Brief Summary
This YouTube video features a conversation with Abdullah Ajmal, the CEO of Ajmal Group, who shares his expertise on perfumes. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the factors that make perfumes expensive, how Indian customers choose perfumes, the connection between smell and memories, common mistakes people make while applying perfume, and the impact of regional preferences on fragrance choices. Ajmal also shares insights into raw materials, seductive perfumes, the best perfumes for dates, and the significance of Oudh.
- Expensive perfumes are not necessarily better; raw materials, creativity, and the perfumer's expertise contribute to the cost.
- Indian customers prioritize value and lasting when choosing perfumes.
- Smell is strongly connected to memories and emotions.
- Perfume should be applied on pulse points and in an "M" formation for longer-lasting fragrance.
- Regional preferences in India vary, with North India favoring woody fragrances and South India preferring floral scents.
Intro
The host introduces Abdullah Ajmal, CEO of Ajmal Group, a legacy perfume house that uses a farm-to-bottle approach. The episode aims to explore whether expensive perfumes are better, what ingredients to check, how to apply perfume, the best fragrances for the gym, and which perfume notes give off alpha or romantic perceptions. The host also addresses the biggest mistakes people make when choosing and wearing perfume.
Are Expensive Perfumes the Best?
Expensive perfumes are not necessarily better. Creativity, the artist's effort, and the use of rare raw materials contribute to the cost. Big brands often mark up prices, but good brands use high-quality raw materials that are limited in availability. The origin of ingredients, such as Madagascar vanilla or Kashmir saffron, affects the price due to their unique qualities and limited supply. While a basic consumer may not immediately notice the difference, a perfumer can identify the unique composition and fragrance profile of expensive perfumes.
How Indian Customers Choose Perfumes
Indian customers prioritize value and lasting when buying perfumes. They often question the composition and lasting power of high-end perfumes. While some customers seek functional perfumes that last all day, others appreciate the art and ritual of fragrance. Over time, consumers educate themselves about different fragrances and raw materials. The weather in India requires specific formulations for fragrances to last longer.
Perfume Sales During C*VID
During the C*VID-19 pandemic, perfume sales increased significantly, especially online. This was because people used fragrances to connect with the outside world and create a different environment at home. Home fragrances and candles also sold well as people sought to improve their surroundings while staying indoors.
Connection Between Smell & Memories
The sense of smell is strongly connected to memories and emotions. Smelling a familiar fragrance can trigger memories of people, places, and experiences. The olfactory bulb in the brain is directly linked to the parts that process emotions and memories, making fragrances powerful triggers. Fragrances, like music, can evoke strong emotional responses and memories.
Mistake People Make While Applying Perfume
One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying perfume after smelling it on someone else, as body chemistry affects how a fragrance smells. Another mistake is buying based on the top note alone, as the fragrance evolves over time. A good perfume should have a seamless transition between notes. In India, people often buy fragrances based on their partner's preference, while Arabs buy fragrances based on their personal choice and cultural environment.
Trick for Making Your Perfume Last Longer
To make perfume last longer, apply it on pulse points and use an "M" formation, starting from the shoulders and finishing on the chest. Hand movement helps diffuse the fragrance. Some fragrances create a diffusion around the wearer, while others leave a trail. Arabs are known for their loyalty to specific perfumes and often buy multiple bottles for their house, car, and office.
How Region Affects Fragrance Preferences
Fragrance preferences vary by region in India. In the North, woody fragrances are popular, while in the South, floral fragrances with jasmine are preferred. Food habits also influence fragrance preferences, as certain notes may be offensive to those who don't consume non-vegetarian food. When creating a fresh fragrance, it's important to consider the type of water note, such as waterfall, pond, or river water.
Raw Materials: Whale Vomit & Cat Oil
Some expensive fragrances use unusual raw materials, such as civet cat secretions and whale vomit (ambergris). Civet cat secretions are extracted via injection and used to make fragrances smell rich and long-lasting. Ambergris was once commonly used but is now legally restricted.
Region-wise Fragrance Choices in India
In North India, fragrances like Ambwood are popular, while South India prefers white florals with jasmine. The North East region is a varied market with some of the most expensive fragrances being sold there.
Men vs Women vs Unisex Perfumes
Traditionally, masculine fragrances are woody and spicy, while feminine fragrances are floral and fruity. However, the lines are becoming blurred, and many brands now offer unisex or gender-neutral perfumes. Women often wear men's fragrances because they feel they last longer.
SRK & Rihanna's Viral Perfume: Real or Fake?
The host addresses the trend of celebrity-endorsed perfumes, particularly those associated with Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) and Rihanna. While some brands claim to recreate SRK's personal fragrance by layering specific perfumes, the authenticity of these claims is questionable, as SRK himself has not confirmed which fragrances he wears. Rihanna's fragrance, on the other hand, could be replicated, with the main difference being the higher margins due to her brand.
How to Command Any Room With This Perfume
To command a room with perfume, choose a fragrance with the highest dosage, such as an extrait de parfum (EDP) or extrait. Woody and fruity scents tend to have a strong projection. Apply perfume on the skin and refresh it before entering a room. Consider wearing perfume on a jacket or pocket square for a lasting effect.
Perfume Secrets of the Arabs
Arabs are known for their strong fragrance rituals, which involve layering multiple scented products, including shower gel, moisturizer, body mist, perfume, and hair mist. They often infuse their abayas (outer garments) with bakhoor (incense) and oils. This multi-step routine results in a strong and lasting fragrance.
Most Seductive Perfumes
For the gym, use marine fragrances that are fresh and have good projection. Avoid strong fragrances that can irritate others. Seductive perfumes are closely related to romantic scents. Woody, spicy, and fresh fragrances are generally safe choices for men. Warmer, darker fragrances can be used to up the game, but it's important to consider the individual's personal preference.
Best Perfume for a Date
Avoid wearing very strong fragrances on a first date, as you don't know if the other person has allergies or sensitivities. Choose sophisticated fragrances that match your clothes and the occasion. Consider the fabric and style of clothing when selecting a fragrance. Pheromones are primarily found in animals, and while certain fragrances may attract more attention, there is no proven pheromone-inducing perfume for humans.
How Fragrances Change Perception
People who wear pleasant scents are more likely to receive favorable decisions, such as job offers or business deals. Being pleasant is the most important element of any fragrance.
What is Oudh?
Oudh originated in India, particularly in Assam, where Ajmal's family has a farming background. Oudh is formed when a tree is injured, leading to a fungal infection and the development of a protective enzyme. This enzyme creates a dark oil, which is the Oudh. The darker the oil, the higher the grade and the more expensive it is. The Oudh business is considered a spiritual trade, and Ajmal Group practices sustainability and community business by providing employment and upcycling resources.
Perfumes for Celebrities
If creating a perfume for Shah Rukh Khan based on his character in Pathan, it would be wild, sexy, and masculine, with dirty, metallic, and boozy notes. For Virat Kohli, it would be a strong, Arabic-style fragrance with saffron, reflecting his leadership and presence.
Perfume curated for Raj
For Raj Shamani, a perfume would start with rich fruity top notes, transition into warm ambery and vanillic mid notes, and finish with a strong foundation of Oudh and powerful woods. This combination reflects his niche, new-age style and strong personality.
BTS
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Outro
The host thanks Abdullah Ajmal for his insights and encourages viewers to subscribe, comment, and share the episode.
