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Which fragrance "haunts" you?

post #1 of 39
4/27/07 at 5:58pm
Thread Starter 
Hey everyone,
I was just reading Basenote's interview with Marian Bendeth and she said "For me, to say a fragrance is "nice" is the kiss of death. It should haunt you, and literally force you to smell your wrists repeatedly." So I figured it would be a good question since I spent an hour yesterday searching the forums for the words "haunting" and "ethereal".

Note: there is two definintions for ethereal, one being "characterized by unusual lightness and delicacy" and the other "relating to the regions beyond the earth; celestial, unworldly". I was searching for the latter.

Since I'm new here, I've yet to find a scent that "haunts" me. So I thought I would ask the experts what haunts them.
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post #2 of 39
4/27/07 at 6:19pm
Easy, Voleur de Roses by L'Artisan. Man, that stuff is majestic. I think it is my favorite scent from an objective standpoint (ie, I could sit there smelling on paper all day), but I only feel comfortable wearing it on wet, rainy days. So it haunts me in that regard as well. I SO want to wear it all the time.
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post #3 of 39
4/27/07 at 8:09pm
Pure, high grade sandalwood essential oil and Serge Lutens Gris Clair. Others come close (Andy Tauer perfumes in particular), but these two are the stand outs. When I wear Gris Clair it's almost achingly poetic... whether it's from a scent associated memory that I can't remember, I don't know; but it's beautiful.

What makes a fragrance haunting is so intimate and personal. A fragrance becomes haunting, I think, when it meshes perfectly with the wearers' psyche, or just a mood. Just like there's some music that, at the right place, at the right time, with the right mindset, goes beyond being just good or pleasant and becomes sublime.
Many fragrances act like a mask to wear, I think... but a fragrance haunts you when it takes your mask off.
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post #4 of 39
4/27/07 at 8:16pm
High quality pure agarwood oil (oud). Oriscent's oils are a perfect example. Their Borneo 3000, Oud Royal, Oud Shuyukh, Green Papua and Sweet China are all out of this world. I have never smelled anything else like them.

As far has regular fragrances are concerned, FM's Carnal Flower is one that comes to mind. It blows me away!
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post #5 of 39
4/27/07 at 8:33pm
Equipage, the signature scent of my first serious affair.
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post #6 of 39
4/27/07 at 9:57pm
CREED MI does that to me. It forced me to sniff my wrist as often as I could.
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post #7 of 39
4/27/07 at 10:17pm
DK Leaded - Donna Karan
Noir Epices - Malle
Rose Opulente - MPG
Lime Aoud - Montale
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post #8 of 39
4/27/07 at 10:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Monkey View Post

Hey everyone,
I was just reading Basenote's interview with Marian Bendeth and she said "For me, to say a fragrance is "nice" is the kiss of death. It should haunt you, and literally force you to smell your wrists repeatedly." So I figured it would be a good question since I spent an hour yesterday searching the forums for the words "haunting" and "ethereal".

Note: there is two definitions for ethereal, one being "characterized by unusual lightness and delicacy" and the other "relating to the regions beyond the earth; celestial, unworldly". I was searching for the latter.

Since I'm new here, I've yet to find a scent that "haunts" me. So I thought I would ask the experts what haunts them.

I consider this an admirably careful approach to the greatest topic there can be concerning fragrances! I also like how you extend it beyond compulsory wrist sniffing. The second definition of 'etherial' really describes my holy grails perfectly. I have about five now, and maybe I shall mention more later, but what really stunned me - the first three replies given already contain two of mine:
Voleur de Roses
Oud oils!
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post #9 of 39
4/27/07 at 11:51pm
There are many but I'm too tired to think about it. Mitsouko Parfum on the right inner thigh, up close to my girlfriend's musky smelling c_nt after we'd been walking through the desert all day is the most compelling fragrance scent I can remember. It's often hard to get an idea of just how good a fragrance is until you smell it on someone else, preferably after they've been active and it's mixed in with some of their natural body odor.
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post #10 of 39
4/28/07 at 12:28am
Scents that "haunt" me and compell me to keep sniffing my wrists are often those in which I find something unsettling or mildy disturbing played off against something luscious and familiar.

Ive been haunted by:

'Richard James' : (suede and tobacco v/s rose)
'Love Potion No.9 for Men' by Penhaligon's, (mimosa v/s clove)
'Scent Intense' by Costume National (jasmin and hibiscus v/s hardcore amber)
'L'eau D'Élide' by Diptyque (lavendar v/s faun)

... most of these represent scents in which two contrasting or contradictory accords are juxtaposed on a collision course with one another. The result is both unnerving, yet ultimately satisfying.
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post #11 of 39
4/28/07 at 4:35am
Both Zagorsk and Cabochard have an air of startling familiarity, combined with something like a memory that just eludes the edges of recollection. These are not necessarily accessible fragrances, in the sense that you can apply, "get it", and feel certain that it is appropriate. But they have a complexity and contradictory quality that make me keep sniffing or thinking, they intrigue.

