As perfumistas, there are scents that appeal to our creative side, the ones that are complex enough to generate an appreciation. These scents could be worn for the sake of making a statement, going against the mainstream grain. Especially for those of us who live far away from any larger urban centres, wearing certain niche scents that may be considered artistically advanced and particularly complex might garner a particular sense of satisfaction.
There are times though, where it's just necessary to wear whatever gives us pleasure. The hedonist in me occasionally eschews the complex in favour of juice that makes me shudder with pleasure. Most recently, there have been a few 'fumes that have literally made my eyes roll to the back of my head whenever sniffed. (How's that for a ringing endorsement?)
#1: Guerlain Gourmand Coquin
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| (Image taken from http://www.fragrantica.com/) |
On a recent trip to the U.S., my fragrant dream of browsing the scent selection at Saks came true. I stopped by the Guerlain counter, wanting desperately to get my hands on some of the exclusive scents that would otherwise not be available to me at the tiny Guerlain section at my local Sears counter. The SA inquired as to what Guerlain scents I had sampled before, and thus determined that I should try this one. The usual SA recommendations leave me cold, however this lady knew exactly what she was doing. One whiff of this stuff sent me over the moon. Perhaps it's that pleasure centre that so closely forms the association between scent and taste. The cocoa accord in this one simply made my mouth water. I can't recall what other notes I detected. It simply didn't matter. Within days, I was in negotiations for a decant.
#2: Ormonde Jayne Ta'if
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| (image taken from http://www.ormondejayne.com/) |
This particular floral is anything but typical. A spice-infused rose, it challenges convention. It's not possible to come up with a more atypical floral. One sniff sends me into sensory overdrive. When I wear this one, I find that my nose is perpetually glued to my wrist. Hours later, when I think its final notes have departed, I'm surprised to find it has retained its integrity full-force, especially on fabric. I can honestly say that I wear this one solely for myself.
#3 Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb
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| Image taken from http://www.fragrantica.com/ |
It truly doesn't get much more delectable than this. Not particularly complex or original in concept, Flowerbomb gets my senses going. This sugary, patch-infused scent is my ultimate guilty pleasure. I'll where it absolutely anywhere (except for my 'fragrance free' work environment. ;-) Any compliments garnered are a mere bonus in my world. No matter who else wears it, I still consider it to be solely my own.
What say you, fellow readers? What are your guilty pleasure staples? I'd love to add more to my list! :)
