1000 Kisses Deep (2004)
by B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful

On opening the little bottle I briefly got a whiff of something a bit like 4711. I applied some to my wrist and got a thin sort of lemon smell. Very quickly a strange plasticy or burnt note emerged. Just as I was thinking that this is just another B Never too Busy clunky, clumsy mix, it matured into something very interesting - something sweet, beautiful, delicate and haunting. It made me think of peat fires and of my Granny and Grandad who were married for a very long time (looks like the perfumer's aim worked then, looking at the site). Ivy plants also came to mind for some reason (?). Once again, that B Never too Busy staple, jasmine, made a late appearance. Overall, I'd summarise this as an interesting and unique scent, just not one that I would want ON me. (Sorry, can't do italics here!). I'm wavering between neutral and thumbs down, OK I think it has a bit more sophistication than some of the other scents from B so neutral it is.

A rich, heady, myrrh-infused scent designed to symbolise a long and happy marriage (and the name comes from a song by Leonard Cohen). There is also a lovely, fruity, osmanthus note and a soapy dry-down that makes it a good alternative masculine.

I love orange notes in perfumes, but have had trouble finding one with just the right dose: most either smell like a basket of fresh oranges (very nice on the table but not on my clothes), or hide the orange behind stronger notes. Not so in 1000 Kisses Deep.

1000 Kisses Deep, Eau des merveilles, and Elixir des Merveilles share a slightly bitter but very fresh, unsweetened orange note that I find scrumptious.

In Eau des Merveilles the wood notes, especially cedar, take over on my skin. Too dry!

In Elixir des Merveilles gooey vanilla and caramel end up candying the orange. Too sticky!

In 1000 Kisses deep, labdanum, myrrh and osmanthus give the blend all the depth promised in the name: Juuuuuuuuust right!

The orange is there, from beginning to end, but the wise selection of elegant complementary notes steers it in a warm, sophisticated, grown-up direction that takes 1000 Kisses Deep from daytime to evening. Modest sillage. Lasts at least 5 hours on my skin.

The homage to a Leonard Cohen song is for me a huge plus, as are the thoughtful attention to detail in the packaging.

Since I wear many different scents, I am disappointed that so many come in only 100 ml bottles. Again, B Never too Busy to Be Beautiful is the exception. The company seems to understand the financial, aesthetic, and practical needs of its many perfumista clients. You can choose a mini body spray for under 10 pounds, small atomizer, a small bottle, a large bottle, a pomander, or even a scented fan.

I am smitten with 1000 kisses deep, and am quickly falling in love with B Never too Busy.

Smells like the best bitter-orange marmalade in the world. Not too sweet, but rounded and warm. Perfect winter day perfume.