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Overview: Other Careers in Perfume Industry
Perfume Appraiser


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Essential Oils
(Source: Carrement Belle)

 

 

Overview: Other Careers in Perfume Industry

Title Job Description
Chemist

Chemical Engineer



Primary duties: Chemists study the composition of matter and its properties. A fragrance chemist, or chief perfumer, is an expert in fragrance ingredients and their smells.

They research and experiment with various scents and develop formulas to produce unique smells. An understanding of chemistry allows the perfumer to decipher the properties and reactivity of ingredients when developing a fragrance.

They may compose fragrance formulas for all kinds of perfumery products, including home care, cosmetics, shower gels, body lotions and air fresheners for cars.
   
Fragrance consultant

Primary duties: A fragrance consultant works independently with small and large fragrance houses to implement improvements and increase a company's revenue.

As a freelancer, they may assist several companies simultaneously and offer tailored solutions for each client. A fragrance consultant might help a company develop more efficient processes, create a better product or optimise product portfolios.

Becoming a fragrance consultant typically requires prior experience in the perfume industry. As they may assist with many facets of a company, their knowledge usually includes all aspects of the industry, from the fragrance itself to marketing and business operations.

Essential ingredients
(Source: Vine Vida)
Laboratory technician

Laboratory Technician
Primary duties: Laboratory technicians work alongside industry scientists. They typically work within a larger laboratory team and may assist with research, testing and conducting experiments.

Within the pharmaceutical industry, including perfume, they may also produce and manufacture a final product. A perfume technician analyses, measures, mixes and blends raw materials into fine oils in the lab. As lab technicians work in a potentially hazardous environment, they're aware of safety protocols and comply with industry standards for accuracy.
Laboratory assistant Primary duties: Laboratory assistants undertake similar work to technicians. Their role is to assist the technician in testing and producing perfume.

This may involve helping to blend the raw materials under the technician's guidance. In addition, lab assistants perform basic analyses of samples, record accurate results and help to prepare, clean and maintain lab equipment.
Scientist

Scientist
Primary duties: A research and development (R&D) scientist conducts scientific studies and experiments to help develop new technologies or products.

An R&D scientist who specialises in synthetics and chemicals may pursue a career in the perfume industry, researching raw materials or developing chemical formulas for synthetic scents.

A scientist in the perfume industry executes tests and writes reports on their findings in a laboratory environment. They aim to develop processes and methods that allow the manufacturer to produce ingredients for use on a large, commercial scale.
  
Cosmetician Primary duties: A cosmetician is an individual who applies, manufactures or sells cosmetics, including perfume.

They have a professional understanding of beauty products and the cosmetic industry. They may work in pharmacies, department stores or other retail beauty chains.

While most cosmeticians work at dedicated cosmetic counters in stores, some may sell products door-to-door. Their duties include demonstrating products through promotional videos, consulting with and advising customers about products and keeping customer service records.

Cosmetician
(Source: Momentum Promotions)

 

Perfumer

   Manufacturing & Production

Artistic or CreativeAnalytic or ScientificSkill Level 5

Perfumers are responsible for conducting chemical testing in order to assist in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of materials used to develop new cosmetic products, such as shampoos, soaps, creams, other toiletries and perfumes. Perfumers are also responsible for developing or improving production processes in order to ensure they are efficient and conform to environmental and quality control standards and regulations.

Those who become perfumers must have a ‘good nose’, a natural aptitude in science and an education in chemistry or cosmetic science. In addition to the scientific knowledge, which is needed to create new products, perfumers must have an insight into the nature of consumers and how the cosmetics industry works. Future Growth Strong

In addition, you'll need both patience and persistence, as the work of a perfumer is largely based in trial and error; it can often take up to 500 trials to find the perfect note for a fragrance. A career as a perfumer is not for those who expect immediate gratification from work activities; rather it is for those that savour victory after enduring a long battle.

