Aromatherapy and Perfumery – Where the Two Worlds Meet
Scents have accompanied humanity for thousands of years. Historically, they have been not only an aesthetic delight but also a spiritual and healing tool – from burning sacred woods and resins in temples to the fragrance bottles we carry with us today.
While aromatherapy and perfumery are distinct practices, there are natural intersections between them. Aromatherapy relies on essential oils for their therapeutic benefits, while perfumery uses them primarily for their aromatic qualities. Yet some ingredients live in both worlds – they support us emotionally or physically and at the same time create beautiful notes in fragrance compositions.
Here are some examples:
Citrus
In aromatherapy: Uplifting, improves mood, supports focus.
In perfumery: Classic top notes that bring freshness, sparkle, and brightness to any composition.
Lavender
In aromatherapy: Calming, supports restful sleep, reduces stress.
In perfumery: A universal note in fougère, aromatic and floral perfumes – evokes a sense of cleanliness and serenity.
Clary Sage
In aromatherapy: Balances hormones, reduces tension, encourages openness and communication.
In perfumery: Adds a herbal-dry, warm, gently musky nuance with a hint of green freshness.
Chamomile
In aromatherapy: Known for soothing properties, helps reduce inflammation.
In perfumery: Provides a honeyed, floral nuance with a tea-like facet, adding softness to blends.
Ginger
In aromatherapy: Stimulating, energizing, promotes vitality.
In perfumery: A spicy, lively accent, often paired with citrus or woods, but also a bright companion to florals.
Immortelle (Helichrysum)
In aromatherapy: Regenerative for skin and tissues – the “everlasting flower.”
In perfumery: Warm, sunlit, honeyed base note with straw, leather, and even caramel nuances.
Rose
In aromatherapy: Harmonizes emotions, uplifts mood, calms the heart, supports skin health and women’s wellbeing.
In perfumery: One of the most aristocratic notes – ranging from fresh and green to honeyed and velvety.
Jasmine
In aromatherapy: Reduces stress and anxiety, uplifting, supports the nervous system.
In perfumery: Intense and sensual, with many faces – from bright and fruity to deep and creamy.
Ylang Ylang
In aromatherapy: Known as an aphrodisiac, relaxes the nervous system, brings joy and playfulness.
In perfumery: Exotic, sweet, and radiant floral note, adding sensuality and richness.
Sandalwood
In aromatherapy: Used for meditation, inner peace, and spiritual grounding.
In perfumery: Creamy woody note that adds depth and lasting warmth to fragrances.
Thyme
In aromatherapy: Antibacterial, supports immunity.
In perfumery: Strong green herbal accent that adds character, freshness, and leathery nuances.
Cedarwood
In aromatherapy: Stabilizes emotions, evokes a sense of safety.
In perfumery: A warm, dry, slightly smoky woody base.
Patchouli
In aromatherapy: Grounding, helps release anxiety, connects to the subconscious.
In perfumery: Deep, earthy, damp leaf note – iconic in amber-spicy and woody perfumes.
Vetiver
In aromatherapy: Strengthening, calming, helps with grounding and stability.
In perfumery: Earthy, nutty, woody note that gives refinement and exceptional longevity.
Why does this matter?
Aromatherapy and perfumery complement each other – one is more focused on wellbeing and healing, the other on aesthetics and emotions. Yet they share the same language – scent. In both cases, aromatic molecules are inhaled and absorbed through the skin, influencing our wellbeing and emotional balance.
⚠️ Safety Note
Before using essential oils, always learn about their safety, recommended methods of application, and correct dilutions.
Why is this important?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts.
Improper use (such as applying too much on skin or using undiluted) may cause irritation, allergic reactions, or other side effects.
Some oils carry specific risks – for example, citrus oils can increase photosensitivity, while others may be unsuitable during pregnancy or for certain health conditions.
That is why in aromatherapy the right concentration and safe carriers are key – only then can essential oils truly support wellbeing.
How is a fragrance born?
Every plant, object or feeling in this world has its own cycle of creation. So does a fragrance. While a perfume takes shape in the laboratory or the atelier, its true beginnings often lie much earlier – in nature, in people, in fleeting moments of inspiration.
Sources of inspiration
At 13:13 perfumery, our fragrances almost always begin in nature. In a summer forest. In a midsummer house filled with peony intoxication. In autumn work in the garden. In the crisp winter air that clings to laundry dried outside in the frost.
Inspiration also comes from people – visitors to our studio, the personalities we meet, sometimes from works of art. Inspiration can be a lightning flash – a clear, vivid feeling – or a quiet presence that stays with us for months or years until it becomes part of the creative process.