Incidentally, I think that Pluran made an excellent point about the value of smelling a fragrance on another; if you try something that has been suggested here, and find it entirely uninteresting/unevocative or unpleasant, try to see if you can experience it on someone else, someone of the opposite sex, or very different from you with regard to age or ethnicity (i.e. someone with very dissimilar chemistry). Then you may well find yourself haunted.
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post #12 of 39
4/28/07 at 4:55am
Haunting for me would be Messe de Minuit-Etro. It kept me sniffing for hours. I had never smelled anything like it before..

Peace and Safety,

Otto
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post #13 of 39
4/28/07 at 5:29am
Eau d'Hermès, Chergui, Iris Silver Mist.
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post #14 of 39
4/28/07 at 6:50am
Léonard pour Homme -- the ultimate autumnal.

Chergui, too, albeit to a lesser extent. Versace Pour Homme, too.
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post #15 of 39
4/28/07 at 7:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxwell View Post

Many fragrances act like a mask to wear, I think... but a fragrance haunts you when it takes your mask off.

This is a beautiful way to describe how and why a fragrance would be haunting ...the mask analogy is perfect, imo.

for me, some would be Aimez Moi by Caron, Tabac Blond by Caron, Madame X , Ava Luxe,
Jasmin Impeatrice Eugenie by Creed, Carnal Flower by Malle, Patchouli by Jalaine, Nirmala by Molinard
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post #16 of 39
4/28/07 at 8:49am
Noir Epices by Malle
Philosykos by Diptyque
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post #17 of 39
4/28/07 at 10:56am
santos eau de sport, and lolita lempicka au masculin use too
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post #18 of 39
4/28/07 at 11:44am
I find that the only fragrances that have permanent reservations in my collection are the ones that "haunt" me, as you say.

Its a sure-fire keeper when you smell something and think "ohhh, I've smelled this before somewhere...but where?" Like you had worn it in another life.
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post #19 of 39
4/28/07 at 11:49am
Not to sound derivative, but I too was stunned to see Voleur de Roses as the first reply, followed by Narcus' seconding that opinion. VdR was, and remains, the most haunting fragrance I've sampled in the year or so since I began to appreciate fragrances. It smells so old... decaying, almost,... but still very much alive and rich... undead perhaps? Alas, VdR is a guilty pleasure I wear only for myself; I'd feel a bit self-conscious wearing it in my social and professional environment.
In addition to ethereal, I would also add 'rare' as a descriptor (as in scarce, not necessarily costly), since I think it would be difficult to feel haunted by something one encounters everywhere, on everyone. Nor would I personally include 'pleasant' in my list of haunt-able attributes, which for me would eliminate anything fruity, watery, or sugary sweet. I enjoy those notes, but haunting? I don't think so.
Very nice topic, and well posed!
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post #20 of 39
4/28/07 at 1:14pm
Himalaya haunts me. I can spray it on my shirt, and like 3 weeks later I can still smell it(faintly).
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post #21 of 39
4/28/07 at 5:03pm
Musc Ravageur , Cannabis Santal , Brownstone , and Chergui are ones that come to mind. To me they are classics, transcending time and space. They linger with me, please me, provoke me, and cause me to feel uplifted.


Dan
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post #22 of 39
4/28/07 at 6:23pm
A haunting fragrance is one which defies logic,mystifies, keeps you enthralled. Those that haunt me now are:

Montale Lime Aoud - an aura of scent develops from the unknown.
Voleur d Roses - the patchouli does it.
SL Borneo 1834- pathchouli + chocolate is very compelling, but dark.
Montale Royal Aoud - contrast of opposites is strangely attractive.
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post #23 of 39
4/28/07 at 9:00pm
The twin combo of Creed Santal Imperial and Creed Vetiver '48. Theres something magical about these two.
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post #24 of 39
4/28/07 at 9:14pm
Buzzlepuff, Yes!!! I agree with Royal Oud and Aoud Lime. Both simply amazing! I don't own full bottles of these just yet.

Others on my list would have to be Kingdom, AG Sables, Chergui, Santal de Mysore, Bois Blond, Querelle, and Lonestar Memories.

I can practically smell these just by thinking about them...
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post #25 of 39
4/28/07 at 9:53pm
The main one for me would be Ambre Sultan. It evokes the images of an era past.
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post #26 of 39
4/28/07 at 11:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snafoo View Post

In addition to ethereal, I would also add 'rare' as a descriptor (as in scarce, not necessarily costly), since I think it would be difficult to feel haunted by something one encounters everywhere, on everyone. Nor would I personally include 'pleasant' in my list of haunt-able attributes,

To keep their rare quality, I do not wear them often - just as a special treat, or as part of a memorable day or encounter in my personal life. The fragrances may be beautiful to the point it hurts, but they need not be that at all. Malle's VetiverX is on my list of must haves before Aoud Lime. Can there be an easier, more perfect fragrance to wear? It's not sacred though. But mention AL and I feel like homesick for it!
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post #27 of 39
4/29/07 at 7:21am
Hi all,

Great post! Well, at this point in time...I would have to say....
MONTALE OUD CUIR D'ARABIE! SMN "NOSTALIGA" could be another fine choice!

