Summary of Perfumery: Training the Nose by Jean Carles

Unlock the secrets of fragrance with 'Perfumery: Training the Nose' by Jean Carles. Master scent blending and discover the emotional power of aromas!

Welcome to the world of Perfumery: Training the Nose, where the author, Jean Carles, tries to take your olfactory senses on a delightful and, let's be honest, sometimes overwhelming journey. Ever wondered how to sniff your way through a perfume counter without feeling like you've just gassed yourself with a floral bomb? Well, you're in luck because Jean is here to educate you on all things fragrance!

First things first: what is the nose good for? Aside from sniffing out dinner and detecting if someone forgot to shower, it turns out our noses are crucial in the science of perfumery. Carles guides you through various scent families-think floral, fruity, spicy, and that classic "I just walked through a department store" aroma. This man should get a medal for figuring out how to categorize smells that have been swirling around since the dawn of time!

Now, let's talk about the wonderful art (and science, folks!) of blending. Carles lays down some serious groundwork, teaching you how to mix oils like a mad scientist in a lab. He throws around terms like "top notes," "middle notes," and "base notes," which sounds like a music class but is, in fact, about why that Chanel No. 5 hits you like a floral sneeze at first but evolves into something more sophisticated. Spoiler alert: it's about time and evaporation-just when you thought you could escape those notes!

Of course, no perfume guide would be complete without a section on the emotional connections to scents. You'll learn how something as simple as a whiff of vanilla can bring you back to Grandma's kitchen or how the smell of freshly cut grass can remind you of your unfortunate summer job as a lawnmower operator (sorry about that). Carles cleverly emphasizes how fragrances evoke memories, proving once and for all that your nose is basically a time machine.

Carles dives deeper into the practical aspects of becoming a fragrance aficionado, including advice on how to train your nose. Apparently, this isn't just a matter of getting used to smelling stinky socks! He shares exercises (yes, exercises!) to enhance your olfactory skills. Who knew that smelling things could actually become a workout? Just beware that you won't be impressing anyone at the gym with your "scent squats."

In true perfumery fashion, Carles not only educates but also encourages experimentation. He believes everyone can create their own signature scent-yes, even you, who thinks wearing that 'cologne of despair' is a great idea. By the end of this book, you might just be ready to start your own scent line called "Eau de Procrastination" or "Desperation Essence."

So whether you seek to master the delicate balance of notes or just want to avoid smelling like a walking bouquet of flowers, Perfumery: Training the Nose has got you covered. Get your sniffing game on point, and remember: when in doubt, just follow your nose!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.