From feeling to formula
When inspiration becomes strong enough, the journey towards a fragrance begins. We select raw materials that might embody this idea and test them with the nose – do they truly reflect the feeling? How do they behave together? What kind of story do they tell?
We create a fan of blotter strips, a first sketch of the composition. From this, the formula is born – precise, balanced between notes, with careful attention to longevity and harmony.
The birth of a fragrance
The formula is prepared in a small batch and left to mature. After several days and weeks, we test it again. If needed, we return to the beginning – adjusting, refining, once more creating a formula until the result matches the intended vision.
Sometimes the perfume feels perfect from the very first try. More often, it transforms through many stages – like painting layer by layer, each step revealing something new. It is a creative, unhurried process, where freedom allows unexpected discoveries.
When the fragrance begins to live on its own
Once a perfume is finished, it symbolically separates from us as its creators. From that moment, it lives its own life – each person perceives it differently, describes it in their own words and assigns their own meaning. This is the true magic of fragrance: there is no single perfume for everyone, each opens uniquely on each skin and in each soul.
This diversity is both our inspiration and our challenge – because at 13:13 perfumery we never assume that “we know what people will like.” The world of fragrance is infinitely rich, and it continues to surprise us every day.
What is Happening with Natural Raw Materials
In recent years, the market for natural fragrance ingredients has become increasingly unpredictable. Many materials that have been used in perfumery for centuries are becoming more expensive, harder to source, or even disappearing from the market altogether.
And this is one of the reasons why commercial perfumery often chooses to move toward synthetic substitutes.
But behind every natural essence there is more than just a price tag. Each material carries a story — about flowers and trees, about farmers work, about long cycles of growth, and about sustainability challenges.
Neroli – a fragrance that has become 2.5 times more expensive
Neroli essential oil, distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, is one of nature’s brightest gifts for perfumers. It is also a key ingredient in our ANIMA fragrance.
Just a year ago it was costly yet accessible. Today, its price has risen on average by 2.5 times. The main reasons:
This year, in some countries neroli harvest fell by half.
Demand is rising across all industries – aromatherapy, cosmetics, and perfumery.
Some suppliers are stockpiling, waiting for further price increases.
The result: a raw material that was already precious has become even more rare and costly.
Vetiver – the earthy note with a luxury price tag
Vetiver root oil is a cult ingredient in luxury perfumery and aromatherapy. Its price increase is driven by:
Growing demand in luxury and wellness markets,
A time-consuming production process – roots need to grow for years before they can be harvested,
Stronger sustainability requirements and limited availability.
Vetiver is becoming more exclusive, yet also more indispensable as a grounding base note.
Sandalwood – valued ingredient that takes decades to grow
Santalum album, also known as Indian sandalwood, is one of the oldest and most sacred fragrance materials in the world. To obtain high-quality oil, the tree must grow for 15–30 years until aromatic resins form in its heartwood.
Demand for authentic sandalwood oil exceeds supply, while cultivation and trade are strictly controlled to prevent illegal logging. This makes sandalwood not only an aromatic treasure but also an exceptionally valuable and expensive resource.
Palo Santo – when availability becomes scarce
This year, one highly sought-after material — Palo Santo wood oil — has simply vanished from the market. Why?
The usable heartwood comes only from fallen trees that are 80–90 years old.
Local regulations allow harvesting only from naturally fallen wood.
Supply is seasonal and released in small “Limited Production” batches.
This means Palo Santo oil will always remain rare and limited.
What does this mean for us at 13:13 perfumery?
Our principles remain unchanged — we choose to create fragrances from natural and high-value raw materials. But it also means that every perfume batch will always be a limited edition, because the natural raw materials market is inherently unpredictable.
And here lies the beauty of it. The deeper we realise the value of natural ingredients, the more we return to the original principle of 13:13 perfumery:
fragrances to be used down to the very last drop,
fragrances made to fit you perfectly,
fragrances as a ritual and a practice of mindfulness, surrounding you and becoming and extension of your soul.
What is the difference between commercial and niche perfumery?
This is a topic I often bring up—whether when creating personalized perfumes or leading workshops. “Commercial” and “niche” are words that come up frequently. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly—how do I, as a perfumer, interpret them?
Let’s take a closer look—through the lens of history and personal experience.
Before “commercial” or “niche” existed
The modern format of perfume—an alcohol-based blend in a glass bottle with a spray—became popular in the late 19th and early 20th century. By then, France had already become the heart of perfumery, where both artistic and industrial developments were rapidly evolving.
At that time, there was no sharp distinction between “commercial” or “niche.” Perfumes were created using high-quality natural raw materials. Compositions were often concentrated, refined, and designed for limited, exclusive use.
The rise and transformation of commercial perfumery
As perfume chemistry evolved, more aromatic molecules were discovered and synthesized. This made it possible to produce perfumes that were cheaper, more stable, and easier to replicate.
Perfumery became increasingly tied to fashion and mass-market demand. One symbolic milestone: Chanel No. 5 (1921), which merged aldehydes and synthetic molecules with timeless elegance. From there, fashion houses like Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and others entered the world of fragrance.
In the 1990s, linear perfumery gained popularity—scents like CK One offered a single dominant impression that didn’t unfold over time. This simplified, “easy to like” approach became the blueprint for many commercial perfumes, typically built on inexpensive, mass-available materials.
The goal: pleasant to everyone, inexpensive to make, and easy to reproduce.
Niche perfumery — a return to artistry
As a reaction to the growing commercial focus, niche perfumery began to emerge. It represented a return to creative freedom—free from marketing trends, algorithms, and mass-market formulas.
Niche perfumery is about using rare and high-quality ingredients, complex structures, and personal stories. These are perfumes that develop, shift, and resonate with individual expression.
Perfume as an experience—not just a product.
Perfume as a narrative—not just a trend.
In summary:
🔸 Commercial perfumery = perfume as a product.
Accessible, familiar, made to please many, often based on synthetic molecules.
🔸 Niche perfumery = perfume as an art form.
Unexpected, personal, more exclusive—crafted with creative intent and depth.
At 13:13 perfumery, we embrace the niche approach. Each scent is created in limited quantities, using carefully selected materials, with a focus on mood, identity, and aesthetic beauty. Not to fit in—but to express.
If you're curious to explore, you’re always welcome to experience the difference.
— Anna Pipara
13:13 perfumery
13 Reasons to Choose Fragrances from 13:13 Perfumery
1. Limited Editions
Each fragrance is created in small batches. This means your scent won’t be worn by every passerby. It’s like a secret language between you and your inner world.
2. Niche-Quality Ingredients
We select only high-quality materials — natural essential oils, CO₂ extracts, niche-level aroma molecules. Every fragrance is made from some of the finest raw materials in the world of perfumery.
3. Scents with Personality — and with Aesthetics
These are not generic, crowd-pleasing blends. But they are always beautiful — even if you know it’s not your type of scent, you’ll sense the harmony and quality. Each composition has a voice and aesthetic that leaves an impression.
4. Created in Latvia
Every fragrance idea begins in silence — in a studio surrounded by forests and fields. A space where clear thoughts and feelings are born and turned into scent.
5. Authentic, Not Algorithmic
We don’t follow trends or algorithms. Each formula emerges from an artistic impulse — from emotion, not market strategy.
6. Distinctive, Without Overpricing
Niche quality and handwork — at a fair price that reflects the value of the ingredients, not brand positioning tricks.
7. Scent as a Mood
A fragrance is more than a scent. It’s a feeling, a mood, an impulse or reflection. A soft whisper or a quiet confidence that enters the room before you do.
8. Transparency
We are not a “mystery formula” brand. You’ll see the full INCI list and get to know each ingredient — you’ll know exactly what you wear on your skin.
9. A More Sustainable Outlook
We choose glass packaging, natural bases, and make decisions that reduce environmental impact where possible. Beauty can be responsible, too.
10. Subtle Sillage, Not Loudness
Our fragrances don’t shout. They create a presence, not domination. These are scents that are noticed by those who are meant to.
11. A Way to Tell the World Who You Are
Not about meeting expectations, but expressing your truth. Fragrances that reflect you — not an ideal.
12. Space for Quiet and Quality
13:13 is not built for mass production. It’s built for thoughtful creation, feeling, and conscious aesthetics. Crafted slowly, so you can feel deeply.
13. To Honour the Craft, Not Just the Brand
We don’t launch “product lines”. We cultivate the craft of perfumery, grow knowledge, and share the joy of scent.
Fragrances from 13:13 perfumery are not just products. They are presence. Experience. Part of your identity.
If you’re ready to feel that — we’re here.
Why You Don’t Need to Know How to Make Perfume — To Create Your Own
Let’s draw a parallel.
When you go to a tailor, you probably have a vision — a feeling, an idea — of what you want. But you don’t need to know how to cut fabric, choose lining, or sew seams to end up with a beautiful garment. The tailor takes your input and brings it to life with experience, skill, and craftsmanship.
It’s the same with perfume.
Just like at the hairdresser or car mechanic — you explain what you want, and they know how to achieve it. You trust their expertise to translate your idea into something that fits you perfectly.
The process of creating a personalized perfume with me is no different.
Many people still ask me — "Is it a workshop? Do I have to make the perfume myself?"
