Signature Scents
by allthebest • 9 Aug ’07 • fragrances, shopping • 15 Comments
Cult Classic Kiehl’s Original Musk Oil
Perfumer Camille Goutal
I have always liked the idea of having a signature scent, but the thought of restricting myself to one perfume is unthinkable. In part that’s because I’m so terrible at limiting myself to any single choice. That goes for most everything in my life, with the exception of my husband. Not to mention the power of scent is undeniable. I own several bottles of perfume, but there are four fragrances that I adore and hold dear to my heart for sentimental reasons: Givenchy Ysatis—first given to me by my husband in 1988 (the year we started dating); Houbigant Quelques Fleurs—worn on my wedding day; Creed Silver Mountain Water—a Christmas gift from my husband; Annick Goutal Mandragore—purchased on our recent trip to Pollensa.
I love beautiful scents and I am always on the lookout for new ones. A few years ago Style.com, the online home to Vogue and W, published a list of the top 5 cult scents:
The People of the Labyrinths Luctor et Emergo
Kai
Kiehl’s Original Musk Oil
Monyette Paris
Apothia IF
To be honest, I have never had the chance to smell any of these fragrances, but I am very curious as to their aroma and what elevates a perfume to cult status. So, what’s your ‘signature scent’ and have you tried any of these coveted fragrances?
If you want to try before you buy Fragrance Net has an extensive selection and offers many (but not all) mini sized bottles.
For unique, one-of-a-kind and hard to find fragrances try Lucky Scent. Lucky Scent also sells samples.
Wow, Kai made the list? I have that in a spray form oil. it’ wonderful. My signature scent is Aromatics by Clinique. I always buy other perfumes but nothing ever takes the place of Aromatics. I’m known for smelling like that. haha
Joni
I know this is terrible, but I always have Chanel no. 5 nearby–even though I can’t stand the way it smells. I just love the bottle!
Jo Malone. Amazing scents. Brilliant Asylum would love her bottles too! The fragrance industry claims the average woman has 8-10 fragrances on her vanity or bathroom shelf at all times. We need different scents for all of our changing moods! By the way, the majority of fragrance is sold between Sept 1 and New Year’s Eve – 4th Quarter. 2nd is Mother’s Day & Valentines Day.
What a fun post. I have to say I only use one fragrance, “Happy”…but I think I might check these out next time I’m shopping!
~Kate
I spend a few years loving a perfume and then I’m on to the next one. Currently I love YSL Cinema, and I’m also a Floris girl.
I can’t believe I haven’t heard of any of those cult perfumes besides Kiehl’s. I’m going to have to go shopping!
I always wear Mimosa by Calypso in the summer and Narcisco Rodriguez in the winter but I feel like I’m due for a change. Any suggestions?
I’ve shifted a bit – used to be Aqua di Parma – a lemon/vanilla yumminess – but it’s getting dusty as I am obsessed with Jo Malone Orange Blossom. Love Fracas in the winter – and Donna Karan’s Gold for night. Oh, it’s so fun to be a girl.
Penhaligon’s Quercus. and Antonia’s Flowers Freesia.
Interesting post, I was also one to have about 4-5 perfumes on hand for changing moods and weather, but I’m now stuck on one particular fragrance – Thè by Calypso. I’ve used Lucky Scent before because they also ship outside of the US (a godsend), but I’ll have to try the other one. Thanks!
I love all of your comments and suggestions! Very interesting facts liberty post editor.
i wear Kiehl’s daily, but “my” scent is actually…Om by Gap (of all things!). its long since discontinued, but i have a large bottle that i use occasionally. seriously, it smells amazing.
I was turned onto Child years ago and always get such amazing compliments on it and I don;t know anyone else who wears it (except my mother, after smelling me!) You can only get it a few places…which I like.
Child is on my list to smell, I’ve only read about it.
I haven’t tried the above-mentioned scents, but I do have a few signature scents I created at a custom fragrance workshop a friend of mine hosted. The name of the lady who did the workshop is Catherine, and she works with a new company called Urban Botanic. They help women and men create an original blend you can add to unscented products. It’s fun and very reasonable – I only paid $25 for a parfum spray. And they have over 60 different oils to choose from, so the idea of creating something “signature” is quite easy.
That sounds great Isabel. Thanks for stopping by and posting.