There are several categories of perfumers:

  • The perfumers-creators, who “manufacture” scents for fine perfumery (eaux de parfum, eaux de Cologne, etc.) and so-called functional perfumery (products for the body and for the home)
      
  • The “perfumer-analysts” will specialize in the technique of chromatography, which allows the separation of the compounds of a product, to study existing formulas. They will thus help perfumers to develop their knowledge of the market and the competition.
       
  • The “technical perfumers” who work on the adaptation of existing formulas to develop new products and extend a range.

Soap
5 Popular Scents for Soap: Lavender, Milk & Honey, Rose, Rosemary & Mint, Sweet Orange
(Source: Fragrance Innovation)


ANZSCO ID: 234211 [Industrial Chemist]

Alternative names:  "The Nose", Fragrance Chemist, Chief Perfumer, Cosmetic Scientist, Fragrant Artist,

Specialisations: They develop formulas to produce different smells not only in perfumes; they also add fragrance to everything from automobile air fresheners to antiperspirants, cleaning, laundry & personal-care products, etc.

Those who work in the application department should study the product to understand its performance, constancy and legal compliances in terms of environmental pollutants and toxicity.

Car Fragrance
(Source: Economic Times)

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes  

In order to become effective in a career as a perfumer, you need to posses certain skills and personality traits. These skills and traits will allow you to perform your job with competence, and they will also help you endure the ups and downs of this career.

  • Sense of Smell - A ‘good nose’. A keen sense of smell is essential for anyone looking to become a perfumer. The ability to discern subtle differences between various scents and ingredients is crucial in creating exceptional fragrances. Perfumers must be able to identify hundreds of different raw materials (up to 2500 ingredients) and understand how they interact with one another to create accords and full fragrances. Daily training on smelling and studying various ingredients, smells of life, and wearing fragrances can help you to develop and refine your olfactory skills. It is a constant job you constantly have to practice and master.

  • Creativity: plays a significant role in the world of perfumery, as it allows perfumers to experiment with unique combinations and ideas, resulting in one-of-a-kind fragrances. A successful perfumer should be able to envision new scent profiles and imagine how different ingredients will work together, even before they are mixed. Fostering your creativity with other innovative fields can include exploring other imaginative disciplines such as composition, cooking, mixology, painting, photography, design or music to move ground breaking thoughts and ways of approaching fragrance creation.

  • Technical Knowledge: Healthy knowledge of chemistry and cosmetic science. Excellent laboratory skills. An understanding of chemistry is important to decipher the properties and reactivity of ingredients when making a fragrance.
      
    It's essential for a perfumer to have a solid understanding of all the technical aspects involved in producing perfumes. Understanding how various chemicals behave in terms of fragrance intensity, chemical makeup, duration of use, and potential for triggering allergic responses is part of this. A perfumer should also be knowledgeable about the right ways to blend, create accords, dilute, combine scents in various bases, and understand how various bases (shampoo, detergent, skin care, alcohol, etc.) affect various aromas. Gaining this technical knowledge requires a combination of formal education and hands-on experience in the application lab.

  • Business Skills: In addition to their artistic abilities, perfumers should possess strong business skills, as they often need to market their creations, work with clients, like fashion brands and navigate the very competitive fragrance industry. These skills include project management, communication, listening, sensibility, attention to detail, and an understanding of current market trends. Most famous perfumers work with large fragrance houses like IFF, Firmenich, Givaudan. It is very difficult to choose to establish your own independent business before learning in these famous perfumery houses.

  • Time management skills, as well as good written and oral communication skills.

  • Patience and persistence

  • Able to work through trial and error

  • Able to endure more failure than success with regards to work objectives

  • Ability to complete work within established deadlines

  • An inquiring mind

  • Ability to work on a team

  • Able to work independently for long periods of time

  • Able to closely follow protocol without cutting corners

Sense of Smell
Building on a sense of smell
(Source: Maison 21G)

Duties and Tasks

Practice makes perfect, and the same applies to the art of perfumery. By experimenting with creating your own fragrances with basic raw materials like essential oils or famous molecules, you'll develop your skills and discover your unique style. Begin by blending basic essential oils and aroma compounds to understand their properties, then gradually progress to more complex compositions. Document your creations, evaluate them yourself, ask also others and put a process in place to track your progress and growth as a perfumer.

