It is nearly 30 degrees outside. Even if it is not so hot now, it will soon be. In summer, the act of bathing is for most part, a clinical affair, where dirt, sweat and grime are scrubbed away. It does leave one feeling refreshed, but then in summer, there is the need for something extra to wash away the summer stupor.

That brings us to little bottles filled with magic potions that we call perfumes. Early perfumes were crude oils that were extracted from plant or animal sources, used by the royalty or the filthy rich.

Thankfully, today one does not have to be a royal, nor rich, to use magic in a bottle. As trends go, Ranchi people, like their counterparts in all cities across India, are lapping up all the international brands such as Lomani, Gucci, CK and Est?e Lauder. At the same time there are popular Indian names from Lakme, Park Avenue, and Archies. In fact perfumes are such big business today that popular youth channels such as Channel V and MTV have launched their exclusive ranges for both men and women.

Perfumes also make great gift items. The ?his and her packs? are an obvious hit. The market for smells is such a specialised and brand conscious one that celebrities are launching their signature scents, too. So next time you want a piece of a diva, go buy her perfume.

Big Shop, Main Road: The shop caters to a wide range of imported names such as Christian Dior, CK, Chik and Azaro. But these come at a heavy price. As far as the mid-range is concerned the shop has Lomani, Havoca and Jovan.

Galib, the in-charge of the perfume section points out that fake perfumes are their biggest problem. But a true connosieur would know the difference,

he adds. In fact, Ghalib has an useful tip for the perfume buyers. He says that original products, when sprayed over a smooth surface, such as sides of glass, does not run down like water.

Because some perfumes are oil-based it has a tendency to stick to the surface. But fake products have a greater tendency to run down like water.

Ghalib has yet another tip: the two different forms of perfumes ? the UD toilet spray and the UD perfume spray ? are not to be used in a similar fashion. Toilet sprays are meant to be sprayed on the skin and they are more mild products. While perfume sprays are meant for clothes and skin contact should be avoided.

Archies Gallery: Starting from Gucci, Hugo, Nina Ricci, Cartier, Ferrari to Mont Blanc,the shop has an impressive stock. The owner, Kundan Kashyap, says that apart from imported items, there are about 20-odd Archies perfumes that are a rage among the youngsters.

All those brands that have flooded the market make a brisk sale during summers and in the marriage season when they seem are treated with reverence and honour among a bride?s gifts.

The summers have already arrived and people have started to throng the shops to buy perfumes. For those who prefer to smell fresh for a longer period of time should at least get a tiny bottle for the go ? who knows you might just get addicted to its sweet smell of freshness.

first hand

Signature smells waft in town

Though supply follows demand, in case of Ranchi, the trend was reversed. International perfume brands were introduced in the market first, fuelling the consumers interest in the products. In fact, signature perfumes mean big business in today?s market. Right from a celebrity launch to extensive marketing ? a good perfume is the piece-de-resistance in any person?s collection. They are also the statement of individual style and persona.