Travel isn’t the most doable thing right now, and many of us find ourselves looking longingly at pictures of faraway places or even not-so-faraway places that aren’t where we live. Luckily, we have perfume, and perfume is excellent at transporting us to exciting places. One spritz of a scent can immediately fly us away to exotic beaches or ancient cities – that is the power of perfume. So, with that in mind, here are six scents that will take you away to somewhere gorgeous.
1. The Amalfi Coast
Let’s start by taking a quick hop over to Italy and the Amalfi coast – the home of limoncello! Italy is such a beautiful place. Think about it; you have everything you need: beautiful landscapes, citrus groves, wine, pasta, pizza, pasta, adorable Fiat Cinquecentos, did I mention pasta? Anyway, Italy is excellent and whilst we may not be able to go there right now, we can evoke the beauty of the Amalfi coast through the rich, jammy and milky figs of Acqua di Parma’s Fico di Amalfi. Breathing it in is like walking along the beach, devouring a fig and smelling the scent of sun lotion in the air. Bliss!
2. Korean Island of Jeju
The island of Jeju in South Korea produces green and oolong teas – it even has a tea museum! The thought of strolling through a vast plantation of green tea sounds pretty good right now, so instead of going, may I present to you Tea Tonique by Miller Harris. This delightful scent makes you feel like you are walking through a tea plantation first thing in the morning, just as the morning mist rolls out, whipping up the fizzy scent of earl grey and iced lemon teas. It is tea perfection, and it transports you right into an endless expanse of vivid green tea leaves.
3. Nevada
I’m obsessed with the idea of Burning Man – the festival held in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. Burning Man is an experiment in art, community, expression and self-reliance, where attendees have to bring all of their sustenance with them and leave no trace once the festival is over. Oh, and of course, there is the burning of a giant wooden effigy too. So what scent can make us think of hot desert sands under the baking sun? For me, the salty vanilla of Vanilla Vibes by Juliette Has a Gun is very much a Burning Man mood, evoking the saltiness of skin caught on a hot breeze. It is such a vibe.
4. Kyoto
Kyoto is an ancient city seen as the cultural centre of Japan. It was, up until the late 1800s, the seat of power in the country and it’s filled to the brim with shrines, temples and historic buildings. Compared to the hectic, modern buzz of Tokyo, Kyoto has a slower pace and an artsy scene that shows a more historical side of Japan. Whenever I spray the warm, powdery woods of Wonderwood by Comme des Garçons, I think of Kyoto; specifically of the soft, woody smells of temples, torii gates and stone steps. Nothing captures the spirit of the city better.
5. Egypt
I’ve always wanted to go to Egypt but have never made it. I imagine that there are few things more impressive than standing in the shadow of the great pyramids – one day I hope to get there. In the meantime, I’ll stick with Egypt by Eight & Bob, a handsome and aromatic fragrance based on lavender, spices and woods, that makes me feel like a rugged archaeologist whenever I wear it. I’m not a dapper adventurer, unfortunately, but Eight & Bob allows me to feel like one, if only for a few hours.
6. Paris
A raucous night in the city of lights sounds perfect right about now. We could start the night drinking a big glass of red al fresco, lit Gitane in hand and dressed head to toe in Gaultier ready to wear. That’s the aperitif before hitting the tiles and causing a heap of mischief. Sounds good, no? If that all seems a bit out of reach, then I reckon two to three sprays Gaultier’s Scandal a Paris with its delicious notes of honey-soaked pear and narcotic jasmine, might do the trick. Just don’t get into too much trouble, OK?
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