enfleurage in commercial perfume production, its revival among natural perfumers showcases its enduring charm and the endless possibilities it holds. 
 
So, why not embark on your own scented adventure and uncover the captivating world of enfleurage following our course of Natural extraction techniques?
Discover more about the Natural Raw Material Extraction Methods

In our present environment, after the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems that we have mostly lost our Olfactory sense and must re-learn to smell. 
Mask protection and lockouts affected our sense of perception of reality, blocking our free instinctive power to breath and lowering the capacity of the Olfactory Sense.  Now that we are beginning to become free of masks, we need to re-train our sense of smell and our breathing techniques.

From birth we connect with our mothers through the sense of smell.
Our mothers when having us as babies, not only shared genes, but also shared phenotype features such as smells. Babies have a very fresh and well-developed sense of smell which guides them to receive messages that make them feel safe. The olfactory sense of babies is so sensitive that allows them to react to odours through motor reactions, respiratory and cardiac rhythmic changes. Babies less than two weeks old orient themselves automatically towards maternal odours. They learn to recognise their mother by her smell, which they will prefer to any other smell and will bond to it. It could be said that “newborns” see with their noses.
​
People losing their olfactory sense, very often develop symptoms of depression and feel very isolated aside from having a great negative impact in their quality of life and a loss of their sense of safety. That is why it is so important to re-train our sense of smell through Olfaction Training, suitable for future perfumers, trained perfumers and people suffering from affected sense of smell like anosmia, hyposmia or dysosmia conditions.

There is also a Health aspect associated with the correct way of using our sense of smell and our relationship with Nature.
​It is now paramount to protect our Natural Resources, our flora, woodlands, rivers, lakes, and oceans, as they provide us with scent molecules that can contribute positively to our health and even repair our DNA. We, as Humans, share DNA with other species. We can even repair our hormones and DNA by smelling scents from Nature, like flowers or plants, by using proper Breathing and Olfaction Techniques and using the Natural Raw Materials adequate for Natural Perfumery and Aromatherapy.

Many of these and other natural plant raw materials have been used for a thousand years in many forms.
Fumes, ointments, oils, and essential oils with purifying effects have been used for their restorative properties to our healthy electromagnetic vibration frequencies.
Essential oils’ scent molecules travel to the nose receptors that detect the oil molecules with specific frequency, and then send signals of these vibrational frequencies to the brain.
​The intention of the healing process is to provide the correct vibrational frequency required that will bring the brain and body back to a state of coherence. This is the therapy by special vibration remedies capable of healing or rebalancing the brain’s and body’s DNA cells.
That it is why is so important to smell raw materials from Nature and not from synthetic molecules, as the Natural scent molecules have all the complete vibrational frequency codes necessary to be used in healing.  Synthetic scent molecules will not have the same healing power, would not be beneficial for treating health matters and, in the worst cases, may distort our hormones and DNA.​

The New Luxury Code
For these reasons, the International Perfume Foundation developed the “New Luxury Code” in Natural Perfumery products that allows us as perfumers to work on this goal by taking into consideration the meaning of “Luxury” as respectful, exceptional, sustainable, perfect, not necessarily expensive, smells and feels great, contributes to culture, sensitive to everyone’s culture, produces a change, makes us happy, and is eternally beautiful.

The Natural Perfumery Teacher's Academy is proposing monthly online Olfaction Training Courses in French, English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese and Arabic languages. 

Perfumery has been an integral part of human life for centuries, with the use of natural fragrances dating back to ancient civilizations. One of the key ingredients in any heritage perfume is Musk, which has a rich history worldwide. Musk is a complex and intriguing aroma that adds depth and complexity to fragrances, but it has also been controversial due to its animal origins. In this article, we look closer at the different types of Musk used in the perfumery industry and how it has been adapted to natural perfumery while keeping the ethical concerns surrounding their use. 
 
