A story on scents

Eau de Cologne

It’s a very simple scent with complex results. Using an old recipe from the 17th century, L'Occitane's eau de cologne was the first perfume product based on a bouquet of fragrances. It inspired more elaborate and subtle scents. Faithful to the old recipe, it is made up of a combination of petit grain orange and bergamot oils. Its light fragrance is juicy enough for both men and women. With hints of mint, jasmine, bits of patchouli, cedar and musk, it’s a summertime scent meant to be worn all-year round.

Try:

1) At daytime parties, its light scent will refresh the senses.

2) It works double duty at night, providing a refreshing scent. It also counters the smell of cigarette smoke.

3) An all-time pick-me-up, light a candle or spray some on when you’re feeling the blues.

Luxe-i-tanne is more like it! For years, L’Occitane has been a household favorite, a symbol of excellence and luxury with its old-world packaging and divine scents. More often than not, it is prized for its excellence in creating quality products, made of the finest ingredients, with the utmost care.

My bathroom and even my linen closet are altars to L'Occitane, paying homage to its greatness. From shower cream to the hand wash down to the linen spray for my bed sheets, it’s no secret that I’m a fan.

Fragrance is one of the most sensuous things a person can indulge in. It evokes memories, enhances a mood or simply lulls your senses into serenity.

For the holidays, don’t limit yourself to just one fragrance. This is the season to revel and celebrate the holiday spirit in more ways than one. Paired with a candle and scent to match, it’s time to create perfect moments with friends, loved ones or on your own. You can enjoy it as a cologne, candle, bath cream and even as a delicious lip gloss (for vanilla and rose fragrances).

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L’Occitane is available at Rustan’s Essenses.

Eau des Vanilliers

Many of us have a vague idea as to the origins of vanilla. It might come from a delicious cake or creamy dessert. After all, vanilla is a delicate flavor enhancer with universal appeal. However, its fragrance comes from more sophisticated circumstances, and its scent is more complex than its flavor.

The vanilla fragrance was born from the Vanillier, an orchid cultivated far from its home country where its scent was discovered. Harvesting vanilla requires tender patience, allowing the pod to reach maturity. This is when it emits its sensuous scent. It is a floral oriental fragrance. L'Occitane's Eau des Vanilliers tells the story of how an orchid blossom came to be a heady pod. At your first whiff, you will discover the tones of ylang-ylang, freesia, white orchid followed by jasmine and vanilla absolut with the muffled tones of musk and delicious vanilla.

Try:

1) For intimate dinners or occasions, it enhances bonding amongst close friends.

2) Its calming scent will put you in a restful slumber after a hectic night of partying.

3) For tender moments with your loved one, vanilla is, after all, the most sensuous scent.

Eau de 4Reines

When you hear rose fragrance, it’s easy to assume we’re talking grandma. However, L’Occitane’s rosy scent is hardly that, beaming with the scents of four roses: Turkish rose, Bulgarian rose, Moroccan rose and Grasse rose. It’s given a light touch with head notes from fruity bergamot and blackcurrant leaves and velvety undertones of sandalwood, white cedar and musk. The story of the scent is even more regal than the oils that compose it. It’s named after the four daughters of the Count of Forcalquier (Marguerite, Beatrix, Sancie and Eleonore), who each married a king, thus becoming the four queens of Forcaquier.

Try:

1) On spirited evening occasions, the combination of fruit and flower should invigorate you.

2) Try lighting a rose-scented candle when you are alone and dream away. It’s a very romantic scent.

3) Layer your scents. Use the shower gel, bath milk and cologne to keep you smelling in bloom all night long.