In honour of my Holy Grail. Yes, after spending thousands of pounds (do not tell DH) I have found THE ONE. Who knew Chanel's Cristalle would be the one to claim me? Not me.
For those of you looking for your Holy Grail, please, if you hear nothing else - DO NOT BE SWAYED BY OTHER PEOPLE'S CHOICES, OPINIONS AND SNOB RATINGS. They are all there for guidance not dictate.
For the longest time I was convinced my personality demanded a "feminine" fragrance. Feminine? Roses of course. There began the long, long era of what I fondly call the "The War of the Roses". That said, I did find the Chypre Rose to die for - Andy Tauer's "Une Rose Chypree". Close to becoming my signature, but no cigar. Why? I was forcing myself to fall into a category - the type of female I wished to be perceived as. I am feminine, but I am also ballsy, forthright, opinionated, and an extrovert. The florals, therefore, never quite felt like me. Then again, the Bandits, Tabac Blonds, Fracas and other "Divas" never felt quite right either.
I could go on to tell you about the citrus phase (that didn't last long); the aquatic phase (yes, all worthy of a drop in the ocean); the floral phase (Interflora eat your heart out); the oriental phase (my family would have happily murdered me on this Orient Express ride or anywhere); and all the sub, sub categories therein.
What I know for sure, there is no knowing where, when or how you will find that fragrance you strangely become addicted to. You may not even like it at first. It may be niche, readily attainable, expensive - or not. The fragrance that speaks to you will be heard no matter what. I knew I had found my HOLY GRAIL simply because I really did not care who did or did not like it. It would usually take only one dissenting voice (or no reaction) for me to discard a love. Luca Turin has a lot to answer for. On that last point; no matter how learned "perfume experts" are there is one area upon which they absolutely cannot legislate. THE FRAGRANCE YOU LIKE. You don't even have to know why you like it. All that matters is that you do and that it makes you happy.
My Holy Grail is my signature. Another sentiment I became less and less ashamed about. Yes, I do have enough perfumes to start several hundred perfume wardrobes. In my final honesty though, I realised I did want to be identified with a particular perfume. A perfume that my children would smell long after I am gone and remember me by fondly. This admission stopped the pursuit of fragrances which I put in the category of "BEYOND NICHE". (A fragrance group so rare that sightings made national headlines.) If your children cannot get hold of it and/or afford it you ain't gonna be remembered by it!
Good luck in your search, but you could just stand still and wait to be found. May the Cristalle be with you.
For those of you looking for your Holy Grail, please, if you hear nothing else - DO NOT BE SWAYED BY OTHER PEOPLE'S CHOICES, OPINIONS AND SNOB RATINGS. They are all there for guidance not dictate.
For the longest time I was convinced my personality demanded a "feminine" fragrance. Feminine? Roses of course. There began the long, long era of what I fondly call the "The War of the Roses". That said, I did find the Chypre Rose to die for - Andy Tauer's "Une Rose Chypree". Close to becoming my signature, but no cigar. Why? I was forcing myself to fall into a category - the type of female I wished to be perceived as. I am feminine, but I am also ballsy, forthright, opinionated, and an extrovert. The florals, therefore, never quite felt like me. Then again, the Bandits, Tabac Blonds, Fracas and other "Divas" never felt quite right either.
I could go on to tell you about the citrus phase (that didn't last long); the aquatic phase (yes, all worthy of a drop in the ocean); the floral phase (Interflora eat your heart out); the oriental phase (my family would have happily murdered me on this Orient Express ride or anywhere); and all the sub, sub categories therein.
What I know for sure, there is no knowing where, when or how you will find that fragrance you strangely become addicted to. You may not even like it at first. It may be niche, readily attainable, expensive - or not. The fragrance that speaks to you will be heard no matter what. I knew I had found my HOLY GRAIL simply because I really did not care who did or did not like it. It would usually take only one dissenting voice (or no reaction) for me to discard a love. Luca Turin has a lot to answer for. On that last point; no matter how learned "perfume experts" are there is one area upon which they absolutely cannot legislate. THE FRAGRANCE YOU LIKE. You don't even have to know why you like it. All that matters is that you do and that it makes you happy.
My Holy Grail is my signature. Another sentiment I became less and less ashamed about. Yes, I do have enough perfumes to start several hundred perfume wardrobes. In my final honesty though, I realised I did want to be identified with a particular perfume. A perfume that my children would smell long after I am gone and remember me by fondly. This admission stopped the pursuit of fragrances which I put in the category of "BEYOND NICHE". (A fragrance group so rare that sightings made national headlines.) If your children cannot get hold of it and/or afford it you ain't gonna be remembered by it!
Good luck in your search, but you could just stand still and wait to be found. May the Cristalle be with you.
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Right now it's Estee Lauder's Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia .
