Do you know where fragrance first originated, or why we consider them to be an important accessory? If you have ever wondered the answers to these questions, this is the article for you!

INFORMATIONAL

The Evolution of Fragrance

December 13, 2019 | 2 MIN READ

Do you know where fragrance first originated, or why we consider them to be an important accessory? If you have ever wondered the answers to these questions, this is the article for you! In order to present a clear picture, we have looked back through a few societies that have played a large role in making fragrances the amazing products they are today.

Humble Beginnings

Fragrances have considerably evolved throughout the years. In fact, fragrance culture extends back to the Egyptian era. This is the equivalent of 3,000 B.C.! Archeologists have found hieroglyphs of the ancient Egyptians making perfume and actual bottles of perfume in recently researched tombs. Scientists believe that perfume was initially used to cover up the smell of sacrificial offerings. Anything has got to be better than the smell of rotting flesh, right? Many ingredients used long ago, such as jasmine, honey, and lilies, are still used in making fragrances today.

Greeks and Romans

The Egyptians were not the only ancient civilization interested in exploring the world of fragrance. Both the Romans and the Greeks played essential roles in developing fragrances. The Greeks were especially interested in taking measures to prevent foul odors. The society is well known for its highly developed interest in bodily hygiene. Because of this, they were able to create the first body fragrance. Before this moment in history, other societies were only interested in concealing the odors of religious practices. On the other hand, although the Romans did not create the concept of fragrances, they did coin the name "per fumum," the first version of the word perfume.

The 1900's

Many women feel incomplete with their fragrance today, but this is only sometimes the case. Before the 1950s, fragrances were considered luxury items for special occasions. The idea that perfume could be worn daily was revolutionized by none other than fragrance and makeup designer Estée Lauder. She began her line by creating bath products. She thought that getting women interested in smelling like her scents would make them more inclined to purchase the more costly fragrance. Her iconic fragrance, Youth Dew, continues to be adored by women across the globe.