A brief history of Musk 
The use of Musk in perfumery dates to ancient times, with the ancient Egyptians and Romans using Musk in their perfumes. Musk was considered a luxury item and often used in religious ceremonies. The Musk used in ancient times came from the musk deer, a small deer found in Asia. The musk deer produces a glandular secretion with a strong, musky odor, collected. Sometimes part in rituals to ward off negative vibrations or as a medical remedy, Musk has crossed civilizations and borders.
If its use varied from one culture to another, all recognized the aphrodisiac virtues of Musk. This property originates in the animal world: during the rutting period, the musk horse secretes an odorous liquid that bewitches females.
By the 6th century, Musk was discovered by Greek explorers, making its way across India into the Arabic regions. From this time, Musk's power and popularity took off, turning into everything from perfumes to pomander balls to ward off smells and disease. 
From the 8th to the 13th century, animal musk was a must to perfume clothes and interiors. However, it was in the 12th century that this substance arrived in Western Europe. By the 15th century, the musk trade peaked, and Islamic culture and regional rituals used it to represent the smell of heaven. 
In the 19th century, Musk became even more popular in the perfumery industry, and the demand for Musk led to the overhunting of musk deer. It led to a decline in the musk deer population and made Musk expensive and rare. As a result, the perfumery industry began to look for alternative sources of Musk, like synthetic Musk. Still nowadays, however. 
The appeal of Musk's warm, sensual scent reached its peak in the 1960s and 1970s, and it has now become an essential component in perfumery and cosmetics. 
 
Musk and Animal Cruelty
The use of Musk from the musk deer has been controversial due to the harm caused to the animals. Harvesting Musk from the musk deer requires killing the animal, leading to the overhunting of the musk deer and a decline in their population. In addition, the musk deer is a protected species, and the harvesting of Musk is illegal in many countries. 
While natural Musk from the musk deer has decreased, some perfumers still use it in their perfumes. Since the growing era of synthetics, Musk has been king and still nowadays. Perfumers add Musk to their formula to add a long-lasting effect and a soft sensual facet to their scent. Conventional perfumery uses synthetics Musk for those reasons and the cost efficiency of formulas.
Besides the impact on our health and the olfactory flatness of the synthetic component, it contributes to making conventional perfumes smell the same. Musk becomes a joker card for traditional perfumers who overuse it, often forgetting or not knowing that natural musky notes can be more flattering for the senses than they imagine.
However, there has been a growing trend toward using Musk from plant sources in natural perfumery, and it is so much more interesting in terms of olfactory quality!

The Use of Musk from Plant Sources in Natural Perfumery
Musk from plant sources has become increasingly popular in natural perfumery. Musk's most common plant source is the ambrette seed, which has a sweet musky aroma; it is called the seeds of Musk. However, it is possible to use other plant sources to build musk accords and provide the same olfactory enchantment and perfume-lasting quality. 
Plant-based Musk has a different aroma than animal-based Musk but still adds depth and complexity to perfumes. The olfactory specifics of botanical musk depend on the source of the Musk. For example, when ambrette seed musk has a sweet and musky aroma, angelica root has a spicy facet. Plant-based Musk is often combined with other natural perfume ingredients to create unique and complex accords. 
 
What does botanical musk accord bring to a natural perfume?
Using plant-based Musk in natural perfumery has opened a new world of possibilities for perfumers, allowing them to create unique and sustainable fragrances. It ignites the perfumer's creativity and adds another dimension to a natural perfumed composition. Moreover, it is a source of inspiration for noses. In a natural perfume, musk accord brings a feeling of softness and comfort, a deep, reassuring sensation.
This olfactory family is addictive and comforting: people who wear a perfume containing Musk feel a sense of serenity as if they were in a cocoon.
A long-lasting trail: in the composition of a perfume, the molecules contained in botanical musk accord play the role of fixers, which makes it possible to prolong the "sillage" of scents. The musky notes become binders between the various elements of the agreement and bring roundness and sensuality. Popular in women's and mixed fragrances, we can use Musk in the base notes of compositions for those properties and its delightful character.
 
