My daughter is 14, and she is stepping into the world. Sometimes her friends help her with that, sometimes Billie Eilish, and sometimes her three guinea pigs Wuschel, Keks, and Krümel. It’s a peculiar age. Sometimes a thousand bright lights shine in the night sky, and sometimes you can’t find the light switch when fear comes at night. Actually, nothing is in the right place. Or you are caught between things. But you know that something is coming behind it.
When I bought her this fragrance, it was completely spontaneous in a drugstore. There are always a lot of clearance items lying around that you just pick up. But this time it was different. Because it was supposed to be somehow the first perfume. And since then, something has changed in the air when my daughter leaves the house. A gesture of departure that fits into a whole lot of other gestures of conquering the world. Because perfume is something for adults (and only kids use the overly sweet shower gels of the YouTuber Bibi).
“Lilly of the valley” is not a big deal. We smell white flowers, something exotic and fruity, and softly sweet lily of the valley, and everything happens without much fuss. And of course, it’s not great perfume craftsmanship, and you will search in vain for the aromatic Bourgeonal aldehydes of the lily of the valley. This fragrance was created in a lab, which is why the fragrance pyramid simply states “exotic notes.” But who cares about that? Rose oils or elemi resin are for snobs. Or better said, for wannabes. Honorably.
What’s especially great is that the perfume comes off cooler than anything on Dad’s shelf. The box is playfully designed and gives off a bio-chic vibe, the typography is smart and adds a bit of serif aesthetics, and when the text says it’s about carefree lightness that dances in the sunrise, then that’s a promise you can indulge in.
What’s sitting in Dad’s closet, on the other hand, has way too much design intent. Rigid flacons, serious packaging, adult stuff. And surely not a single fragrance in his collection is vegan, and that cursed ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and all the other additives he sprays on his skin by the liter.
Saving the world, that’s something others have to do. Even with perfumes. So this could be a good start. But right now, it’s all about smelling good. Because the world should know: here I am, and I am just like this, and it’s no big deal. But it’s incredibly great.
And that’s perfect! :) You seamlessly continue your beautiful writing. Loving, sensitive, and in your own unique, refined language. Going far beyond just perfume, but always connected to it. Such a pleasure to read!!
What a thoughtful comment that makes you remember your own 14-year-old self and also think of the 14-year-olds in school (since I don't have kids of my own, I always picture my students). The world is changing. Beautifully written!
While reading your wonderful little essay about 14-year-olds and the world and just everything, I immediately thought of Meggi's wonderful little essays on the same topic. And lo and behold: Meggi was already here. I'm not really thrilled by the J&L scents (but I would wear them if I had nothing else - I don't think any of the ones I've tested are bad). Great second comment!
My equally old daughter just sorted out her shower gel flavor misadventures. My son (12) and I are bravely using them up now. Plum, vanilla, unicorn fart...
A very nice comment that I can relate to so well! Unfortunately, my 13-year-old doesn't really like fragrances, but when she does, thankfully it's only fresh and subtle ones (no Bibi). But maybe the breakthrough will come at 14 ;-)
A sensitively and empathically written comment.
- so beautifully authentic and lovingly described! Thank you!
my 14-year-old daughter would only use it if the bottle was black and had skulls on it!!