Perfumes That Unveil In Heat
It’s hot, hot, hot in Chicago! Every year I ask myself what I can tolerate better: heat or cold. Every summer, when humidity levels reach beyond bearable, I tell myself it’s heat - it just makes me feel yucky all over. Yet each winter I practically curse through my teeth at how unbelievably unfair it is for a human being to have to live through such freezer temperatures (and wind!) So here I am today, breathing through this hot and humid Chicago June, and guess what? I can handle it. Give me heat any time over cold. This year, more than ever before, I’ve had to face the practically biting cold of the air conditioning at my work, to the point where exiting the building seems like bliss making me want to dissolve in the heat. Thus I’ve once again confirmed my utter dislike of artificial cold air and have purposely refused to have this convenient commodity turned on in my apartment on my day off. It not only worked just fine, despite sweating and puffing while doing housework, but I also discovered a fragrance that unveiled its true beauty like it never did before - Carnal Flower by Frederic Malle.
Which finally brings me to today’s topic: perfumes that reveal their true beauty only in heat. Perhaps it’s all subjective and a matter of perception but with Carnal Flower, never before did it smell like it does now. This opulent white floral with crisp, green opening and radiant, milky drydown has always appealed to me. However, it often seemed to clash with my skin - too sharp, too cloying, too cold, too unlike me. Then came the heat and polished off all the rough edges. Carnal Flower in heat is what I believe it’s meant to be - a mesmerizing, warm, opulent bouquet of tuberose, jasmine, and orange blossom. The longer it’s on my skin (and the hotter the air is), the more lavish it becomes, as if pouring out its entire soul to intoxicate me. I really wish I had a poetic talent to describe its beauty. What I find particularly appealing about Carnal Flower is that, in spite of its spell-binding, unconventional charm, it is not haughty and does not demand a certain approach. Quite on the contrary, it’s unconditionally at your disposal, giving her all…
Carnal Flower is available at Barney’s New York as well as directly from Editions de Parfums.
P.S. I recall having a similar experience last summer with Chergui by Serge Lutens - it was amazing on hot days. What other perfumes do you find smell best in heat?
Image source: giftsonline.net
45 comments June 27th, 2007