Perfume: The art and craft of fragrance

The art of a perfumer is a true skill. This well written and beautifully illustrated book is the best introduction to this vast subject I have been able to find. As a novice it has given me practical information to enable me to make simple blends using natural fragrances with basic information about balancing fragrance notes and creating different accords within the different notes. There are also very good instructions to make oil based, alcohol based, solid perfumes and room fragrances. There is basic practical guidance as to how to begin training you nose to recognise fragrance notes and blends. There is insight and inspiration into the art of using chemical extracts from plant oils and quality synthetics to enhance naturals where needed because of inherent restrictions with some plant oils due to their very nature, lack of longevity, potential skin irritation and cost. I have been guided to think about perfume within the different categories of fragrances, which types of smells and plant extracts are usually found in each and inspired to be creative. There is so much practical information in this little book set against history and evolution of the fragrance industry that .I have been both daunted by its potential complexity but truly inspired to want to learn more.

The information in it was interesting but I was expecting more recipes to try. It provides a good insight on the art of fragrance so if one is interesting on background information this is a good book. On the other hand if you want lots of easy to follow recipes then there are other options on the market. Very quick delivery and packaging.

Written by the amazing Karen Gilbert, this book takes you through the history of perfume and at the same time, gives relevance to the perfumes you will be making later. That's right - not just a study on perfume and the fragrance groups but a hands-on book that will have you making beautiful perfumes. You can follow Karen's recipes but she also gives plenty of guidance how to successfully free-style and create your own bespoke perfumes. You can make classical perfumes, perfume oils, solid perfumes and room fragrancers. Reed diffucers are also here as well as how to fragrance shower gels, scrubs, creams and lotions. Oh, and she tells you how to make the shower gels, scrubs, creams and lotions as well! Beautifully photographed, clear, concise, informative and a joy to read - there is everything to love about this book. Buy now and indulge yourself. Buy as presents for other people and they will love you for it.

was hoping that this would include more recipes for scent - a lots of perfume history but I am not really interested in that.

I love this book Karen's style is so easy to read and this book so informative. From the history of perfumes right through to modern times she unpacks the mystery of fragrances. Packed full of useful information I'm sure this book will encourage lots of people to start their own journey to making or finding their own unique perfume[[ASIN:1782490442 Perfume: The art and craft of fragrance - Learn how to create your own personal fragrance, with easy-to-follow recipes for perfumes, bath and body products to make at home

Karen Gilbert has become one of my favourite authors in the area of natural beauty, including fragrance, and I own two books by this author. The book is extremely well-organized, and has so many wonderful recipes and other information. I am so glad I bought this book! This is the next best thing to taking one of Gilbert's classes.

There is a magazine-like quality to this book. Found it to be informative.

The book is very well written and put together (although I did see one typing error!). I adore and love the outlay of the book from start to finish. The writer also includes names of places to visit (if one is interested) for perfumery. A good quality and sumptuous book.