The History of Perfume
From the aromatic oils of ancient times to the celebrity perfumes of the modern day, fragrances have come a long way over the past few centuries.
Here at The French Parfumerie, we provide a platform for you to buy perfume online in South Africa. You can also find our products in stockists all over the country. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating journey of fragrance through time.
Ancient Times (4,000BC – 500BC)
In Ancient Egypt, perfumes were an integral part of everyday life. Not only were aromatic oils used for religious ceremonies, but they were also used in the embalming process and for personal wear.
So, what perfume smells the best according to the Ancient Egyptians? Popular scents included frankincense, cinnamon, saffron and honey.
Classical Antiquity (500BC – 500AD)
Did you know that athletes competing in the Olympic games during Classical Antiquity were crowned with scented olive oil? Other popular uses for fragrances during this time included the rose water fountains and perfumed baths of Ancient Rome.
Medieval Era (500AD – 1500AD)
Thanks to advancements in chemistry, alcohol distillation revolutionised the perfume-making process in the Arab World. Many of these techniques and ingredients are still used by perfumers to this day.
Renaissance (14th to 17th Century)
During the Renaissance Era, trade and exploration became far more accessible, which allowed new scents and ingredients to reach different locations around the world. Fragrance became symbolic of luxury, and more emphasis was placed on the beauty of the perfume bottles.
Modern Era (18th Century Onwards)
The modern era kicked off with Grasse being named the perfume capital of the world, thus cementing the dominance of French fragrances.
In the 19th century, scientific breakthroughs led to the popularisation of synthetic ingredients. This allowed perfumers to expand their palettes, eventually leading to the emergence of the designer celebrity fragrances of the 20th century.
These days, our options are truly endless when it comes to choosing a scent. However, artisanal perfumeries that focus on sustainable and natural ingredients are certainly on the rise.
Are you looking to buy perfume online in South Africa? No matter your thoughts on what perfume smells the best, we have options for every preference so feel free to browse the various scent collections on our site. If you have any questions about our quality fragrances, feel free to get in touch with our team.