Developing a refined sense of smell is essential for anyone pursuing a career in perfumery, as it allows you to discern and distinguish between a wide array of scents and ingredients. Honing your olfactory abilities requires consistent practice and exposure to different fragrances, which will ultimately enable you to create captivating and harmonious scent compositions.

  • Evaluate odours of aromatic chemicals

  • Set production standards and ensure workers are adhering to them

  • Review batch sheets prepared for distillation department in order to ensure that they comply with formulas devised in the laboratory

  • Determine quality of prepared materials by visiting compounding and distillation areas

  • Smell all the trials from the previous days

  • Assign priority levels based on the type of project and the given deadlines

  • Adjust formulas of samples needing improvement

  • Meet with product evaluators; discuss which samples are ready and which need more work

  • Approve batches for finishing

  • Reject batches that do not meet criteria

  • Evaluate fragrances for specific characteristics, such as odour, body, harmony, strength, and permanence

Perfumer testing
Building on a sense of smell
(Source: Maison 21G)

Building on a Sense of Smell

Here are some ways to enhance your sense of smell and expand your scent vocabulary:

  • Blind sniff tests: Conducting blind sniff tests with essential oils, fragrance samples, or everyday household items can help train your nose to identify scents without visual cues. Challenge yourself by increasing the number of items you test and expanding the range of scents you work with.

  • Attend perfume workshops: Participating in perfume workshops (1st level and advanced one) can provide you with an immersive experience that will help you develop your olfactory skills. Workshops often include guided sessions on fragrance families, blending techniques, and the art of scent creation.

  • Analyze popular fragrances: Familiarize yourself with well-known and iconic fragrances by dissecting their scent profiles and identifying their key ingredients. This will not only help you understand the composition of successful fragrances but also teach you about the different fragrance families and how they interact.

  • Maintain a scent journal: Keeping a scent journal allows you to document and reflect on your olfactory experiences. Record your impressions of different scents, noting their characteristics, ingredients, and associations. Over time, this practice will help you build a personalized scent vocabulary and improve your ability to articulate your olfactory experiences.

  • Visit local markets and botanical gardens: Exploring local markets and botanical gardens exposes you to a diverse range of scents, from fresh produce and spices to flowers and plants. Take the time to smell different items, noting their unique characteristics and associations.

  • Practice mindfulness and conscious breathing: Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation and conscious breathing, into your daily routine to enhance your overall sensory awareness. By becoming more attuned to your senses, you'll be better equipped to detect and appreciate subtle nuances in scents.

By consistently working on building your sense of smell, you'll lay the foundation for a successful career in perfumery, as your ability to identify and differentiate various fragrances will be integral to your creative process and the development of captivating scent compositions.

Fragrance Families
Fragrance Families
Fragrance families are groups of scents with similar characteristics, such as Floral, Oriental, Woody, Chypre, Fougere, Leather and Citrus Fresh. By studying each family and its specific iconic ingredients, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how fragrances are classified and how different scent profiles can complement or contrast with one another.
(Source: Maison 21G)

Working Conditions

You must also be comfortable working in a laboratory setting, and communicating your findings and opinions to others. You must also have the manual dexterity necessary to use specialized laboratory equipment.


Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a perfumer, one typically needs a solid foundation in chemistry, as the profession involves working with various chemical and natural compounds. Many perfumers hold degrees in chemistry, biology, or a related field.

After getting a degree, you can join a big perfumery house internal school to learn the real art of perfumery with a perfumer's mentor. The places are very limited and it is very competitive to join these internal schools.

Additionally, specialized perfumery schools such as L’Ecole du parfum or ISIPCA in France provide comprehensive courses in 3 years that teach students about the art and science of fragrance creation, from understanding raw materials to the marketing and branding aspects of the industry.

