Fashion Finders

by: Geoff Ficke

The stunning growth of the high-end luxury perfume business in the last two decades has been centered in the celebrity endorser, designer category. Actresses, athletes, models and fashion designers have introduced dozens of new scents; each seeking to lure consumers based on the aura created by the endorsing personality. 

Whether you admire Michael Jordan’s basketball skills, Narciso Rodriguez’ modernist Spanish designs or Jennifer Lopez’ singing or acting talents, the marketers of these fragrance brands seek to profit from the perceived lifestyle allure of their licensee’s. What very few people realize is that branded fragrances are rarely, if ever, actually created by the endorser. 

The perfume industry is a multi-billion dollar international enterprise. The marketers of branded fragrance products, however, rarely, if ever, develop and produce their own scents. This is a specialty business handled by large essential oil houses like IFF, Robertet, and Givaudan. These companies not only formulate scents, but they harvest and source the flora, fauna and the exotic natural ingredients that provide the base for their fragrances. Many of these biologically diverse plants and animal by-products are rare, expensive and fragile, requiring a great deal of special handling and knowledge. 

An example is the whale by-product ambergris. Whales are not harvested to obtain ambergris. This is skimmed from the surface of the ocean, above swimming pods of whales, Ambergris is simply whale vomit. It is exceedingly valuable and crucial as a component in many exotic scent bases. 

The high cost of perfume is attributed to the expense of obtaining essential oils from rare and expensive plants. Rare orchids can yield only a few drops of oil per plant harvested and processed. The processing of essential oils is its own industry. 

Companies like Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden and Lancome do not produce any of their own fragrances. They typically meet with perfume houses such as Givaudan, provide guidance as to their desired scent direction, and then await and evaluate submissions from the integrated houses chosen to bid on the project. Once a favored prototype scent is chosen then the perfume house is contracted to perfect the scent and produce the oils. 

The creation of perfume is part science, part marketing, part branding, and a whole lot of art. The art of designing unique, commercial fragrances is entrusted to the “nose” retained by the perfume house. “Noses” are rare, coddled, gifted and possess a talent so unusual that there are only a few recognized “noses” in the world at any given time. 

I have had the good fortune to work with one of the greatest, most successful “noses” of the second half of the 20th century.  Francis Camail is a legend in the world of creative perfumery. The list of his achievements is stunning. Watching and experiencing his work is to view the efforts of a “master”. 

Mr. Camail, working from his laboratory in Grasse, France has been the creative genius behind Annick Goutal, Revlon’s Charlie (at one time the most popular scent in the world), Giorgio (the most profitable brand of the 1980’s), Estee Lauder’s Aliage, Eternity (Calvin Klein), Ivoire (Pierre Balmain) and Bond #9. These are only a few of the brands that have germinated from his ability to create scents that consumer’s desire and loyally purchase on a repeat basis. 

Mr. Camail is unique in that he is an independent contractor hired out by large, international perfume houses on a per job contract basis. His reputation is so powerful that he has the ability to be exceedingly selective in the clients he chooses to work with. To view the process he utilizes to layer, build and nurture various top notes, dry notes and a final bouquet is to experience a true artisan master at work. 

The creative process necessary to produce luxury perfumery is an old-world, artisan craftsman skill that can not be taught. Francis Camail does employ assistants and interns, as do most other “noses”. However, very few of them, if any, ever go on to successfully conquer the mystical world of exotic fragrance. His skills are apparently God given. 

In a world of mass production and industrialization, it is reassuring to know that skills such as those provided by perfumery “noses” are still extant, and essential. The world still has nooks and crannies that appreciate and value craft and artisan skills and abilities.

1. Gift Wrapping Papers

Why buy expensive gift wrapping papers from the market, if you can make them at home? Plain brown grocery paper bags are what you can begin with. Take out your painting brush and craft paints. Give your imagination a free run. Remember that the sky is the limit, so far as your creativity and imagination go. Paint any design and rest assured that your effort would be well appreciated by those who receive your gift. You can paint flowers, trees, butterflies, bees, birds or whatever fancies you.

2. Saving on Gifts

Everyone loves receiving and giving gifts. If you have a large family, you may end up spending a lot of money buying gifts for each member, and receiving gifts you may have no need for. You may talk to your family members and come to an understanding to limit the giving of gifts to children only. This way you keep the children, who love to receive gifts, happy, and save a substantial amount of money too.

