I find it most flattering when someone asks where your perfume is from, rather than be able to guess it straight off. Scent is a powerful thing, since a smell can bring back memories or remind you of something you thought long forgotten. This works because the place where we process scents is in the brain’s limbic system which is closely associated to where we process memories and feelings. When we first log a smell in our brain we associate it with, for example, a person or place. Past memories and life experiences will mould your predilection for certain scents, and when other people smell you they will link you to that fragrance. Understanding this makes you realise that finding your own signature scent is pretty important.
Liberty has a great selection of niche perfume brands including Byredo Parfums, Frederic Malle, Duro, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and the new Blood Concept which matches your scent to your blood type (told you the selection was niche).
I’m a great fan of fragrance house Ormonde Jayne particularly founder Linda Pilkington’s Champaca. What’s interesting is this perfume contains Pink Pepper, which I’ve realised is a common denominator in a lot of scents I like. If you can identify notes (ingredients) you’re drawn to then this will help you narrow down what can be a daunting selection of perfumes out there. You may find like me, you like a particular Nose (the person who creates the scent) or House, in my case Linda at Ormonde Jayne. Fragrantica.com/noses/ has a long list of different noses and the scents they have created – a useful tool.
Lastly, Avery Fine Perfumes is a fragrance emporium that specialises in niche brands such as Esteban, SoOud and Nasomatto (heard of them? Neither had I). They also stock Six Scents a brand that collaborates with six designers each season for the coolest limited edition ‘designer fragrances’ around. I can’t promise a purse-friendly price tag, but you’ll definitely find something different. The expert team at Avery will be able to guide you to your scent soul mate (27 Avery Row, London; 020 7629 1892) or you can buy online at averyonlinestore.com .
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