You can also supplement your learning with resources such as books, online courses, and workshops. By immersing yourself in the world of fragrance, you'll gain a deep understanding of its history, techniques, and various ingredients used in scent creation.

 

Identifying smells
Identifying smells
(Source: Maison 21G)


Employment Opportunities

Gaining work experience in the fragrance industry is crucial for aspiring perfumers, as it provides a first-hand understanding of the daily challenges and processes involved in creating and marketing fragrances. As an intern or employee, you'll have the opportunity to observe and learn from seasoned professionals in a variety of roles, including perfumers, evaluators, and marketing specialists.

There are several ways to find employment in the fragrance industry:

  • Internships: Many fragrance houses and companies offer internships that give you hands-on experience and a better understanding of the business. Internship opportunities are available in a variety of areas, including marketing, quality assurance, chromatography, flavor creation, research and development. These positions frequently require practical involvement with fragrance components, presenting excellent opportunities for networking.

  • Entry-level positions: Entry-level opportunities in the fragrance sector include work as lab technicians, lab application specialists, sales representatives, scent designers, and marketing assistants. These positions provide excellent chances to learn about and acquire expertise in a variety of business-related areas, from the manufacture and sales of fragrances to marketing and sales promotions.

  • Boutique or retail positions: It might be a rare opportunity to get to know a variety of aromas, brands, and fragrance categories by working at a fragrance boutique or department store. As a part of these positions, you'll aid customers in discovering their ideal fragrance, enabling you to expand your understanding of various scents and their constituent components.


Perfumers are typically hired on a permanent or contractual basis as laboratory employees or contractors for organizations that develop fragrances for consumer products. They may also work in other departments within these organizations, such as Sales & Marketing or Administration. Perfumers may also have jobs in government and academia.

  • Large and small fragrance houses

  • Final product manufacturers of cosmetic products such as shampoos, soaps, creams and other products

  • Contract manufacturers

  • Raw materials suppliers

  • Cosmetic science consulting companies

  • Government agencies

  • Universities

 

Creating
Creating a perfume
(Source: Maison 21G)

 

 

Did You Know?

The manufacture of the concentrate
  

Once the olfactory universe is determined, the second step of the perfume creation begins: the manufacture of the concentrate. This precious juice refers to the composition that is obtained once all preparation steps have been completed: formulation, weighing and maceration. This is a raw element that will still undergo some operations before getting the final product.

The selection of raw materials
  
Fundamental step in the perfume creation, the selection of raw materials is one of the longest. And for a good reason! There is a multitude of natural raw materials across the world such as the essence of gaiac wood from Paraguay found in alõ, or as the citrus essence of Cuba which gives a citrus and bursting top note to 555. To the natural ingredients, we can add many synthetic materials that will sublimate these ones and bring new scented notes to a creation.

These raw materials are obtained thanks to chemistry for synthesis and different processes for natural materials, which are detailed here. These basic elements come in different forms: some raw materials are liquid while others are used in the form of paste, powder or crystals. All these materials are stored and labeled according to their properties. Liquids such as essential oils are transferred to stainless steel tanks, more or less waxy pastes are kept in a cold room and the powders are conserved at ambient temperature.

The art of blending
  

Once all the raw materials have been selected, the perfumer must now write a formula, that is to say the list of all the ingredients with the quantity of each. These ingredients are classified by olfactory family, by evaporation time or in order of importance. Then comes the step of weighing each ingredient before assembling and blending all together. Again, this is a process that requires a lot of attention. At first, solids (powders, resins, etc.) must be measured, to be later dissolved in the liquid ingredients. Today this stage is mostly done automatically thanks to smart computer systems.

But the hand of a human is never far away. Indeed, some raw materials require special preparation before they can be added to the weighing. This is the case of some pastes that must be softly heated before incorporation.

Once the mixture is homogeneous, the concentrate is obtained.

