The human nose can identify and remember an astonishing 10,000 odours and is pretty good at sniffing out what is good for us and what is bad. It’s the reason we are attracted to jasmine,tuberose,the scent of the sea or freshly cut grass and are repelled by the stench of smelly socks.
Felicity Ingram
When it comes to fragrances,there are scents that we may think of as “male” and “female”,but that
line is increasingly blurred.
Traditionally seen as being on the male side of the fragrance spectrum, ($176) is a perfectly weighted combination of fresh citrus and Haitian vetiver root with a hint of spice. It’s loved by model Elle Macpherson.
On the female side of the spectrum,Sarah Jessica Parker’s ($23) is a floral woody musk designed for women but loved by many men.
Unisex standouts include:Kiehl’s Original ($104),a perfect blend of bergamot,orange and musk;anything;Kilian ($385) with its distinctive sandalwood and cedar notes;Amouage ($499);Hermès ($185) with its tobacco flavour;Gucci’s ($195);and citrusy Calvin Klein ($105).
These fragrances are just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to try something outlandish,saddle up
and dare to wear the unexpected,like the smell of a breast-fed baby,with Demeter Fragrance Library ($33) that’s all creamy and soft and took 15 years to bring to market. Go seriously into orbit with Etat Libre d’Orange ($150),which is unconventional,subversive and challenging to say the least with references to blood,sweat,sperm and saliva. Yes,you read that right. And when it comes to the truly out-there,one of our favourites is Idaho Frites by the Idaho Potato Commission,with notes of distilled potatoes and containing essential oils with the scent of French fries. Only in America.
Finally,in the words of Helen Keller,“Smell is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands of miles and all the years we have lived”.
Ask Steph
What is slugging?
Slugging is a moisturising technique,slathering on an occlusive product – such as La Mer’s ($335) or ($6) – to lock in active ingredients. The name is derived from the slug-like sheen it leaves on the face.
Send questions via Instagram,@mrssdarling.
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