Dark, sexy, warm, and rich.Am I talking about my ideal cup of coffee, man, or perfume notes? Why not all three?
If it's winter or a night out, chances are I'm wearing a perfume that is the embodiment of le sex. There's nothing more comforting yet alluring than a fragrance with a rich base of amber, incense, or musk. Basically, if it smells like an escort...
From left to right: Dolce and Gabbana The One (for men), Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, Dior Hypnotic Poison, Versace Crystal Noir, Bulgari Jasmin Noir.
Dolce and Gabbana The One ($82 for 3.3oz) - And for the really daring, a cologne is the first place to look for something very strong in spices and musk. Surprisingly, The One has very sweet notes that drive me wild when it's on my husband or myself. It's very warm and rich without being too spicy. The closest thing I can compare it to is an Abercrombie model roasting marshmallows on an open bonfire beachside, but he's in a tuxedo.
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Eau de Toilette ($88 for 3.4oz) - Not quite dark and mysterious, Cashmere Mist is a more "clean" scent that still maintains a hint of "powder". In other words, sexy grandma? It isn't overpowering or strong unless you apply liberally, but the hint of powder and overall "warm" feeling of the fragrance really translates well to a languish afternoon on the couch naked.
Dior Hypnotic Poison ($75 for 1.7oz)- This one is tricky. It goes on very sweet, almost artificially like root beer or licorice and dries down to a semi-sweet but strong vanilla scent. I almost never wear this when the sun is out even though it's part-gourmand with my chemistry, since it's very strong and cloying. In fact, this is a great scent to spray on just before bed since it lingers until the next day. In the morning it will have evolved into a light gourmand scent.
Bulgari Jasmin Noir ($68 for 1.0oz) - Not only is this stuff expensive, but it's basically concentrated kerosene....guaranteed to set you on fire. It smells luxurious and heavy, almost like a den of exotic women wrapped in muslin cloths and they're all feeding you grapes while engaging in lavish activities. Yup. It's sexy without being juvenile and is the perfect perfume for an upscale date night. I wouldn't wear it to enclosed spaces where people may pass out from over exposure.
Finally, Versace Crystal Noir ($89 for 3.0oz) is a very rich scent that screams amber and gardenia, and I didn't even have to look that one up. It's almost sweet but with a burnt note, similar to molasses. The floral isn't too strong and it smells like it could be appropriate for daytime if you don't go overboard. The packaging is bizarre (alien spawn? reptilian egg? what is that??) and cumbersome but I enjoy this one the best. I'm a sucker for gardenia!
Do you have a signature scent? Do you divide scents into daytime and nighttime or by occasions? I would love to wear these in the daytime just running errands or heading to work, but I think that it would bother some people who are allergic to heavy fragrances. If I'm feeling a little daring it's always best to spritz before bed so that the scent has time to develop throughout the night.
xo Be