The tests
  

To check that this first work corresponds to our expectations, we smell the concentrate diluted in ethanol because we never smell the pure concentrate. Many trials will go back and forth between the workshop and the perfumer’s factory. Do all materials match? Should we add or remove something? Is it harmonious? Does this match with our original inspiration? We then test the first formula on a blotter, on our skin and those of our entourage who always play the game with curiosity.

Depending on the emotions provided, we will then decide with the nose to rework the formula. Little touch by little touch, starting from scratch or more often from the previous test to create a new weighing. In the course of these tests, and by comparing the different formulas, the structure of the perfume is clearly established. When the formula is definitively validated, the perfumer will start the weighing process again for the last time. The final concentrate is ready!

The maturation
  

Well… almost ready! The concentrate obtained during weighing is not immediately diluted. In order that every note blends harmoniously with each other, the perfumer proceeds to the stage of maturation. The concentrate is stored in large vats for several weeks. This time, the magic works alone, without the intervention of humans, so that the chemical interactions are made between the ingredients used. This process usually takes place in a room maintained at 13 °C.

The birth of the perfume
  

Yes, a fragrance is something you have to work for, and some important steps in the perfume creation remain…

Dilution in alcohol
  

Thanks to the dilution in alcohol stage, the concentrate gradually turns into a perfume, as you know it. The concentrate is placed in a tank where it is mixed with ethyl alcohol. This ethanol is denatured at 96°, which makes it unfit for human consumption. In terms of quantity, it is the main ingredient of the composition. And it makes sense because it is this substance that will distill the odorant concentrate, essential process to obtain the perfume, which would not work with water.

Ethanol is a neutral liquid that will not distort the smell of the concentrate. And if it is very present in fragrances, it does not mean that our perfumes smell eau de vie or vodka! On the contrary, the alcohol will allow to sublimate the raw materials of the perfume, to bring an impression of freshness during the vaporization and to considerably improve the conservation of your fragrance.

The proportion of the alcohol mixed with the concentrate will vary according to the desired final product. This is where the difference between Eaux de Cologne (EDC), eau de toilette (EDT), eau de parfum (EDP) and (pure) perfume comes into play. And to see smell more clearly, we explain everything here. The concentrate is therefore diluted in alcohol between 5 and 30%. When alcohol is added, demineralized water can also be added to the composition in order to lower the degree of alcohol and to reduce the phenomenon of evaporation of the perfume during application.

The last steps
  

The perfumer can then proceed to the perfume maceration, by letting it rest for some time. This step allows the residual waxes contained in the juice to agglomerate. These small aggregates then freeze with the icing. During this stage, the perfume is brought to a temperature below 5°C. And to finish the perfume creation, we will filter this mixture to eliminate the deposit. The juice is now liquid, clear and limpid: ready to be put in a bottle and sprayed!

Filled by hand (down)!
   

The juice then arrives in our workshop (Carrément Belle) in the South of France for the final stage: its conditioning. The filling of the bottle is often automated, using independent machines. But for us, this is an essential step that allows us an optimal control of the quality of your fragrance. At Carrément Belle, all our perfumes are filled by hand with a simple funnel or a small semi-automatic filling machine in our workshop in Nîmes. Whether it is an eau de parfum, a pure perfume or even samples which are filled manually with a syringe! It is a work of precision done by our expert hands, essential to control the juice one last time before crimping the bottle. Your perfumed orders are then shipped with care. Because every detail matters to our eyes and our nostrils!
(Source: Carrement Belle)

 

 

Perfume Appraiser
   Manufacturing & Production

 

Artistic or CreativeAnalytic or ScientificSkill Level 5

 

A fine fragrance evaluator, or a ‘nose’, helps to improve and perfect a fragrance created by the perfumer, who is an expert on creating perfumes, for the consumer, the person who will be ultimately using the perfume. They act as the bridge between the day-to-day desires of the consumer and the technical ability of the perfumer. Future Growth Strong

A Fragrance Evaluator assesses a fragrance by analyzing its structure, intensity, longevity, and balance. They also look for any off-notes or unusual smells.

