Magic (1996)
by Céline

I suppose I am the only person who knows about this gorgeous scent, or remembers it even.

I was 11 years old when my mom first bought this fragrance on a trip to Paris, and ever since than I am in love with it. Too sad that it has been discontinued, I still find bottles from amazon.com etc. to buy for my mom. Even her tastes have altered over time, but mine did not.

Magic was a scent she had used sparingly, with the fear that she would run out off someday, because it was impossible to find. Reserved only for nights, this was truly a magical creation. It had everything: sparkling like a diamond, a spicy/sweet brew with ultimate femininity bottled in a gorgeous glass sphere adorned with stars. Celine Magic was a floral chypre with a lot to promise.

One of the more interesting opening citrus notes, Magic had clementine, coriander, orchid, pear, and generous roses as its opening. Right away smelled like how a yellow diamond would if it had a scent. Spicy, fruity and floral all at the same time. The heart notes were ylang-ylang, jasmine and lily-of-the-valley. It was so creamy, so smooth, and so potent, there was almost something evil and indecent about it.

The base was musk, amber, and patchouli all at the same time, tamed with sandalwood. This was one of tthe first scents I had ever experienced that experimented with very rich ingredients and a masculine wood note, injected to everything that there is to be found in terms of femininity. It was a true tour-de-force scent: a 'piece de resistance' of French perfumery of the late 90s.

Yes it was heavy, yes it was particular and peculiar, but damn it, it was gorgeous. It was how a woman should smell. Too bad it is being experienced by so few.

Magic was magical.

3rd September, 2008.