How to Compose Botanical Musk
Composing botanical musk requires a deep understanding of the different plant sources of Musk and their olfactory components. Perfumers must also have a keen sense of the other natural ingredients used in perfumes and how they interact with each other.
One way to learn how to compose botanical musk is through a masterclass. A masterclass is a great way to gain valuable knowledge and mastery from an experienced perfumer. In a masterclass, participants learn about the different plant sources of Musk, their olfactory properties, and how to combine them with other natural ingredients to create unique and complex accords and natural fragrances. Creating your signature musk accord is a must for a natural perfumer and a secret formulation that make your natural fragrances outstanding while being sustainable and from plant sources. 
If you're interested in learning how to compose botanical musk and want to take your natural perfumery skills to the next level, then a masterclass is the perfect way. Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming masterclass, where you'll learn from experienced perfumers and gain hands-on experience in creating natural perfumes.
 
By learning how to use plant-based Musk in perfumes, you'll be able to create unique and complex fragrances that are both sustainable and ethical.
So, join us for our upcoming masterclass on June 5 and take your natural perfumery skills to the next level!   Botanical Musk Accords Master Class   
 
 
 

For a long time, Perfume remained an important source of revenue for Greece.
In the Bronze Age, Egypt, due to its geographical, protected and isolated location and by its geological wealth and cultures, was obliged to import raw materials from Arabia and the Aegean Islands. 
Egypt was rich in gold, but did not possess the raw materials necessary for making perfumes. Arabs, Hadramaout (South Yemen) and Dhofar (Oman) provided Egypt with scented woods and resins (myrrh, incense, olebanon) and Greeks provided flowers, herbs and their talents of perfumers in the confection of perfumed oils.
Greece was then a country of farmers, breeders, Artisan Corporations and a fighting aristocracy. Greece was a country of scents, herbs, flowers and plants.
Due to its geographical location and its numerous surrounding islands, Greece was a gateway to Asia Minor, Syria and Egypt. 
The Greeks are credited for having added to spices, to gums and to balms, oils scented with flowers.
Flowers and plants used for export had to be preserved and transformed.  
Olive oil, one of the main resources of Greece, was used as an ointment and as an excipient or absorbent in perfume oils. The Greeks practiced ‘enfleurage’ and from an early age, the art of creating perfumed oils.  

In the time of Ancient Egypt, perfume was used mainly to communicate with the gods; during Ancient Greece, it was used to resemble the gods. 
Perfume was actually used by Egyptians but never throughout history could Egyptians, impregnated with fragrant scents, assist human divination, not only in the sculptural art that gave the gods their human faces and bodies, but also in the wearing of perfume that participated in this quest of perfection by making humans more divine.
Since gods smell good, to be like them you must smell divinely good.
The Greeks associate perfume to the erotic power of the union of two people. 
The Greeks buried their dead with their possessions and a terracotta vase or alabaster containing perfume. 
For poor people, vials painted onto the coffin replaced the alabasters. 
The perfume played the role of intermediary between the world of people and that of Gods and helped the dead to reach the other world.  
In everyday life, perfume was not a neutral thing, « thion », « myron » or a simple aroma but a feminine being. It was used in and for everything; as a life elixir, a nectar, and a ragweed.
It gave hope of immortality to humans because the Gods were beautiful and immortal.
For the author Virgil, Venus (Aphrodite) created the rose perfume.  "One day, Venus wanted to cut a white flower and pricked herself, covering her with an everlasting purple color.  To Cupid, the rose seemed so beautiful that he kissed it… This is where its smell comes from."