The perfumer works closely with the appraiser. This job, about which very little is said, remains unknown to the general public. And yet among the different professions in perfumery, the appraiser is an essential link in the creation process. This position emerged in the 1970s when the large composition companies became increasingly professional.The appraiser is an olfactory expert, a “perfume designer”. This person is the link between the client and the perfumer. Appraiser’s work begins with the client’s brief by seeking to translate the client’s ideas and inspirations into scents and then works on them with the perfumer.

ANZSCO ID: 234211 [Industrial Chemist]
  
Alternative names: Fine Fragrance Evaluator, 'Nose', the Olfactory Co-pilot, Perfume Designer,
  


Knowledge, skills and attributes

Appraiser and perfumer: the same job?
   
So what is the difference between the perfumer and the appraiser? If they both have seasoned noses, they do not work quite the same way. Indeed, the role of the appraiser is to accompany the nose throughout the entire creative process, advising her/him on its choices and guiding her/him towards new ideas, always in line with the client’s wishes.

The appraiser knows the library of smells inside out, and must have a 360° vision of the market and its trends. She/he will determine when the fragrance will be completed, when it will correspond to the inspirations mentioned in the brief to present it to the client. Sometimes seen as the muse in the shadows, the appraiser must often let the perfumer be in the spotlights.

  • Strong knowledge of a large variety of fragrance ingredients

  • Knowledge of combining smells in an attractive manner

  • Good nose for scent

  • Excellent Laboratory skills

  • Time management skills

  • Team work skills

  • Good communication skills

  • Good memory will be a plus point


The Conversation 6 August 2020

The Conversation

 

 

Duties and Tasks

 

  • Study Ingredients: becoming familiar with the various ingredients used in perfumery will help you understand their chemical and olfactive properties and how they contribute to a fragrance's overall composition. Study natural ingredients like essential oils, absolutes, and resins, as well as synthetic aroma compounds that mimic or enhance natural scents. Learning about the different extraction methods, like steam distillation or solvent extraction, will also provide insight into the nuances of each ingredient.

  • Experiment with Blending: blending is the art of combining different ingredients, natural and synthetic to create a harmonious and balanced fragrance. To become a fragrance expert, you'll need to develop your blending skills by experimenting with various ingredients and proportions. Start with simple blends or accords using a few ingredients, and gradually work your way up to more complex compositions. Keep detailed notes of your experiments to track your progress and refine your technique.

  • Stay Current with Industry Trends: keeping up with industry trends is vital for anyone looking to become a fragrance expert, as it ensures you remain knowledgeable and competitive in the ever-evolving world of perfumery. Staying current with the latest developments not only allows you to stay informed but also helps you anticipate future trends and adapt your creations accordingly.

    Here are some ways to stay updated on industry trends:

    • Follow industry news: Check websites, blogs, and social media pages devoted to the fragrance business on a regular basis to remain updated on the most recent events, new releases, and fashion trends. This will enable you to stay current and find fresh, creative ideas to use in your business.

    • Read relevant publications: You may acquire a wealth of knowledge on the most recent studies, innovations, and trends in this business by signing up for and reading publications devoted to the fragrance industry, such as the Perfumer & Flavorist or Fragrance Foundation newsletters.

    • Attend industry events: Attending workshops, trade exhibitions, and conferences may give attendees insightful knowledge about the most recent advancements in the fragrance business. Professionals may network, take part in educational sessions, and learn about cutting-edge ingredients and processes at events like the World Perfumery Congress and Esxence - The Scent of Excellence.

    • Engage with professional organizations: Professional associations like the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) can offer beneficial chances to network with other professionals and remain informed about events, resources, and news in the field. To improve your opportunities for employment in the fragrance sector, think about joining one of these organizations.

    • Participate in online forums and communities: Joining online forums and groups with a focus on fragrances gives one the ability to connect with other experts and hobbyists who have a deep love for perfumery and exchange ideas, expertise, and experiences. This might be quite helpful for you if you want to increase your understanding of what's happening in the business and gain a broader perspective on things.

