I've written before how some of the most popular and heavily praised fragrances (Prada, Cashmere Mist, Chanel Chance) don't work for me. I either dislike them instantly, or they dislike my body's chemistry and just stink.
On the other hand, some of my most favorite perfumes are a bit left-of-center when it comes to popularity. Like my long-standing love affair with Tiffany (some say it's very old ladyish, but I've been using it bottle after bottle ever since I was 22).
One of the most maligned scents of the last 12 months is Alien by Thierry Mugler. So many reviewers hated it with the kind of passion I save for Escada perfumes. It seems that a lot of people can't stand intense jasmine notes. Also, it's very strong, dark and uncompromising. I admit that just from sniffing the bottle I wouldn't notice the sexy treat that awaited me within.
The bottom line is that jasmine can work for me. It has depth and embracing qualities that for someone else would be too overwhelming, but work perfectly on my fragrance-eating skin. I wore it all winter, sometimes even for daytime and have gotten many compliments. It's different and sexy, but I do understand why it's not for everyone. As the weather gets warmer I'll see how often I reach for it. Maybe for evening.
A lot has been said about the bottle. Like the fragrance, it's different and immediately
recognizable. The alien theme is strong in its design, and I've read a comment or two comparing it to a Vorlon encounter suit from Babylon 5. There is some truth in this. I might be as girly as they come, but I'm also a sci-fi nerd in disguise. I named one of my cats after Ambassador Kosh, so having him (the Vorlon, not my orange tabby) immortalized in a great perfume bottle is very nice.
For the non-nerds among you, here's Ambassador Kosh in his encounter suit. You can see and compare for yourself.
November 2007 : I can't believe the change of heart I've had about this one. Jasmine has become my nose's archnemesis, unless it's so well-blended I can't pick it up by itself. Alien started smelling harsh, artificial and skanky and the sillage was a major headache trigger. I don't know if it's my nose, my skin or just becoming more particular about perfume, but after avoiding the bottle for a year, I ended up selling it and couldn't be happier to see it go.
On the other hand, some of my most favorite perfumes are a bit left-of-center when it comes to popularity. Like my long-standing love affair with Tiffany (some say it's very old ladyish, but I've been using it bottle after bottle ever since I was 22).
One of the most maligned scents of the last 12 months is Alien by Thierry Mugler. So many reviewers hated it with the kind of passion I save for Escada perfumes. It seems that a lot of people can't stand intense jasmine notes. Also, it's very strong, dark and uncompromising. I admit that just from sniffing the bottle I wouldn't notice the sexy treat that awaited me within.
The bottom line is that jasmine can work for me. It has depth and embracing qualities that for someone else would be too overwhelming, but work perfectly on my fragrance-eating skin. I wore it all winter, sometimes even for daytime and have gotten many compliments. It's different and sexy, but I do understand why it's not for everyone. As the weather gets warmer I'll see how often I reach for it. Maybe for evening.
A lot has been said about the bottle. Like the fragrance, it's different and immediately
recognizable. The alien theme is strong in its design, and I've read a comment or two comparing it to a Vorlon encounter suit from Babylon 5. There is some truth in this. I might be as girly as they come, but I'm also a sci-fi nerd in disguise. I named one of my cats after Ambassador Kosh, so having him (the Vorlon, not my orange tabby) immortalized in a great perfume bottle is very nice.For the non-nerds among you, here's Ambassador Kosh in his encounter suit. You can see and compare for yourself.
November 2007 : I can't believe the change of heart I've had about this one. Jasmine has become my nose's archnemesis, unless it's so well-blended I can't pick it up by itself. Alien started smelling harsh, artificial and skanky and the sillage was a major headache trigger. I don't know if it's my nose, my skin or just becoming more particular about perfume, but after avoiding the bottle for a year, I ended up selling it and couldn't be happier to see it go.
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