3. Homemade Gifts

Everyone loves receiving gifts. A homemade gift is any day more appreciated than gifts purchased from the market. One can actually feel the warmth that is associated with homemade gifts. If you have time on hand then there is no dearth of opportunities to exhibit your skills. You can make gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Christmas gifts, babies and more.

You can knit a sweater or a pair of booties for a little baby; make cakes for occasions, or weave baskets. There is no end to what you can create at home. Wrap your gifts with homemade packaging and tie it with a bow.

4. Movie Shows

If you are a movie buff, you must know that matinee and late afternoon shows are cheaper than nighttime or late night shows. If you are planning to treat your family to a movie, take them during the day. The savings could well be more than half of what you normally spend. It is as good as seeing two movies at the cost of one nighttime movie.

Eateries inside the movie theater offer food at prices that can burn a big hole in your pocket. It would be a great idea if you carry some homemade popcorns, and candies along with you to munch inside while watching the movie. Some movie tickets come at discounted prices. Check online and you will get to save money on that account too. So, you know now how to save good money while taking your family out to see a movie.

5. Saving at Home

Make everyone in your family participate in making savings wherever they can. Inculcate a habit of turning off the lights when leaving the room. Initially, you or your kids may forget to do so. Fix a fun-punishment for those who break this rule. Water heaters may be run on low settings, if warm water is the need. Higher settings consume more power. If the air outside is cooler, you may open the windows to let in fresh and cool air. This way you can save significantly on your air conditioning. All these little things done consciously can make a huge contribution to your saving.

6. Reward Scheme

Start a reward scheme at home encouraging all your family members to become conscientious savers. Achievers may be rewarded with stuff they want. If you want to avoid expenses on taxis, encourage them to use public transport. The savings that are made on this account can be used to finance different needs of individuals in the family. You may also spend the amount saved on a family outing.

7. Right Attitude

It is important to develop the right attitude towards saving. In fact, the entire family needs to have a healthy view on saving. You need to develop a habit of not wasting resources and being aware of the need of saving. Do not think that you cannot save, because if you make a conscious effort, you certainly can.

8. Not All Unused Stuff is Useless

Teach your children the concept and importance of saving. Tell them not to throw away things they do not need. It is often seen that teenagers throw away things that are of no need to them without realizing that what is not good for them may be good for some other family member. You may check a few times with your children the stuff that they consider of no use to them, and make them realize how important it may be for someone in the house. Unused gum tubes, make up, clothes, accessories etc. may come in handy. So, these should not be thrown away.

9. Family Saving Plan

Get your family together and let them participate in the family saving plan. Ask for their ideas on how to make savings. Let your teenaged kids come forward and suggest ways to save on the telephone bill. If you give them responsibility, they will act consciously. Discuss other saving matters with them, making them aware of what needs to be done, and how wasteful expenditure can be curtailed.

10. Buffets and Money Saving

When you are on an outing with your family, you can have your lunch or dinner in a restaurant that offers buffet.

11. Vacationing

Plan your vacations in advance, and plan them for the off-season. Prices all-round are considerably lower during the off-season. You will find hotel accommodation, cars and airfare at heavily discounted prices. That is a lot in terms of saving when you are traveling with your family.

If you happen to be the kind that loves solitude and peace, then there is nothing like an off-season holiday. You may also plan to book your hotel accommodation just one day in advance to the start of the holiday season. This one day translates into substantial saving for you.You can save a lot of money that way. If your child is young, you can share your meals. Moreover, buffets offer a wide range of menus to select from. Buffets are a win-win situation from the point of view of food and saving.

12. Networking

If you have two computers in different rooms in your house, it is best to have them networked. There is no point paying twice over and have two high-speed cable connections for both the computers. Arrange your computers in such a way that one of them acts as a primary computer and the other as the backup. Under such an arrangement, you can have a single high-speed internet cable connection and pay a nominal amount extra for the second computer. That is a lot of saving.

13. Economy Haircuts

Many haircutting saloons offer economy haircut packages for families. These work out to be cheaper than going for individual haircuts.

Some families normally do haircuts for kids at home, and make good savings on that account. The money saved can be utilized for other purposes.

14. Recycling Stuff at Home

When we talk of recycling, the first thing that strikes us is utilization of the waste. You can actually save money by applying recycling in your life. For instance, you can create a nice gift for your friend with the things around you. Avoid buying expensive showpieces or gifts, and go for things around you and try to create something innovative. See the smile on your friend’s face.

15. Managing Your Utilities

Always take care that the rooms you are not using should be closed. If you are heating or cooling the entire house then you are simply wasting money. Thus, close all the unused rooms or garage, as there is no need of any kinds of utilities there. This act can save a lot of your money.

