Making Sense of Smell

I’ve been banned from shopping for clothes. Truthfully, I really have all that I need for fall/winter. But I do have a new obsession: perfume!

As a child, I have very fond memories of my mom’s extremely large perfume collection (of which, we were not allowed to touch). It seemed like if a scent smelled lovely in the bottle, it would smell twice as nice on her skin. My sister must have a similar skin pH, because all perfume smells great on her as well. I on the other hand, am another story.

Perfume always smelled awful on me growing up – it was either too strong, or smelled too much like alcohol. When I got to high school, I figured I should smell like something other than ‘Ivory soap’, so I purchased a bottle of perfume from Banana Republic. I wore it almost everyday. I figured it smelled ‘ok’, even though it reminded me of tree bark, pine, and cedar. I found out later it was a cologne for men. Oops. In college, someone game me a bottle of Vera Wang perfume. It smelled great in the bottle, but it was a little too old for me. It reminded me of a 40-something divorcee.

After much trial and error, I finally found a few ‘Eau de Parfum’ that smell great on me (and I’m sure on many other women as well). I think these perfumes are pretty universal, but not as mainstream as “Nautica”, “Calvin Klein”, or “Giorgio Armani”. Next time you’re in the store, why not try them out.

Carol’s Daughter – Almond Cookie
I first remember seeing this scent featured on Oprah a couple years ago. Lisa Price initially created her line from her home kitchen. This scent is very warm, slightly sweet, and soothing. The price is right as well – only $27 at Sephora.com

Juicy Couture – Viva La Juicy
This fragrance is the epitome of “girlie”. Very alluring, and somewhat sweet, with hints of gardenia, wild berries, honeysuckle and vanilla. I think this one smells worlds better than the original Juicy fragrance, or the new Couture line.

Stella McCartney – Rose Absolute
This scent can be summed up in one word: heavenly. It smells like fresh cut roses. Very light and feminine. I always get compliments about this one.

Clean – Ultimate or Shower Fresh
Clean does not create traditionally ‘floral’ scents. The entire collection smells like wonderful, handmade French soap or clean laundry. Great fragrance to put on after stepping out of the shower. Very clean, very fresh.

Annick Goutal – Petit Cherie
Annick Goutal fragrances definitely are not mainstream, or well known. I found this scent in Paris while looking for an authentic French perfume for my mom. This scent is truly French, and has only been sold in select US stores in the last 5yrs. Some Annick Goutal fragrances are hard to find, but when you do, they are well worth the price. This sensual fragrance should only be worn at special occasions – in my opinion. By far, this is my favorite maker, and fragrance line.

(click photo to enlarge)