Olfactory Tricks
As I’m getting used to my new work schedule, the main challenge is not so much the lack of time to conduct proper sniffing sessions and prepare reviews - it’s the olfactory fatigue, shall we call it. I’m getting there, though. Working in a perfume shop is most certainly delightful. A couple vital things I’ve learned in the past couple of weeks are: 1) frequent smelling of scents that contain a good amount of natural materials does change your perception of what’s offered in department stores today. OK, I already knew that but it seems to be more acute now. Examples: the new Coach fragrance and Eclat de Jasmin by Armani Prive. Both lovely florals, sheer and bright and pretty. Both leave me uninspired - my nose detects synthetics, and I cannot help myself. 2) Boy, does skin chemistry play tricks on people! I’ve smelled the same scents on many a wrists, and none is alike. Yes, I knew that already, too, but not so much in practice. Sheer mystery! Oh, there’s also another vital thing I’ve witnessed at this job: the associations scents evoke in people are simply fascinating and completely unpredictable. The most vivid example is Jour de Fete, a scent inspired by celebratory almond desserts (almond cookies, candied almonds, bitter almonds, marzipan - you name it). Apparently, to one person it smells of fall air and leaves. Actually, make that two - I’m one of them now. Surprisingly, these associations tend to rub off on you.
Do you have any olfactory tricks stories? Do share!
14 comments May 20th, 2007