16. Check Your Bills

Always keep in mind to check the details of your bills. It could be credit card statements, bank statement, telephone or electricity bills or even the receipt of grocery. If you pay attention to them and go through the details minutely, you may find some errors, which might be huge. These errors can be immediately corrected. After the correction, a statement for the right amount be generated. Thus, your presence of mind can save you money.

17. Time Costs Money

Always try to pay your bills or any other payments on time. All of us know that not paying a bill on time means paying penalty for late payment. This unnecessary wastage of money is because of our laziness and negligence. So, make it a point to pay your bills on time and avoid wastage of money.

18. Discipline

Discipline makes a person perfect. Maintaining discipline in your life means organizing your life completely. If your life is organized that means you are saving a lot of money. Is it possible? Yes! Suppose, you are paying all your bills on their due date that means you are saving a lot of money. Thus, you can save your hard-earned money all through proper organization. All it demands is a little discipline and your money will be safe in your pocket.

19. Spend on Needs

It is very necessary to differentiate between wants and needs. There is a small degree of difference between the two.

Make all your purchases need-based, occasionally making allowance for want-based shopping. If you base your purchasing on needs, you will see that you can cut down on a whole lot of needless purchasing. And save a substantial amount.

20. Save gas

If you act a little responsibly then you can save a lot of money. For instance, try to stay in such an area where all the essentials are in the same local area. This kind of organization can help you in saving a lot of gas. Once in a week go for a small drive, and complete all your errands.

21. Maintaining Your Garden

If you are looking to add more plants to your garden, you will find that buying plants can be quite expensive. Look around your garden and see if you can split some existing plants and use them where you want them. You may even ask your friends or neighbors, if they can spare some surplus plants or split them for you.

If you are planning to buy a lawnmower, buy one that mulches leaves. This will save you money in terms of buying mulch for your plants and flowerbeds.

22. Sharing a Ride

All of us want to live in an environment friendly atmosphere. But, there are so many vehicles that are causing air pollution. We are inhaling a lot of poisonous smoke and killing ourselves gradually. Thus, we should think about this growing danger and go for carpool. Carpool is not only useful in reducing pollution, but also saves a lot of money. So, look out for the neighbors, who share the same route or any of your co-workers and enjoy the ride together. By opting for carpool, you are acting as a responsible citizen and incrementing your savings.

23. Minimize the Subscriptions

Receiving your favorite storybooks or monthly magazines through mail is really fun. However, subscribing to several magazines at a time is nothing but wastage. Thus, act intelligently and cancel most of the subscriptions. Select one or two of your favorite magazines and continue their subscriptions. Thus, you can enjoy the magazines and will be able to save money also.

24. Fashion and Accessories

Most of us want to be with the trend and look fashionable. To acquire these fashionable clothes we spent a lot of money. Is it reasonable? You can act intelligently by dressing casually, i.e. in your normal clothes and you can enhance the looks of these normal clothes by adding trendy accessories to it. This act will serve your purpose of being trendy. Moreover, you will be able to save money.

25. Herbal Remedies

One can save a lot of money by using certain home remedies while facing some health problems. There is no need of rushing to the doctor for a sore throat. Instead of paying for his consultation and medicines, make a paste of butter mixed with ginger and sugar and take it.

Hot teddy is a sure treatment for severe colds. Take it before going to bed. These small tricks or herbs can prove to be quite beneficial in saving your money. Try to gather maximum information about these home remedies and save money.

26. Proper Insulation at Home

Due to improper insulation, an average home is wasting hundreds of dollars of their hard-earned money. Just, take few steps and you can prevent this wastage. Take care that there should not be any entry of drafts through windows, doors or the fireplace. Your house needs perfect insulation. Once insulation of your house is in order, you will see a considerable deduction in your utility bill.

27. Hobbies Can Become a Profession

All of us have some hidden skills. It could be singing, dancing, knitting, cooking, painting, woodworking or anything. You can enjoy your hobby and at the same time earn from it. For Instance, if your hobby is knitting you can sell your knitted goods and earn from it. If you have skills in dancing, singing, or an expertise in any language then you can also earn by taking classes in the local community college. It is a nice way of earning money, as you are enjoying what you are doing while earning.

We all like to look and smell great, but not everyone can afford $100 bottles of half-ounce perfume. Fortunately, there are a lot of great discount perfume buys out there.

Discount perfume doesn’t have to equate to “cheap” in quality or scent either. The reality is there are some ways to go about getting brand name or brand name replicas that smell as wonderful as their more expensive counterparts. Quality doesn’t have to equate to a huge price tag.

