The following passages are taken from a wonderful article written by Victoria from her website Boise de Jasmin. Victoria is a writer, journalist and professionally trained perfumer. You may want to pay a visit to her site, where she “…explores the world of senses through art, literature, and history”. As you read try to think of any travel size cologne or perhaps any women’s travel size perfume you may want to try. Or perhaps a scent you’ve seen a commercial for that caught your eye. There is a great chance we carry it, as we’re adding to our collection every week!
Smell Classics Before Diving Headlong into Niche
Niche perfumes, as opposed to the scents available at department stores, are fascinating. I still remember how exciting it was to discover Annick Goutal, L’Artisan, Serge Lutens and Frédéric Malle. Often, they are a refreshing change from the fruity-floral and gourmand patchouli scents crowding the perfume counters. But in the past ten years, this category has exploded so much that this label doesn’t often promise anything unusual. The only certainty is the high price tag.
Another reason you should smell classics is that many pricey niche perfumes are really nothing but dressed up classical ideas. Bond No 9 Scent of Peace = Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue. Tom Ford Private Blend Bois Rouge = Guerlain Habit Rouge. Amouage Gold = Madame Rochas. It doesn’t mean that you should prefer Habit Rouge to Bois Rouge, but smelling classics gives you a more informed way of making your choices.
- Smell Things Around You
If you are motivated to learn more about scents, smell aromatic things around you–herbs, teas, coffees, chocolate, olive oil, mangoes piled up at the grocery store. Many perfumers come from a family of fragrance professionals, mostly because they are taught to use their nose at an early age. You may not have an arsenal of essential oils and perfumery materials, but if you can just sniff fruits or spices as you shop, you will not only hone your nose like a professional, you will end up with better produce on your table.
Open your spice cabinet and sniff cinnamon, allspice or vanilla extract. You need not order an expensive sample of Lorenzo Villoresi Piper Nigrum if you have black pepper in your kitchen. Crush the peppercorns and smell the bright top notes. Notice how they smell citrusy and cool. Then sniff them 10 minutes later to notice the woody-smoky nuances. The scent of spices is as complex as that of any perfume, and most of your favorite fragrances probably use a spice or two in their formulas.
We provide a large selection of men’s cologne as well as a variety of women’s perfume, all in handy travel size spray vials. They are perfect to keep in your car, your purse, your gym bag, even your desk drawer at work. You’ll be ready anywhere and anytime you need a quick boost of fragrance. Check out our popular fragrance samples today!
