Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani once said that “perfume is the invisible, yet unforgettable accessory.” It is like a piece of clothing and a way of presenting ourselves to the people. Perfume is more than a fragrance, it’s a connection to emotion, memory, and mood.
Renowned perfumer Renato Lopena Jr. believes that the scents we choose are deeply personal and have the power to evoke feelings, manifest intentions, and reflect who we are. During the grand launch of local perfume brand Alchemy, the scent expert shared insights into the fascinating world of perfumery.
“We often hear the EDT, EDP, parfum, so what are these? These are the different fragrance concentrations. So we have eau de fraiche, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and parfum,” Lopena began. “So technically, the Eau de Fraiche is the lowest dosage of perfume concentration, and then parfum is the highest concentration. So technically and ideally, the higher the concentration, the more long-lasting it is, the stronger it is.”
“Number one is your skin chemistry or how your skin reacts to the fragrances. It varies from person to person. And then number two, how the fragrance is constructed. Sometimes, even if it’s EDP, it performs better than the parfum,” he continued, explaining the things to consider when it comes to the longevity of a fragrance.
Breaking down the notes of every scent, Lopena explained that these notes formed were what perfumers call the olfactive period, giving each fragrance its unique character.
“But it doesn’t mean that what you smell first or the top notes, that’s what you’ll smell. No. You smell the whole fragrance. It’s just that the first thing, the first impression that you will get is the top notes. And it’s actually according to the volatility of the fragrance notes or chemicals used in the perfume,” shared Lopena.
“So the super volatile, like the citrus notes, they’re the top notes. Why? Followed by the middle notes, citrus, florals, and some fruity notes. And then you have the base notes which are woody, moss. So those are what you smell sometimes a day or two. So those are the base notes,” he added.
Talking about Alchemy’s latest collection of scents, Lopena detailed how the brand captured emotions through four distinct scents: Love, Power, Success, and Harmony. Each fragrance is designed to evoke specific feelings and aspirations.
A floral-amber fragrance, Love combines sweet and sensual notes. A romantic floral blend of jasmine, orange blossom, and roses, with warm undertones of cocoa, vanilla, citrus, and amber. This scent is designed to foster affection, compassion, and intimacy.
“When we’re in love, or when we express our love, we give flowers, particularly roses. So another reason why it’s called love. So this gives you that sensual, sweet feeling,” said Lopena.
On the other hand, Power embodies strength and confidence. With peach and blood orange in the top notes and rum and jasmine in the middle, this bold scent makes a statement. Base notes like patchouli and sandalwood.
“So it’s very strong, very sensual. So this is a good, also a date night scent. And if you want to evoke strength, go for power,” he continued.
Fresh, aquatic, and invigorating, Success opens with lime, lemon, and neroli. A floral heart and mossy base inspire relaxation and focus, making it the ideal scent to seize the day.
“When you want to be successful and you want to seize the day, you want something very relaxing or energizing. And I think this is the perfect fragrance to manifest success. It’s an invigorating scent, relaxing,” the perfume expert added.
Meanwhile, a unisex blend, Harmony feels like a walk in nature. A calming fusion of jasmine and sandalwood, offering a balanced and soothing fragrance that promotes inner peace and equilibrium.
“Since it’s very routine, it gives you the feeling of being in nature. So it’s like a harmony between you and nature or the surroundings. So this can be enjoyed by both men and women. And I think that’s again harmonious because both genders can appreciate this fragrance,” he shared
Alchemy’s collection is available nationwide at Watsons, SM Beauty stores, and online for an accessible P299 per bottle. Until January 5, 2025, shoppers can enjoy exclusive perks like free engraving, scent samples, and a complimentary canvas bag with a purchase of two bottles.