Towards the end of the II Millennium BC, the Greek industry acquired knowledge, “art de vivre” and know-how that gave birth to the Europe of Perfumes. 
Pliny the Elder, in his Natural History text (XIII 9-12 XV, 28-38), mentioned at least 22 kinds of perfumed oils, most of them extracted from plants naturally growing on the island of Crete: cypress, marjoram, broom, iris, spikenard, rose, myrtle, laurel, crocus, lily, juniper, pine, nut, almond, carnation, poppy, coriander, aniseed, cumin, narcissus, and daisy. 
During the period of the Mycenaeans, even taxes were paid in plants.  
Circa 1450 BC, perfumery was truly an industry controlled by the Masters of the Mycenaean palaces.  The decryption of linear writing par par Alice Kober in 1947 and  Michaël Ventris et John Chadwick in 1952, found on 20% of the 7000 Mycenaean clay tablets of the islands of the Aegean Sea show that a prominent position was given to scented products, ointments, incenses, aromatic wine, perfume oils, and spices.  Everything listed on these tablets provided a real accounting of orders and exports. 

Perfumery, in Greece was mainly a branch of medical science. Some odors excited or inspired while others healed. 
Hippocrates studied skincare in a comprehensive manner and advocated perfumed baths and massages combined with the use of aromatic substances to treat some diseases. He recommended remedies based on sage, cinnamon or cumin, applied either through fumigation, potions, frictions or aromatic baths. 
He also used perfume as a protection against diseases. It is said that he saved Athens from the plague by burning aromatic woods and hanging flower garlands in the streets. Hippocrates considered various oils used to preserve odors, the use of flowers and spices and the choice of a hundred perfumes for different states of mind and health both for men and women.

"Because both senses – taste and smell – are linked one to another, 
each serves somehow the pleasure of the other and man 
can thus discover fragrances either because it pleases the taste or the sense of smell.’’ Théophraste (400BC Book of Odors – Chapter III)

The Greeks were the first to utilize ‘’packaging’’ and ‘’marketing techniques’’. 
The alabasters, the oenochoes and the ariballoi were all made of terracotta decorated with trendy themes, perfectly understood by all the populations of the Mediterranean and all refer to Greek mythology or to major known themes. These vials were presented in various sizes in the same way as bottles are today: from the small inexpensive ariballoi vial containing little perfume to the enormous and expensive ariballoi jar which would today correspond to 1 litre of perfume.   
For a long time, perfumery items remained an important source of revenues for Greece. Cargos of wax-sealed vials and vases containing perfume oils were continuously leaving Peloponnese or Crete towards Mediterranean ports. 
​
Masters in the Art of creating perfumes; Masters in the Art of Cosmetics, ornament and make-up; Masters of the Art of packaging: the Greeks created the first industry of perfumery during Ancient times. 

The Art of Fragrance Design has been around for centuries. It has evolved into a complex industry that requires a keen understanding of olfactory senses, cultural nuances, and regulatory guidelines.
Crafting a perfume that appeals to a specific audience while adhering to international laws is a challenging task that requires expertise and experience. IPF experts now offer unique services to support brands and perfumers in taking the next step toward success. In this article, we will present what our experts provide and how they can help your brand with fragrance design and professional formula building, from natural perfume formulas to packaging and branding, and finally, the product launch in Paris.
 
Natural Perfume Formula Respecting Worldwide Regulations
Creating a natural perfume formula that meets worldwide regulations is a daunting task. Regulations vary depending on the country, and it is essential to be aware of the laws governing the use of certain ingredients. Natural perfumes are made with essential oils, absolutes, and resins extracted from plants, and they must comply with the International regulations to be exported worldwide.  For example, certain essential oils are prohibited in some countries and for some products; it is crucial to be aware of these restrictions when formulating a natural perfume for worldwide sales objectives. This is our task to help you making your Natural Perfume Formula accepted by all countries.  
 
Natural Perfume Respecting Targeted Country's Cultures and Population's Olfactory Sense
Creating a fragrance that respects the targeted country's culture and population's olfactory sense is essential to ensure the product's success. Different cultures have unique olfactory preferences, and creating a fragrance that appeals to the local population is necessary. For example, in the Middle East, musk and oud are popular ingredients in perfumes, while in Japan, scents that evoke nature, such as cherry blossom and green tea, are preferred.
To create a fragrance that respects the targeted country's culture and population's olfactory sense, perfumers must deeply understand local preferences. They must conduct research and understand the cultural significance of different scents. When creating a fragrance, it is also essential to consider the climate and environment. For example, too-heavy fragrances may not be suitable for hot and humid climates. Our experts research to create a scent that resonates with the local population and appeals to their olfactory senses.
 
