Delve into the world of natural aromas and discover their profound effect on emotional well-being, from relieving stress to enhancing sensuality. < BR> From the Inside Flap $12.95 U.S.Delve into the world of natural perfume and discover how different scents can have a profound effect on your emotions, from relieving stress to enhancing sensuality. In Scents and Sensibilities, author Mandy Aftel teaches you everything you need to know to create your own handmade solid perfumes. Essential oils, concretes, and absolutes are combined to create aromas that enhance well being. Ingredients such as bitter orange, juniper berry, pink grapefruit, lavender, nutmeg, vanilla, sandalwood, and rose can create the perfect perfume for different moods. The book includes step-by-step instructions, photographs, lists of equipment, and types of containers. Scents and Sensibilities gives you the information, know-how, and recipes to bring tranquility, sensuality, and refreshment into your life. Mandy Aftel is the founder of Aftelier, through which she creates one-of-a-kind perfumes for individuals and private labels. Her work has been featured in such magazines as Vogue and Allure. Ms. Aftel is also a counselor and the author of four previous books, including Essence and Alchemy: A Natural History of Perfume. She lives in Berkeley, California. Her website can be found at www.aftelier.com. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. People have used solid perfumes to soothe the psyche, entice a lover, transform an intimate environment, enliven the spirit and recall a precious memory. Solid perfume, a portable form of perfume, can be transported easily; even secretly carried on the body in a pendant, charm or ring. One of the ingenious aspects of solid perfumes is that you can keep it close at hand take it with you without worrying about it spilling. It is easy to carry in a handbag, briefcase, or backpack.Oil based perfume is combined with melted wax and then poured into a container where it solidifies. The perfume's salve-like texture invites you to run your fingers across it. The experience of applying it is earthy and sensual, an sensation completely different from spraying a cologne or dabbing a liquid perfume. Often housed in small and beautiful containers that grow more precious and treasured with use. It has a long history of bringing well-being, comfort, protection, allure and pleasure to people. Much like an early form of aromatherapy in Ancient Egypt, solid perfumes were used for treatment as well as pleasure. Because of its portability, it is easily incorporated into your life to soothe you in situations where you are stressed or anxious. Smoothing solid perfume on your skin immediately brings you pleasure and a sense of well-being that is both soothing and pampering. It will scent only you, not the environment around you. Applying solid perfume is a discrete, quiet pleasureful ritual in your life: the sensuality of rubbing your fingers across it, the pleasure of smelling and applying the fragrance. The feeling in the hand of the beautiful container increases one's sense of individuality and pleasure. When you have used up the perfume, instead of throwing the case away, as is done with most cosmetics, you can simply refill it with a new perfume. Then your attachment is not only to the perfume but to the case as well.