Regards,
SixCats!
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post #28 of 39
4/29/07 at 7:30am
How could I forget Aoud Cuir D'Arabie? I have a little tester right here by the computer! I put it on and instantly think of new car smell. Of course with a leather interior. Then it morphs into the freshest leather scent I know of. This isn't a sexual leather with lots of musk and cumin but clean and light. It also lasts a long time.
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post #29 of 39
4/29/07 at 7:37am
For The Last Months There Is One.

Black Xs
I Love The Dark Amber The Pachouli And The Praline Note
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post #30 of 39
4/29/07 at 7:52am
Maestrale - Profumi di Pantelleria haunts me even when I don't wear it. It makes me feel guilty for not wearing it everyday.

Patchouli 24 - haunts me with those random wiffs it gives 24 hours after application and a shower.

Acqua di Gio - haunts me because it was the everyday scent of the most incredible person I have ever met. 7.5 year relationship that was more amazing than I could have ever imagined.
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post #31 of 39
4/29/07 at 8:30am
Ethereal, lingering, now I can feel, now I can't, keeps me sniffing, clean, manly, simplistic yet full:
Bulgari Pour Homme.
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post #32 of 39
4/29/07 at 8:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by paintrman View Post

Buzzlepuff, Yes!!! I agree with Royal Oud and Aoud Lime. Both simply amazing! I don't own full bottles of these just yet.

Others on my list would have to be Kingdom, AG Sables, Chergui, Santal de Mysore, Bois Blond, Querelle, and Lonestar Memories.

I can practically smell these just by thinking about them...

Ah, I can't believe I forgot Sables. That's definitely on my list too.
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post #33 of 39
4/29/07 at 9:19am
Clinique Happy for women haunts me. The hottest chick I've ever dated/loved wore it. To bad she used it to cover the booze seeping from her pores. I still love them both, but after the knife attack, I had to cut my losses...so to speak. Thank God she never found my guns.

On a happier note, Jil Sander Background haunts me. Sometimes just opening a mini splash is all I need...OK, maybe a little dab on my finger tip. Thanks again JWS for indroducing us. Unlike the previous GF, Jil is a keeper.
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post #34 of 39
4/29/07 at 9:58am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxwell View Post

Many fragrances act like a mask to wear, I think... but a fragrance haunts you when it takes your mask off.

That really is a good quote Maxwell. I'm about to order a few samples of Montale's Aoud series and Voleur de Roses. Oriscent's oud oils sound really interesting, but I'm not sure I could bring myself to pay 200-500 dollars for 3ml of anything. There are some really good ideas mentioned so far.
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post #35 of 39
4/29/07 at 3:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Monkey View Post

That really is a good quote Maxwell. I'm about to order a few samples of Montale's Aoud series and Voleur de Roses. Oriscent's oud oils sound really interesting, but I'm not sure I could bring myself to pay 200-500 dollars for 3ml of anything. There are some really good ideas mentioned so far.

Thank you. I've been eyeing Oriscent myself lately. At least with real Oud you only need to use a tiny dab. Even a small application gives amazing sillage.
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post #36 of 39
4/30/07 at 2:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CuyahogaJoe View Post

Clinique Happy for women haunts me. The hottest chick I've ever dated/loved wore it. To bad she used it to cover the booze seeping from her pores. I still love them both, but after the knife attack, I had to cut my losses...so to speak. Thank God she never found my guns.


Now if her name was Ellen and she lived in L.A. ten years ago, that would be scary !

Cheers,

Mario
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post #37 of 39
4/30/07 at 2:59am
Great post, Monkey. My response is based on my own quirky definitions of haunting. The first is a combination of profound beauty and deep melancholy which includes Voleur de Roses (after the numerous mentions here this will have to be my SOTD) as well as Lutens' Douce Amere and Montale's Blue Amber. The second are those scents that repel me at first but which I can't simply dismiss and consign to my "tested, don't like" drawer as I do with so many. It's probably no coincidence that some of my favorite people are those I'm initially put off by. This group of fragrances include Eau d'Hermes, Sandringham, and Blenheim Bouquet.
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post #38 of 39
4/30/07 at 6:50pm
Daim Blond has been haunting me for the past few days. I keep focusing on the apricot, musk and suede notes as I find them in the mix. Each wearing seems subtly different from the preceding one.
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post #39 of 39
4/30/07 at 8:07pm
Bond Wall St and Chanel Pour homme
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