If you’re looking for brand name perfume, but want to pay discount perfume prices, there are some strategies that can be employed. To make sure the perfume bought is the “real deal,” try:

* Shopping sales. Some of the best brand names in perfume can be found on sale at various times of the year. Whether it’s the holiday season or a department store blow out sale in the summer, shopping sales often pays off with great perfume buys at discount prices. Consider getting yourself listed on department store e-mail alerts for big sales or check the circulars.

* Shopping online. There are a lot of locations online that offer some of the best names in perfume today for a fraction of the price many department stores offer. These locations can often offer these prices because they manage to cut their overhead greatly by dealing online. It’s also possible they buy in bulk. Regardless, the prices offered online can beat department stores in many cases.

* Shop promotions. Many department stores and even online stores offer great promotions that include some of the top names in perfume at lower prices. Sometimes the perfume even comes free with the purchase of something else that’s needed. While it’s not likely the perfume bottle will be huge in size, this is a great way to get a favorite or even look for a new one without spending a lot, or even any, money.

Replica brand name creations also offer a fantastic way for people to enjoy their favorite fragrances without paying a bundle. These buys can range from high quality to cheap imitation. To tell the difference, it’s not a bad idea to do these things before purchasing when it’s possible:

* Test the scent. If there are samples available, check out the discount perfume’s scent in comparison to the favorite brand name that it’s compared to. If they’re close, you’re on the right track.

* Wear the scent. Go ahead and take the sample and try the scent on for size. You might find after a few hours it holds up well and smell great, or it just doesn’t. Either way, if the sample’s used, you’re not out any money.

Some of the best names in perfume can set a person back a pretty penny. While we all love to look and smell great, discount perfume can be a good route to go for those who want to do so and save money, too. There are some great ways to enjoy brand name or even high quality replicas without paying out an arm and a leg.

1. Waste not want not. Somethings can be recycled. When your mascara is all used up, don’t throw the wand away. Wash it thoroughly with soap and water and use it as a lash separator.

2. For natural looking, yet lush lashes, after applying each coat of mascara, separate the lashes with an eye lash comb or a clean, dry mascara wand.

3. Before applying eye makeup, lie down with a cucumber slice over each eye for 15 minutes to reduce puffiness.

4. If a zit appears, before you hide it with makeup, bring down the redness with ice. Then apply a pimple remedy and paint on the concealer to hide the zit

5. To brighten your eyes, line just behind the lower lashes with white mascara.

6. If your lipstick melts, don’t throw it away. Transfer it into a clean ointment jar and apply it with a lip brush.

7. You can also mix melted lipstick with Vaseline in an ointment jar to form a tinted lip balm

8. If you want cats eyes, use a liquid eye liner on the upper lash line. Start with a fine line from the inner corner, but thicken the line dramatically as you move towards the outer corner of the eye. Then wing out. Here is a step by step guide on how to apply eyeliner

9. If you want color, there is no need to do a rainbow. A subtle application of an electric blue eyeliner on nude eyeshadows would do the trick. Or play up your eyes with a single bright eyeshadow in violet, or even orange, but offset it with neutral shadows like browns, grays and blacks.

10. Make lips look fuller by dabbing the center of the lower lip with a silver or gold eyeshadow.

11. Blush can be used for all over radiance. Apply dust it over your cheekbones, chin, tip of nose, forehead and even over your eyelids for that naturally pretty look that will not clash.

12. Before you even start applying makeup, apply your daily moisturizer and let your skin soak it up. Go for one with SPF15 to give you the protection you need from the aging UV rays of the sun. Spread a tissue paper over your face to blot off the excess.

13. Make lashes appear fuller with by lining the lower lash line with black eye pencil liner. Gently tug down the lower eyelid to draw the line just behind your lashes.

14. Reduce redness by using a green shades.

15. Reduce sallowness with lilac.

16. Remove waterproof mascara with a makeup remover meant for waterproof mascara. If you can’t find such a makeup remover, you can improvise with olive oil.

17. Have cotton buds handy in case of mistake. Dip the cotton bud in makeup remover and use that to erase mistakes.

18. Apply colorless nail polish and let it dry completely before you apply a dark colored nail polish. Protect your nails from the pigments with that base.

19. Protect your manicure with a colorless nail polish once the color has dried completely.

20. Refresh a chipped manicure by touching up the color. Once dry and all the missing bits have been painted on, freshen the manicure with a coat of clear polish over every nail.