Design Parfum by Paul Sebastian

Pros: Subtle, long-lasting, alluring

Cons: Even after twenty years of constant use – none
There are some beauty rituals I refuse to abandon (not that anyone has asked me to). One of them is the three seconds it takes each morning to spritz on my very favorite (virtually, only) perfume – Design Parfum by Paul Sebastian.
It’s been so long since I began using it, I can’t remember if I first found it on my own in a department store, or if it was a gift. If it was, thank you, whomever!

As mentioned in the title ” Every woman can have a signature scent”,( if they want one), but aside from merely enjoying  the scent you wear, is it the right one  for you? Now, of course, most men and women choose a scent that has a pleasing odor to our own nose, everyone else comes next. But did you know, that just because you like it, it may (truly) not be the best scent for you? Here’s why – (a little Perfumery 101).
  There are two points to consider when selecting a fragrance.

• Skin type.

Moist, oily skin enhances and amplifies perfume and cologne. Therefore it will smell stronger, more pungent, on you. Unfortunately, nothing is more ‘off-putting’ than being stuck in an elevator with an incense burner. Fresh, light, summertime  scents are better for people with this skin type.
Dry skin.
Perfume needs something to adhere to. If your skin is dry, the perfume will evaporate too quickly. A scent with heavier undertones is better for your skin type – like musk, or sandalwood.

•  Lifestyle.

Sounds crazy, but this is another case of ‘you are what you eat’.  If you smoke, use an excess of alcohol, or eat a lot of spicy food, these odors come to the skin surface in the form of perspiration. Perspiration mixed with perfume is not a scent most of us appreciate.  For some types, no perfume at all  is better – it’s just plain chemistry.

The next lesson in Perfumery 101 is how a perfume is ‘built’.  Think of a pyramid – perfume has top, middle and base notes.
The Top note, also known as Head note, is the scent you perceive immediately after applying the perfume. It’s meant to be fresh, assertive and sharp.
The Middle note, also known as the Heart note, is the scent you detect anywhere from a few minutes to one hour later. It may still be pronounced, but it’s settling down. Other scents are evolving and making themselves known.

The Base Note has the heaviest molecules, it’s meant to evaporate slowly, to give the perfume it’s long-lasting characteristic. On an ironic note (no pun intended) perfume, just like firearm ammunition, has a co-efficient factor – meaning it’s ability to overcome air resistance.  This could also be referred to as sillage (pronounced ‘see-yazj’) (hard a), the trail or wafting scent you leave. Women love this!
For example:  Design Parfum has the following structure:
Top Note: Tuberose, Orange Blossom, Peach and Jasmine.
Middle Note: Honeysuckle, Carnation, Gardenia and Lilac
Base Note: Sandalwood, black currant, musk and civet.
Overall it might be considered an Oriental fragrance, with varying floral overtones.  I most often detect the scent of the honeysuckle and gardenia.
One experience I have on a fairly regular basis is a gentleman commenting on the scent I’m wearing, or asking what it is? Either inquiry is flattering because chances are good he’ll purchase this perfume for his ‘special other’.  An absolute guarantee Paul Sebastian will continue the fragrance for as long as I’ll need it!
This perfume is not that expensive and can be purchased at any of the major department store counters, and even at Wal-mart. It is slightly under $30.00 for a 3.4 oz. bottle – which lasts me, with daily use, from Christmas to Christmas. This my family knows well – 🙂