It kind of surprised me, again. I do live in a moderate continental climate, four seasons and all, but still!
Dusky, chilly mornings when you draw in a breath of the crispy smell of Autumn, the olfactory vision of wet ground, cinnamon-colored leaves, rays of sunshine weaving through the clouds, earthy and woody scents soothing your nose: just recently I was reminiscent of Summer, clinging to fresh notes, desperately in need of “Vitamin Sea”.
Autumn poured over me, seducing me with its abundance of colors, harvested crops and fruits, spices, and that damp smell of rain in the air just before it starts falling. It is rich, mysterious, and textured, like a curve of a woman’s hip, soothing like that spot in the triangle shoulder-neck-collarbone of your lover.
If you are a signature perfume ’round the year type, good for you, but look around you: as Nature changes its tones and hues, so do the scents change. The fragrant whiffs of flowers blooming, freshly cut grass, salty sea air, or a freshly cut slice of watermelon are now replaced by notes of wet leaves on the ground, the earth smells like mushrooms, first smoke coming from chimneys, apples and pumpkins, grapes, woolen sweaters, and leather booths: you might want to replace those light’n’breezy, fresh perfume notes with more cozy, earthy or, as
Danish would say, hygge scents. Hygge, roughly translated as cozy, means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. Hygge for me is my Autumn perfume, my warm white blanket on the sofa, a book, and a cup of Yellow tea.
I tend to associate spicy fragrances with Autumn, brunette vs. blonde, outdoors, but warm on the inside. Depending on your olfactory impression of this season and how it makes you feel, you might want to try out one of these:
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– M. Micallef Automne is a blend of red fruits, rare spices, and woody notes. It opens with bergamot and red berries, cumin heart warmly beats with saffron and the base is patchouli, vanilla, and sandalwood. The nose behind this fragrance is Jean-Claude Astier.
Oldie but goodie, part of their 4Seasons series. It does start fruity and sweet, but then it transforms into almost Goth-like dark, sensual, and fatal feminine. Smells like a close and a tight hug, when you feel your own body warmth, your partner’s body, and there’s no hurry, just the simple pleasure of belonging.
– CB I Hate Perfume Burning Leaves Absolute Perfume The name says it all. I rest my case. You can purchase trial vials at CB, which I strongly recommend. “Not everyone has your passion for dead leaves”, as Jane Austen wrote in Sense&Sensibility. The nose behind this fragrance is Christopher Brosius. I’d say it is controversial, you’ll either love it or hate it, but it is certainly different.
Mainstream suggestions: Lancôme Poeme, CK Secret Obsession, YSL Cinema, Lolita Lempicka by Lolita Lempicka , Bois Des Iles by Chanel.
So dig in your scents&emotions impression of October and pamper yourself this Autumn with a matching perfume. Feel hygge and enjoy!
Elena Cvjetkovic
Photo: © Scvoart, Dreamstime
