"Noses" / Perfumers

[-n0ti-]

Well well I have no idea where else to place such a thread other than in here! Anybody know of any professional "noses" or perfumers in Singapore? I realise the perfumery industry is rather small here and we don't have professionals creating perfumes or going around critiquing perfumes like in the Western countries...

Even perfumery books are hard to get in Singapore. I can't find them in Kinokuniya, but only on amazon.com and they aren't cheap.

Anybody keen to learn more about perfumery as well as cosmetology? hEh... I've actually been reading up on my own but I was just wondering if I'm the sole person who has such an interest in these topics.. Perhaps we can share the knowledge or something

[ultranova3]

Hi
there is this book: Secret of Scent by Luca Turin.
I found it in my school library and I'm currently reading it.
It was cited a lot because the author has a vivid description on Nombre Noir.

However, most of the books about scent required some knowledge in chemistry; most of the time, they will show you the structure of the molecules and the synthesis if the molecule.

The other book I found in my school library: Art of Perfumery (very very old book).

Unfortunately, It is very hard to find perfumer in Singapore. International Flavour and fragance (IFF) has set its base in Singapore. I don't know if Singapore branch does perfume. They have scholarship to Grasse, France for those who are interested in perfumery but the selection is very stringent. One must have very powerful olfactory memory to be selected.

[plain_substance]

perfumery is a very unique interest, but 'noses' are often born and not made.

1) must have very 'sharp' nose and be able to pick out individual components in a mixture of scents, basically a walking chemical analysis lab.
2) must not get nauseous from prolonged exposure to fragrances.
3) must not get de-sensitised by scents of high concentrations

some students at my uni did projects on scents/flavourings. the essential oils used are SO concentrated that it makes 'normal' people feel like fainting. some people even said that their lab stinks (ironic but true).

[-n0ti-]

Hi
there is this book: Secret of Scent by Luca Turin.
I found it in my school library and I'm currently reading it.
It was cited a lot because the author has a vivid description on Nombre Noir.

However, most of the books about scent required some knowledge in chemistry; most of the time, they will show you the structure of the molecules and the synthesis if the molecule.

The other book I found in my school library: Art of Perfumery (very very old book).

Unfortunately, It is very hard to find perfumer in Singapore. International Flavour and fragance (IFF) has set its base in Singapore. I don't know if Singapore branch does perfume. They have scholarship to Grasse, France for those who are interested in perfumery but the selection is very stringent. One must have very powerful olfactory memory to be selected.

I've finished reading that particular Luca Turin book. I've also actually placed an order for his latest book. I think it's called The Guide to Perfumes... Other books, by other authors, that I found interesting include "perfumes, splashes and colognes" as well as "passion for perfumes". Found both of these books in the national library. Am also going to buy them from amazon for self keeping lol. I think I'm mad.

I didn't know that IFF has a base in SG and that there's even a scholarship. Heh. Looks like you're also very interested in perfumes and in particular the classic fragrances such as Nombre Soir and those by Serge Lutens yeah? Are you working in an industry related to fragrances? =D

[-n0ti-]

perfumery is a very unique interest, but 'noses' are often born and not made.

1) must have very 'sharp' nose and be able to pick out individual components in a mixture of scents, basically a walking chemical analysis lab.
2) must not get nauseous from prolonged exposure to fragrances.
3) must not get de-sensitised by scents of high concentrations

some students at my uni did projects on scents/flavourings. the essential oils used are SO concentrated that it makes 'normal' people feel like fainting. some people even said that their lab stinks (ironic but true).

YEah I know it's a very unique interest. It's something that's hard to read up on in SG also given the limited resources (other than the internet of course). High concentrations of the scents can be nauseating, and I suppose that's why it's true that the lab would stink haha

[teiko]

Singapore have 5 out of the 6 international well know flavour and fragrance houses but then I am not sure if they do create the more famous fragrances here.

However, each flavour/fragrance house will definately house at least one 'nose' and flavourist.

[-n0ti-]

Singapore have 5 out of the 6 international well know flavour and fragrance houses but then I am not sure if they do create the more famous fragrances here.

However, each flavour/fragrance house will definately house at least one 'nose' and flavourist.

Hmm we do? What are the 5 out of 6 then? I haven't been able to google anything out about the local fragrance industry actually.

[teiko]

Givaudan, Takasago, IFF, Firmenich and Symrise

[Ahappycherry]

Last time in jc did a tour at Symrise....*** my dream job. So much fun to be associated with creating scents (for food and perfume and body prdts)

I know someone study Poly , something "Chemical" course. Her job involves smelling and tasting (not perfume though). So if want to go into being a perfumer, I quite sure it is that course. Think chemical something courses, relate to that industry.

[plain_substance]

takasago is a perfume company? i thought they did food flavourings!

i nearly applied to be a chemist there.

[-n0ti-]

Last time in jc did a tour at Symrise....*** my dream job. So much fun to be associated with creating scents (for food and perfume and body prdts)

I know someone study Poly , something "Chemical" course. Her job involves smelling and tasting (not perfume though). So if want to go into being a perfumer, I quite sure it is that course. Think chemical something courses, relate to that industry.

Oh boy that's so cool! Why would you have an excursion to Symrise?? For chemistry lessons ma? I know in NUS if you'd want to do perfumery, you'd have to go into faculty of pharmacy lol. I was quite shocked because I thought pharmacy was more related to drugs and medications instead of perfumes !

[-n0ti-]

Givaudan, Takasago, IFF, Firmenich and Symrise

Thanks! I never heard of any of these 5 other than IFF and Firmenich. Gosh looks like I learn something new everyday! In terms of the "happenings" in Sg I guess I still have lots to read up on.

[plain_substance]

actually the 'right' course is Chemistry or FST

[-n0ti-]

actually the 'right' course is Chemistry or FST

FST stands for? Food science and technology? o.O sorry but I'm really clueless about that. I know I took this module called "Perfumes and Cosmetics" in uni.. but the module was under School of Pharmacy lol.... I guess it depends on the school and how they categorise the courses?

[plain_substance]

yup it's food science, my bad.

i wanted to take that module too but the bidding points were ssoooo high (abit OT)