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I have a FaceBook Page where I discuss the history of perfume (from the very beginning to modern day) and some other Perfume talk e.g. image, style, etc. I've just posted the ninth chapter of the history of perfume today and suddenly thought there might be people on this forum who are interested in perfume.

Not sure whether I'm allowed to put the link here so first checking. If o.k., I will paste the link for those of you on facebook. I think only people who are on FaceBook can read the Page?

My Facebook link for those of you interested in Perfume and reading about the history of perfume.
Go to Discussions and start with History of Perfume: 1. I am now up to instalment 9 and adds an instalment on a weekly basis.
http://facebook.com/FM.NEWZEALAND

I hope you enjoy reading about the different stages of perfume making and the advancement to the modern day.

I used to love perfume until I became pregnant 16 years ago. Unfortunately I have never been able to tolerate it since and can't bear it if I am near anyone who is wearing strong perfume. My sisters were happy though as they scored some really nice perfumes from me.

That's interesting. I went off a certain food when I was young and sick in bed and my mother made the dish at my request and I've never, ever been able to eat it again.

Back to perfume: I used to only wear Red Door for years on end. It was truly my signature fragrance and I would always get compliments.

Nowadays I'm experimenting a lot with the different fragrances on offer in my business - my skin acidity level is a bit quirky and I was wondering whether I would find another perfume as suited to me as trusted old Red Door.

After a few experiments I seemingly hit the jackpot yesterday when I tried FM no. 234 and received four compliments in town and one in the evening from hubby! The fragrance family is not even one that I would normally have chosen, Floral / Citrus with notes of amongst others tea rose, peach, tulips, iris. This fragrance is similar to Pure White Linen by Estée Lauder. I usually run for orientals and my other trusted favourite is Opium.

Well, looks like FM. 234 could be a good day fragrance but now I'll have to experiment to find a good evening fragrance... and this time I'm sure to try some orientals. The hunt is on.

A very interesting coverage of the history of perfumes, Liz.

I also went off the smell of a certain perfume whilst pregnant, & many years later, was nearly sick, when I smelt it again on someone!

My favourite perfume was always Musk, but that varied from maker to maker.

I only use an Orient very sparingly now on special occasions, & much less powerful essences, for general use.

Choosing a perfume can be a lengthy process. I don't trust those little strips of cardboard that one sprays on to test it simply because you are not going to get a "true" test of what that perfume will smell like on your own skin. We are all different, and the scent will change after an hour or two on ones body and become quite different from how it comes straight out of the spray .
I have two favourite perfumes that I can no longer purchase in this country. One of them was my favourite 'evening ' one, and it was called Maroussia. People often used to ask me "What is that lovely perfume?" I managed to purchase some at Changi International airport last year, so was thrilled about that. The other one that I was rather fond of and which often used to result in compliments also was an Estee Lauder one called Spellbound. I was getting low on it, but the last time I tried to buy some in Auckland, I was told that it is no longer imported for some reason, but I was assured it was still available overseas. I decided that I would buy some at an Airport on my way to London. Well before I even got to the counter to ask about it , I was approached by a sales person who was promoting a new french perfume which had just been released that week . It is called Balenciaga, and she waved one of those strips under my nostrils . I liked what I sniffed, but I told her I would not purchase from a whiff off a strip . I told her to put some on my wrists and if I liked it a few hours into the flight that I would look for it at Heathrow. Well .... on the flight it developed into a really gorgeous perfume.... I just adore it. I had to have some, and I promised myself that due to the resulting pain in my purse, I would not look at purchasing any other perfumes , toileteries or ANY other luxury items for that matter, for the rest of the time while I was away! I stuck to my pledge too. Blimey, I have never spent so much on one perfume in my life... and, I probably will not ever again. I told myself that it was my own birthday present to me.... That is not until September, but what the heck... at least I am getting something that I really delights me ! I always buy myself a nice birthday, Christmas, and Valentines pressie. My DH would always have done so if he had been still been around, so I am just keeping to the standards that he would expect me too.
I am a little bit naughty at times , I suppose, but... the temptation to spoil myself was just too great !.

Many, many moons ago as a young girl I wore Masumi (Coty). I sometimes wonder how I would feel about it if it was available today?

Re. the testing strips: KKK Katy, you are spot on. You cannot choose on those strips but it helps as an elimination tool.

I'm also quite often amazed that many people do not know that you never, ever choose a perfume on the top note (those first strong notes out of the bottle). It takes at least two minutes for the top note to start moving into the middle (heart) note) and only from here onwards are you able to get to the true character of the perfume. I often see people spray on a testing strip (in the shop), take a whiff, pull a face and discard the strip. Sadly, that perfume had no chance...

Go Kkkaty! Your DH would be proud of you doing as he would have done. Liz, I have to say I find Opium the strongest perfume - on anyone. I find it a very cloying smell.