While some people have scent memories that they associate with the fragrances they wear, I prefer to associate my fragrances with my moods or music. I find this to be a safer way to enjoy fragrances in case something bad (like an ex) becomes attached to a particular scent memory and ruins the aromatic experience. The last thing I want to do is throw away a full perfume bottle because my scent memory went sour. Below are just a few of the fragrances I’ve tried in recent years and the songs that come to mind each time I wear them.
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle – “Primadonna” by Marina
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle was the first perfume I ever encountered from snooping through my mom’s perfume collection that she never wears. Upon first sniff, I immediately recognized the elegance of the fresh floral perfume. It is a classy and sophisticated perfume that commands the attention of the room. Coco Mademoiselle reminds me of a young woman who has her life together. Mature but youthful, fresh and sweet, this perfume can be worn both day and night. She can do it all.
Lake and Skye 11 11 – “Glue Song” by beabadoobee
11 11 is the perfect “clean-girl” scent and I actually prefer the perfume oil over the spray bottle. The perfume oil has more of a crisp undertone to it that I can never get enough of. I am well aware that beabadoobee has a song titled “Cologne,” but the tempo and instrumental of “Cologne” aren’t reflective of the feeling I get when I wear the 11 11. “Glue Song” comes to mind when I wear 11 11 because it perfectly describes how I feel about the perfume. I’ve quite literally been stuck to this perfume oil as if it were glue. Of all the perfumes I mention in this article, 11 11 is what I reach for the most. You can wear it alone or use it as a base to layer perfumes.
Atelier Cologne Clémentine California – “orange juice” by Between Friends
A citrus kiss is the perfect way to describe the Clémentine California experience. It’s a sweet and juicy citrus scent with the addition of spice notes that add a warm base to the cologne. With a lower perfume oil concentration as an eau de cologne, the scent projection of Clémentine California is not as strong. But, the lasting power is pretty good and stays close to the skin. It is a sweet and juicy skin scent that is perfect for hot weather. Unfortunately, Atelier Cologne no longer retails in the United States, so until I make a trip back to France, I have to sit with an empty bottle.
Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb – “Style” by Taylor Swift
This sweet floral perfume was reportedly Taylor Swift’s signature scent during her Red era, and for that reason, “Style” comes to mind. Even though eras come and go, Flowerbomb has maintained its relevancy. Launched in 2005, this perfume continues to be a massive hit 18 years later. I’ve seen Flowerbomb on my friends’ Christmas wish lists, and my nose constantly recognizes this scent on campus. Flowerbomb continues to be a popular fragrance and won’t go out of style anytime soon.
Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Libre Eau de Parfum – “Apocalypse” by Cigarettes After Sex
With notes of orange blossom, lavender, vanilla and musk accords, Libre markets itself as a warm and feminine floral fragrance. This perfume is unique for having a lavender note, which traditionally has been recognized as a more masculine note, appearing more frequently in fragrances marketed towards men. For that reason, I find Libre to be unisex appealing because I can picture both men and women wearing this perfume. Libre reminds me of Greg Gonzalez’s androgynous voice and the warmth of the floral perfume brings on the feeling of a romantic embrace, similar to the one created by dreamy guitar arpeggios and softly tapped drums.
Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA’ Beach Walk – “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
Beach Walk is like summer in a bottle. The coconut and ylang-ylang notes make for a sweet, creamy tropical scent that reminds me of the best-smelling sunscreen lotion. It brings me back to sunny beach days when the only worry on my mind is whether I’ll end the day with a tan or a sunburn.
Of all the fragrances listed above, Lake & Skye’s 11 11 was the only blind purchase made. When trying out new fragrances, it is always in your best interest to test samples before making full-size purchases because a full-size bottle is a full-size commitment. Everyone’s skin and nose are different, so the olfactory experience that one person encounters from a fragrance may not be the same for someone else.
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