Fragrance Development and Production in Grasse
Grasse, a town located in the south of France, is known as the world's perfume capital. It is home to many perfume companies and is a hub for fragrance development and production. Our experts’ source high-quality ingredients locally and have worked with suppliers for generations. We collaborate with quality companies in regulatory support, product compliance, and manufacturing. Moreover, Grasse is a hub for fragrance development and production.
 
Packaging Design and Development
Packaging design and development are essential to the success of a fragrance. The packaging should be visually appealing and reflect the brand's values and personality. Creating a packaging design that reflects those values requires creativity and innovation. The packaging should be visually appealing and stand out on the shelves. It should also be functional and easy to use. Our experts work with packaging designers to create a design that meets all these requirements. Finally, the packaging should be sustainable and environmentally friendly. Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of packaging on the environment, and it is essential to create recyclable and sustainable packaging.
 
Branding and Marketing
Branding and marketing play a crucial role in the success of a fragrance. A brand must have a unique personality and values that resonate with its target audience. Moreover, the marketing strategy should be innovative, creative, and effective in reaching the target audience because it is crucial to understand their preferences and values. Our experts conduct market research to gain insights into the brand's target audience and create a brand that reflects their values and personality. Marketing a fragrance requires creativity and innovation. The marketing strategy is tailored to the target audience to reach them effectively.
 
Luxury Website Development
A luxury website is vital to the success of a fragrance. The website should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and provide consumers with all the information about the scent. Additionally, the website should be optimized for mobile devices, as many consumers now shop online using their smartphones. Finally, creating a luxury website requires expertise and experience. Our experts work with web designers to help you create a website that reflects the brand's values and personality. 
 
Products International Distribution
International distribution is critical to the success of a fragrance. The fragrance should be available in different countries and through various channels to reach the target audience effectively. Additionally, working with distributors with experience in the fragrance industry is essential, and can effectively market and distribute the product.
To ensure international distribution, our experts work with distributors with experience in the fragrance industry. These distributors deeply understand the local market and can effectively market and distribute the product. For example, online distribution may be more effective in some countries, while brick-and-mortar stores may be more effective in others.
 
Launch in Paris: Press Conference, Event, and Cocktail
Launching a fragrance in Paris is a unique experience that allows perfume formulators to showcase their product to a global audience. The launch should be a memorable event communicating the brand's values and personality.
The launch should include a press conference, event, and cocktail. The press conference should provide journalists with all the information about the fragrance, including its ingredients, formula, and packaging. In addition, our experts work with event planners to ensure that the launch is visually appealing and effectively communicates the brand's values and personality.
 
PR and International Media
PR and international media are crucial to the success of a fragrance as they can reach a global audience effectively. Moreover, working with PR experts to communicate the brand's values and personality effectively is essential. Our experts work with PR professionals with experience in the fragrance industry to ensure effective PR and international media coverage. They deeply understand the local market and can effectively communicate the brand's values and uniqueness to a global audience. Furthermore, our experts work with PR experts to choose the media outlets most effectively reach the target audience.
 
Possibility of "Made in France" on Your Packaging
"Made in France" is a label with high value in the fragrance industry. It signifies that the fragrance was made in France, known for its perfumery expertise. Adding "Made in France" on the packaging can increase the product's perceived value and appeal to consumers who value French-made products. However, adding "Made in France" on the packaging is only possible if the fragrance has been created in France. Our experts work with suppliers and manufacturers based in France to allow clients to add this label to the packaging.
 
