Scent Collecting
To justify multiple purchases, i.e. the same bag in three different colors, I think of myself as a collector. I know, I know. But consider this: I’ve been searching for a new signature scent (get loads of samples before you commit, was the best advice) and realized that maybe having more than one, like a perfume wardrobe, could be modern. This is coming from someone who doesn’t own a lipstick and hasn’t really worn a fragrance in 20 years. To date, I’ve found two that I love — Carthusia Mediterraneo and Louis Vuitton’s On The Beach — the start of a perfume collection.
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I love the idea of a perfume wardrobe! Such a clever idea. I agree everything by Carthusia is amazing and you should add Frederic Malle’s Portrait of a Lady to your search – it’s really beautiful.
I don’t wear perfume as I get an immediate headache, but if you want to try a great “lipstick” – Gucci Westman’s new lipglosses are great, Nana is a cool, almost colorless beige and very hydrating,
Curious if anyone else gets a headache from scents?
I have always been a “scent” girl. Experimented with many in the ’70’s and early ’80’s .Rive Gauche, Lauren, Shalimar, Ciara, Youth Dew) In 1986-87, I came upon Bijan, one of the “hot new fragrances. Spending $65 on perfume was a lot then, but I loved it and became my”signature”. I later started mixing scents, my other favorite being Tom Ford Black Orchid, but always with the base of Bijan. Recently I veered away from that base and substituted something else. I realized that people would always comment favorably on my scent, now that was not happening. I know we are wearing masks but long story short, I am back to my “signature” base scent. And the best part is, its now only $24.99.
I use 24 Faubourg and Eau de soir for ages, recently some natural, home made and I don’t think I will change it but you made me dreaming of visiting Capri again…Carthusia is located so beautifully! I still have some things from my last trip.
For about 20 years I collected and rotated all of the Trish McEvoy scents and layered them. Her grandmother was a perfumer and the natural oils she uses makes her scents linger beautifully and I played with mixing them. They are all still beautiful and different. Currently I stole a scent from a French friend, Chanel Noir. I constantly have both men and women ask what I am wearing…even with masks on. I guess it just works on me. But during the day in the summer I use Clarins Eau Dynamisante. For me it is the perfect running around scent. It was my Jean Nate during elementary school. I could never follow the crowd… Kathy is right. The Westman Atelier glosses are lovely. I purchased all of them. I have only worn Dr. Sturm lip balm during the Pandemic because of the mask situation. Hopeful I can show off all the glosses this summer. Happy collecting Preston!
Way back in the day I wore Angel…I know it didn’t work for many, but it did for me…I got many compliments! I have that type of body chemistry that turns many scents to “bug spray”…horrible! For years I wore perfume oils…chocolate and vanilla suit me…gourmand scents do well. Lately I haven’t been using much of anything, but I guess whatever oil or lotion I use after my morning shower smells good to my husband.
I agree that you might want to try one of the many tinted lip balms out there…I am a lipstick junkie and have had to resort to clear balms when wearing masks. I didn’t wear lipstick of any kind until well into my 30s…the condition of my lips improved tremendously since then!
I accidentally came across L’occitane Herbea, and get a lot of compliments about what I wear. Totally agree that one needs a scent wardrobe. My current faves aside what I mentioned for evening are Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille and Francis Kurkdjanian Oud.
Thank you for mentioning the Trish Trish McEvoy perfumes. My daughter bid at a charity gala auction on a basket in which there were two of Trish Trish McEvoy’s perfumes. Since my daughter doesn’t wear scents, she gave them to me. I haven’t tried them yet but now you’ve encouraged me to try them on. They are Sexy and Trish.
Preston,
You’re truly chic in your outlook so it only matches your personality to have a perfume wardrobe.
Personally, I’ve always had a daytime scent that it associated with work. I chose a scent that was light, fresh and classic being cognizant of my fellow co-workers who were sensitive to fragrance. It was Chanel, No. 5, L’eau.
I selected a signature “after work fragrance” when I was in my 20s. It was First by Van Clef and Arpels. As a very young girl I wore Anais Anais by Cacharel which evokes young, happy memories. As I age, I’ve added a few scents.
I always receive compliments on my scents because I let them blend with my body chemistry and personality. One that I recommend to all my friends is Ecentric-molecules 01. It is the base of all fragrance and truly meshes with your chemistry.
Fragrance and a refined palette of makeup finishes a woman. Have so much fun on this artistic self-expression!
Warmly, Christina
I’ve been thinking about my signature scent as well. I’ve been wearing Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant for more than 25 years, introduced by very glamorous aunts when I was in college. I’ve tried to branch out with Byredo’s Bal d’Afrique, Rose of No Mans Land and Frederic Malle’s French Lover – but I’m not in love. There is a small perfumerie here in Geneva called Theodora, the only place I can still walk in and buy Quelques, and they slipped me a sample from a French perfumerie I had never heard of before called Les Parfums de Rosine. They have a fascinating history and the sample ‘Ballerina no.3’ was amazing. Thinking of heading back this week to buy the bottle!
So excited for you Preston, those scents sound gorgeous. Wearing a beloved perfume can make you feel like you don’t need lipstick and you’re not actually wearing “leisure wear”. Oh and I will definitely be checking out the LV one even though I just purchased Baccarat 540. Seasonal scents are also part of my collection. Enjoy!
I have always been a one scent at a time gal. For many years I wore Jo Maline Vanilla Anise until they discontinued it. I searched for a year for my new scent and now wear Le Labo Santal. The Le Labo scents are fabulous.
I’ve loved following along on this scent journey of yours. In a similar vein, I would love if your readers would share their deodorant of choice. I know ingredients can be controversial, but I am heartbroken by Donna Karan Cashmere Mist being discontinued. I’ve worn it for over a decade and don’t feel like myself without it. What should I try next?
I don’t think Cashmere Mist is being discontinued- I read it’s just out of stock due to COVID supply issues.