Let me clarify:
This is a service, not a class. You don’t need to know how perfumes are made. You don’t have to mix anything or calculate ratios. I do all that for you — thoughtfully, professionally, and with your taste in mind.
Your preferences are central to the process. I’ll ask about your favourite scents, what you love or dislike, and what you dream of. Based on that, I select ingredients from my perfume organ (over 200 natural and niche-quality materials) to build a scent that reflects your essence.
You only have to decide one thing: “Do I like this?”
The rest is my responsibility — from structure to balance, from silage to staying power.
This kind of perfume creation is quite rare in Latvia, but globally it’s a growing movement — from Paris to London to Los Angeles, you can now find private perfumers creating exclusive blends, from accessible to haute couture level.
Why choose a custom perfume?
Maybe you’ve never found a fragrance that truly resonates. Maybe you want something completely your own — a scent no one else wears. Maybe you’re drawn to the values of the brand, or you want to explore the world of scent with fresh eyes (or a fresh nose!).
Perfume creation is a dialogue — a gentle, intuitive collaboration. Like composing music, we layer the notes and refine the mood until it feels just right.
Some clients want something soft and delicate, others — bold, spicy, mysterious.
Every composition is as unique as the person wearing it.
Here’s what my clients have said recently:
“Thank you again for this experience — the perfumes we created are so deeply personal and so me. They’ve become even more beautiful over time. My husband says he can’t stop smelling me.”
Elīna, 06.2025
“I'm so happy and grateful for the scent we made together — it was a creative, intimate process that left me with warm and fragrant memories.
Thank you for your sincerity, professionalism, and gentle guidance.”
Ieva, 06.2025
“You asked for feedback... What can I say — I’m completely addicted! It’s seductive and magical.
I love how the scent opens throughout the day — peppery and green in the morning, then smoky iris in the evening.
Sometimes I just stop to smell my wrist — and time seems to pause.”
Ieva, 05.2025
Perfume can be more than fragrance.
It can be an experience, a memory, a turning point.
A quiet kind of luxury — made just for you.
Anna Pipara
13:13 Perfumery
Perfume Longevity: What Affects It and Why It Matters
Yesterday, I returned to my studio after nearly a week away. The rainy Midsummer festivities were celebrated, the peony intoxication enjoyed, and I was welcomed by scent of my projects— or rather, by the blotters I’d left behind from recent creations, waiting to reveal how well the base notes held up over time.
And it truly brought me joy — every composition still carried its base, even after a full week. That’s one of the clearest signs that a formula works well.
What affects perfume longevity?
1. Ingredients and their chemistry
Each perfume is composed of top, heart, and base notes. It’s the base notes that determine how long a fragrance stays on your skin.
Some molecules — like veramoss (an oakmoss alternative) or ambroxide (a molecule that captures the soul of ambergris) — can last for days. These are the backbone of long-lasting fragrance.
2. The formula’s structure
Balance between notes is key. A perfume that leans too heavily on the top without a grounding base might smell lovely at first, but it won’t linger.
3. Concentration
This refers to how much aromatic material is present in the alcohol base. The typical perfume types are:
EDT (Eau de Toilette): 8–12% concentration — bright and expressive, with medium longevity (4–6 hours), and strong projection.
EDP (Eau de Parfum): 15–20% — longer lasting (6–10 hours), with a deeper, softer aura.
Extrait de Parfum: 20–30%+ — intense staying power, but a more intimate projection.
What do projection, sillage, and longevity mean?
Projection is how far a fragrance radiates around you, especially in the first hour.
Sillage is the scent trail you leave behind.
Longevity is the total time the scent remains detectable on the skin.
In general, EDTs offer the strongest projection, while EDPs create more refined, lasting presence. Extrait is closest to the skin — a scent for you and only those very near.
What does it mean when a perfume “does its job”?
It means the fragrance unfolds gracefully, keeping harmony and presence throughout the day. That it’s felt by you — and maybe others — but never overwhelming, never too much.
Do you know your own scent preferences?
Do you lean toward soft presence or a bold signature that lingers on your clothes?
In my studio, everything is created with feeling in mind.
Scent is not just memory — it’s a step toward the version of you that’s becoming.
Anna Pipara
13:13 Perfumery
Creative journey at 13:13 perfumery is born out of an idea of all natural perfume.
As it is said - creativity flourishes in adversity! So, what can be achieved in looking at only natural perfumery ingredients and excluding all man-made molecules that are at a core of commercial perfumery?
Surprisingly - a lot. we explore to our hearts desire all natural ingredients that come together to form signature perfumes at 13:13 perfumery and also in a creative 1:1 journey towards unique, custom made personal scents.
Ask about opportunity to create your own signature scent here.
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