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M

Macerate

To steep or soak aromatic plant material in a liquid (usually water or a plain vegetable oil) to create a plant extract containing the water or oil soluble constituents. The macerate will usually differ chemically from an essential or expressed oil made from the same plant material due to this. It is possible to create a macerate from plants that do not usually yield an essential oils by distillation. Examples are Meadowsweet and Comfrey. Macerates are also known as Infused or herbal oils.

Massoia bark

Massoia bark cryptocaryo massoio – prohibited (should not be used in fragrance)


Middle Note

(same as heart note)notes which normally classify or identify the perfume family or theme of the composition; for instance, if your theme is a white floral, then you would blend some combination of jasmine, neroli, tuberose, gardenia tinctures and other ‘white’ flower oils as the main component of this note


Mossy

typified by oak moss, tree mosses and forest floor essences


N

Narcotic

intense and intoxicating essences such as rose, jasmine, hyacinth and other rich florals


Note/Notes

refers to the melody within the composition, the song of the perfume, the theme, or to a particular part of a perfume or aromatic used within the composition ('galbanum is a note in this perfume'), or it refers to how the composition is perceived, i.e. ‘floral notes’, ‘woody notes’, ‘green notes’


O

Odor Description

According to Steffen Arctander in Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural origin: " Part of the "romance" or "thrill" in perfumery work lies in the fact that, not only are all the materials different in odor but hardly ever will two perfumers give identical descriptions of the same material or the same perfume"


Olfactory

relating to the sense of smell


Opoponax

opoponax resin in a wooden bowl

Title: Opoponax 

Opoponax, derived from the Commiphora erythraea tree which is native to parts of Africa, is a prized ingredient in natural perfumery. The resin itself is very dark red, rich, sweet, and highly aromatic with distinctive resinous and animalic notes.

Opoponax Resinoid is primarily used as a fixative in perfumes, especially in oriental and mossy forest-based fragrances. It anchors and enhances other scent components, adding depth and longevity.

High-grade Opoponax Essential Oil is an excellent alternative for those unable to prepare their own resinoid. When selecting this oil, ensure it is derived from quality opoponax resin. Although closely related to myrrh, opoponax is smoky, spicier and more animalic, while myrrh is fresher and cleaner. Due to its potent nature, opoponax should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering a fragrance blend.

Pairing with Other Natural Perfumery Notes:
Opoponax blends beautifully with a variety of natural notes, including:

  • Citrus: Bergamot, sweet orange, and lemon
  • Floral: Jasmine, rose, and ylang-ylang
  • Spices: Cinnamon, clove, and cardamom
  • Woods: Sandalwood, cedarwood, and patchouli
  • Resins: Frankincense, myrrh, and benzoin
  • Herbal: Lavender, sage, and thyme

These combinations can create rich, complex fragrances with a warm, earthy, and sensual character.


Organ

system of storing bottles of perfume making materials typified by stepped shelving



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