    • Continuously educate yourself: You may stay current with the newest methods, components, and technologies employed in the business by participating in workshops, courses, and seminars that focus on the most recent advancements in perfume-making.


As you keep learning new things continuously, your skills will remain up-to-date and sharp. This will help you adjust to the ever-evolving scenario of the fragrance industry.

 

Did You Know?

Appraiser: the olfactory co-pilot

One of the most little-known perfumery professions.

The 'nose' works in collaboration with other experts. And in fact, the perfumer works closely with the appraiser. This job, about which very little is said, remains unknown to the general public. And yet among the different professions in perfumery, the appraiser is an essential link in the creation process. This position emerged in the 1970s when the large composition companies became increasingly professional. So who are they?

Appraiser and perfumer: the same job?
So what is the difference between the perfumer and the appraiser?

If they both have seasoned noses, they do not work quite the same way. Indeed, the role of the appraiser is to accompany the nose throughout the entire creative process, advising her/him on its choices and guiding her/him towards new ideas, always in line with the client’s wishes.

The appraiser knows the library of smells inside out, and must have a 360° vision of the market and its trends. She/he will determine when the fragrance will be completed, when it will correspond to the inspirations mentioned in the brief to present it to the client.

Sometimes seen as the muse in the shadows, the appraiser must often let the perfumer be in the spotlights.
(Source: Carrementbelle)


Working conditions

Their role is quite dynamic and involves splitting their time between the office and the evaluation room. Their day usually starts with creative evaluations with a group of other fine fragrance evaluators, providing feedback to the perfumers for new ideas. Later, they usually perform more technical evaluations, providing advice on different fragrance samples that are being tested for stability, or reworked and altered products.

Between evaluations, they are either analysing test data or preparing presentation material for an educational event. The role of a fine fragrance evaluator involves a lot of travel.



Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a perfume appraiser, one typically needs a solid foundation in chemistry, as the profession involves working with various chemical and natural compounds. Many perfumers hold degrees in chemistry, biology, or a related field.

To work in the perfume industry, you really have to make time to stop and properly appreciate the individual scents of food, nature and perfumes. It’s also important to keep up to date with the latest scientific developments and consumer trends. The neuroscience, perfumery and raw material chemistry modules from studies directly influence the role as a fine fragrance evaluator.

To be an evaluator, not only is a keen interest in science absolutely vital, but also the ability to be imaginative. Years of being trained to think scientifically enhances logical and analytical skills, but often at the cost of artistic imagination. Reawakening your creative flair can be as simple as reading a fictional story or stopping to really appreciate the flavours of the food you are eating. To get ahead, this learning needs to be a passion and not a chore.



Employment Opportunities

Many different options for evaluation exist outside of fine perfumes; fragrances feature in most toiletries, cleaning products and laundry care for instance. The industry is also closely linked to food flavours, so it is possible to transition from one field to the other.

 

 

 

Critical Thinking Spot

 

Analyse

Analyse the following article by looking at the pros and cons of perfume and its chemicals over history.

The Conversation 27 November 2014

The Conversation

 

 

 

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Material sourced from

Royal Society of Chemistry [Fine Fragrance Evaluator; ]
Maison 21G Paris [How to become a perfumer; ]
Indeed [Careers in Perfume Industry; ]
Academic Invest [How to become a Perfumer; ]
Carrement Belle [Perfumery Professions; Perfume Creation;  ]
NXG Careers [Career as a Perfumer or Fragrance Chemist; ]



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Surfboard Repair Technician

Wig Maker

Perfumer

Vexillographer

Food Scientist

Leather Goods Maker

Packer

Food Process Worker

Abattoir Worker

Clothing Patternmaker

Sailmaker

Textile Designer

Shipwright

Brewer

Cheesemaker

Fashion Designer

Confectioner

Winemaker

Fabrication Engineering Tradesperson

Tree Faller

Chemical Engineer

Quality Assurance Inspector

Luthier