When in Rome… (perfumes behaving differently in other places)
Have you ever had the same perfume smell different in various environments? Continue reading When in Rome… (perfumes behaving differently in other places)
Two-faced perfumes (love and its opposite, delivered in one spritz)
Shapeshifters that elicit visceral reactions at both extremes. Continue reading Two-faced perfumes (love and its opposite, delivered in one spritz)
Zeroing in on a must-try list of perfumes
Thanks to those of you who commented with your favorite perfumes, I now have a sizeable list to try! Continue reading Zeroing in on a must-try list of perfumes
Perfumed Alphabet: Y is for Ylang-Ylang
Sharp, yet honeyed, like fruit ripened; soft like wrinkled, yellow satin. In perfume, you’ll know its presence—so impassioned is this essence! Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: Y is for Ylang-Ylang
eXhilaration is on the steep part of the learning curve
The undeniable thrill of accelerating from zero to anything, and a few perfumes that have recreated the feeling for me. Continue reading eXhilaration is on the steep part of the learning curve
Perfumed Alphabet: W is for Whisk(e)y
It adds flair to warm, woody scents and smooths out some eager spices. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: W is for Whisk(e)y
Perfumed Alphabet: V is for Vetiver
A dashing and distinguished scent. It’s an earthy note, full-bodied with a hint of smoke. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: V is for Vetiver
Upward and onward in uncertain times
Ups and downs and neutral-rating perfumes. Continue reading Upward and onward in uncertain times
Perfumed Alphabet: T is for Tonka
Is it chocolate? Or a liqueur? Known to mix well with tobacco, tonka complements woods also. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: T is for Tonka
Perfumed Alphabet: S is for Sandalwood
Rich, milky scent of mysteries—how well sandalwood has become a favorite base note in perfumes. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: S is for Sandalwood
Perfumed Alphabet: R is for Rose
By any other name, a rose would be as gorgeous in perfume. Is a perfect one hard to find? Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: R is for Rose
Quietude in quotients
The sun peeks through the clouds enough to remind me that external circumstances are temporal, and galbanum is strong stuff. Continue reading Quietude in quotients
Perfumed Alphabet: P is for Patchouli
This cousin of mint is a base note commonly employed with rose and woods. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: P is for Patchouli
Perfumed Alphabet: O is for Opoponax
This sweet resin has been, in fact, used in perfume since ancient times. It reminds me of a dried fruit that’s called, in Chinese, “dragon eye.” Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: O is for Opoponax
Perfumed Alphabet: N is for Nutmeg
Nutmeg goes under “fresh spicy.” In perfume, it’s done a long stint. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: N is for Nutmeg
Perfumed Alphabet: M is for Mimosa
Acacia or cassie are other names. It plays well in mixed floral things. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: M is for Mimosa
Perfumed Alphabet: L is for Lavender
It’s versatile, familiar—a smell most people recognize. You’re bound to encounter it in perfume. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: L is for Lavender
Keeping calm and smelling alright
Opting for harmonious scents and trying to keep things simple. Continue reading Keeping calm and smelling alright
Perfumed Alphabet: J is for Juniper Berry
Perhaps more popular in gin, it’s more of a spice than a fruit. Aromatic in a piney way. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: J is for Juniper Berry
Perfumed Alphabet: I is for Iris
Its high price rightly unquestioned, iris boasts many possible facets. Continue reading Perfumed Alphabet: I is for Iris
Nose Prose 