IPF's Commitment to your Brand
All brands and natural perfumes developed with the support of the IPF Teacher's Academy's Experts Consultancies will automatically benefit from The International Perfume Foundation promotion and labelling:

• Announcement in "Reconnect with Nature," IPF Newsletter (10.000 readers)
• Promotion of your launches on social media
• Brand Certification: First-year labelling offered (annual fee of 1,000€)
• Your logo on our Brand Certification page
• The authorization to add the IPF logo (green or white) on your packaging.
• The authorization to use the New Luxury Code in your communication (flyers, website, packaging)

 
The International Perfume Foundation (IPF) is committed to promoting and labelling all brands and natural perfumes developed with the support of the Teacher's Academy's Experts Consultancies. This commitment includes various benefits, such as an announcement in "Reconnect with Nature," IPF Newsletter, promotion of your launches in social media, brand certification, and more. This commitment signifies the IPF's dedication to supporting and promoting your brand. Projects are accepted under strict conditions, though, and we require structured projects preferably prepared by the education of the Natural Perfumery Teachers Academy . Our curriculum aims, such as the one of Master Natural Perfumer, are a must for the acceptance of any project.

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How to professionalize and structure your scent design for more ease and efficiency? 
The creation of a perfume is much more than an assembly of natural raw materials. Each natural essence each containing up to 300 molecules, their mastery in the composition of perfumes can prove to be perilous. A beautiful perfume is well thought out and inspired but above all well-constructed so that each ingredient is in its right place to better delight the senses. Being a natural perfumer requires different talents, both artistic and technical. Being a perfumer is a profession that can be learned, and it is important to master the fundamental basics if you want legitimacy.
How to organize your perfume organ and select quality natural essences is learned by mastering olfactory evaluations and by reading technical documents provided by suppliers. How to make and follow your stock, make accurate weighings, and above all learn effective methods which are real guides in the composition of a structured perfume.

Counting drops in the development of a perfume has no place.
​You must do the weighings and learn how to do them well to design reliable and serious documents. From experience, I have met many natural perfumers who proceed with counting drops, and then often find themselves in the delicate position of not being able to produce their perfumes even on a scale of a few dozen bottles. In addition, they lose all legitimacy and seriousness during exchanges with other professionals. Most of them lack a technical mastery of weighing, working with automated calculation tables, and understanding the reading of technical documents of the raw materials with which they worked. One step was missing: that of a more in-depth method.
If you work without real knowledge of these aspects, there will always come a time when the harmonious business development of your company will be limited. This is why I have designed two effective methods and processes to deepen the fundamental bases of perfumers so that they can design natural perfumes of high olfactory quality with mastery. These two distinct methods are adapted according to distinct projects and inspirations as well. The HEART® and SPLIT® method have proven themselves over nearly 26 years of various experiments! The HEART® method, for example, is perfectly suited to so-called thematic perfumes whose inspiration is a raw material, an olfactory family for example. The SPLIT® method applies to so-called feelings, history, and memories projects. This last method helps to tell a story, to develop it even if the basis of a perfume is to take our client on an imaginary journey, this method will be more targeted in its structure for an effective rendering. Practicing and following these two methods not only allows you to build a beautiful perfume but also to magnify your first inspiration.

In the creation of a beautiful natural perfume, each step is important:
From the quality of the raw materials, to their selection for the project, to meticulous dosage formulations, and to the design of tools such as formulation tables to professionally preserve and ensure their successful development.
If you work as an independent perfumer for brands, this is another subject because you must communicate precise documents so that the formulas are easily reproducible by service providers.
This is how the Scent Design & Formula-Building masterclass brings all this mastery accompanied by many blank documents that you can use throughout your career as a natural perfumer. These are real supports in addition to two methods whose processes are clearly explained. This masterclass is suitable for all perfumers and natural perfumers who wish to go further in the professionalisation of their work and thus succeed in their passion.
 
Enroll now for the Scent Design & Formula Building Masterclass

Session opens each first Monday of the month. Next session opens on March 6.
Multiple payments available.