Perfumed Alphabet: G is for Gamma Undecalactone
This fruity heart note helped make Guerlain Mitsouko the legend it is. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: G is for Gamma Undecalactone
Perfumed Alphabet: F is for Florhydral®
Better known by its trademarked name, Florhydral® is considered a freshening agent. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: F is for Florhydral®
Perfumed Alphabet: E is for Ethyl Maltol
This gourmand base note is likely encountered more often than we recognize, and recognized way more often than we realize. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: E is for Ethyl Maltol
Perfumed Alphabet: D is for Damascone
A fruit-forward set of molecules whose properties vary depending on the isomer. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: D is for Damascone
Perfumed Alphabet: C is for Citral
A listed ingredient in most perfumes, this naturally-derived substance may be perceived as artificial due to familiarity. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: C is for Citral
Perfumed Alphabet: B is for Benzyl Acetate
A commonly used ingredient, this floral top note lends a green aspect to white flowers. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: B is for Benzyl Acetate
Perfumed Alphabet: A is for Aldehyde*
This staple top note must be dosed well to achieve the desired effect. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: A is for Aldehyde*
I bought this for the bottle (Black by Bvlgari)
Its reputation preceded my serendipitous encounter with it. Can it live up to expectations? Continue reading I bought this for the bottle (Black by Bvlgari)
A refuge in simplicity (Gardenia by Caswell-Massey)
The flower, the whole flower, and nothing but the flower? Continue reading A refuge in simplicity (Gardenia by Caswell-Massey)
Theme parks sniffing tour (Universal Studios and Disney World)
Possible spoiler alerts for how certain rides smell at Universal Studios and Disney World. Continue reading Theme parks sniffing tour (Universal Studios and Disney World)
Versailles: an anachronous fantasy
A fragrant musing on 2 generations before Bastille Day. Continue reading Versailles: an anachronous fantasy
Chanel Factory 5 pop-up in Boston
A question of scale? Continue reading Chanel Factory 5 pop-up in Boston
Smelltrack to vintage store diving
The best fragrances on this trip turned out to be natural and modern. Continue reading Smelltrack to vintage store diving
Lactones sniffing
Names can deceive, not least with lactones—an exploration of 7 ingredients from this class of compounds. Continue reading Lactones sniffing
The past is not forever, and osmanthus is not leather
My recent quest for perfumes with leather notes has led me to explore osmanthus again. Continue reading The past is not forever, and osmanthus is not leather
De Stijl–inspired wire purse
Wire artwork that can hold its own—and hold perfume, too. Continue reading De Stijl–inspired wire purse
A shield of flowers
A conundrum of warning and invitation, like flowers embroidered into dark green silk organza fabric. Continue reading A shield of flowers
Scents of socializing again
A little self-pat on the back for recognizing a perfume unaided. Continue reading Scents of socializing again
Do we have a social reward system for vocalizing smells?
Smelling can be mostly passive, but what you do with smells engages different parts of your brain. Continue reading Do we have a social reward system for vocalizing smells?
Resins sniffing—Part 2
Each resinous material stands on its own, but art lies in finding others with which to blend them. Continue reading Resins sniffing—Part 2
Nose Prose 