The Opposite Effect: Scents That Can Scare The Interlocutor

“They are greeted by aroma, escorted by the mind”: today it is easy to rephrase a well-known proverb, because perfumery, like clothing, is a key way of communication with the outside world. The brain has not yet had time to analyze the relevance of the image and the harmony of color combinations, and the olfactory organs have already reacted and helped to form the first impression. And here, as in love: either it happened or not.

Of course, do not forget that the perception of a scent is purely individual, and often the decision "to apply or not to apply" should be based on the appropriateness in this particular case. Despite all the subjectivity of the olfactory organs, there is a so-called "risk group" - notes that risk being misunderstood more than others, for example, the already mentioned oud, incense and other experiments of perfumers, focused not on the main group of consumers, but rather on connoisseurs who subtly feel the relevance of the "here and now" scent.

However, you shouldn't be in awe of the “scaring” ingredients in the composition of the perfume: very often aroma experiments make the masters applaud. In our material, we propose to consider notes that can potentially cause an ambiguous reaction of the interlocutor. As you know, forewarned means forearmed.

Incense

Frankincense is not the most life-affirming note, referring to the theme of loss, heavy, intense and definitely wintry. Frankincense can not only scare off the interlocutor, but also immerse him in melancholic memories.

But when perfumers frame incense with coffee and vanilla notes, it becomes fabulously beautiful and delicate. This light sweetness hides its heaviness, leaving all the best from a rather complex ingredient - mystery, high cost and genuine elegance.

Oud

Oud notes are typical representatives of the woody family, especially respected in oriental traditions. This perfume is often brought from the United Arab Emirates, and this is not surprising: there oud is most understandable. Woody notes are complemented by a purely oriental sweetness, warming in cold winters and immersing in pleasant memories. For some connoisseurs of perfumery, oud is a guide to the world of meditation and deep immersion in the unconscious (read also: “Perfume ambrosia: three new divine fragrances”).

Many perfumers are inspired by oud to create intelligent compositions that reveal all the grace, severity and nobility of this ingredient.

For real perfume connoisseurs, it is recommended to apply oud aroma an hour before leaving the house in order to let it temper the ardor and give companion notes that accompany oud in the olfactory composition.

Grandma's Chest

We are talking about vintage fragrances that are difficult to perceive in our time of minimalism. But these perfumes cannot be written off, if only because they are a natural stage in the development of the industry, real masterpieces of their time.

Recently, interest in vintage perfumery has been gaining momentum and it is highly likely that vintage will soon become a trend. Many are tired of modern art and want to see clear classics on their dressing tables, paying tribute to the great compositions of the most talented perfumers.

PS:

The ways of perceiving our sense of smell are inscrutable, and any scent requires an individual approach. It is important not to be shy in front of difficult notes, experiment, try and (especially before important meetings) think: will I sound appropriate? (read also: "Perfume mistakes that everyone (except professionals) makes")