Weekly Scent Discussion #8: Those notes that you rock.
9 years ago
Anyone who spends time trying many different perfumes always comes to the conclusion that some notes will sing on their skin and other notes with make retching noises. It may take a bit of trial and error but we almost all come to the conclusion that we can't wear "whatever note" but that "whatever note" is amazing.
For me the singers are Saffron and Gardenia. I know that most perfumes with one of those notes will be ok on me, and many more will sing gloriously and richly. Gardenia tends to be creamy and smooth (Island Gardenia, Black Orchid, Truth or Dare) and saffron (Black Cashmere, Magnifique) always seems to have that perfect mix of floral and spice with a deep warmth and richness. I also find that Carnation (Sun Moon Stars, Blue Grass, many Carons, Wind Song) is another winner. It's peppery bite comes out on my skin and adds a spicy depth and interest to many things I find it in.
Then there are combinations of notes that just seem to always work wonderfully. One such combination is Rose and Ylang-ylang (Lust, Youth Dew, Cuir De Russie, and too many other to list). These two notes always sing so beautifully on my skin. They combine to make a zingy, deep, almost anamalic beauty.
On the flip side I avoid Lychee (Miss Charming, Flower) like it's a plague ridden meth addict with mouth sores. For me "Nothing good can come of Lychee". There is something about me that amplifies the zingy sweetness of this note. I also avoid Peony (Stella). It's not always a complete miss but 9 out of 10 times it's sharp and overly cloying on me. It has a zing that I just can't stand. When it's paired with Lychee... Bad things happen.
How about you? Looking at your most beloved fragrances what works for you and what makes you cringe? What note combinations just do it for you?
For me the singers are Saffron and Gardenia. I know that most perfumes with one of those notes will be ok on me, and many more will sing gloriously and richly. Gardenia tends to be creamy and smooth (Island Gardenia, Black Orchid, Truth or Dare) and saffron (Black Cashmere, Magnifique) always seems to have that perfect mix of floral and spice with a deep warmth and richness. I also find that Carnation (Sun Moon Stars, Blue Grass, many Carons, Wind Song) is another winner. It's peppery bite comes out on my skin and adds a spicy depth and interest to many things I find it in.
Then there are combinations of notes that just seem to always work wonderfully. One such combination is Rose and Ylang-ylang (Lust, Youth Dew, Cuir De Russie, and too many other to list). These two notes always sing so beautifully on my skin. They combine to make a zingy, deep, almost anamalic beauty.
On the flip side I avoid Lychee (Miss Charming, Flower) like it's a plague ridden meth addict with mouth sores. For me "Nothing good can come of Lychee". There is something about me that amplifies the zingy sweetness of this note. I also avoid Peony (Stella). It's not always a complete miss but 9 out of 10 times it's sharp and overly cloying on me. It has a zing that I just can't stand. When it's paired with Lychee... Bad things happen.
How about you? Looking at your most beloved fragrances what works for you and what makes you cringe? What note combinations just do it for you?