Strange Invisible Perfumes- Narcotic

It's tuberose.

Yes, there's smoky vetiver even in the opening, a creamy blend of sandalwood and orange blossom that feels decadent and the official notes also mention vanilla, but Narcotic from Strange Invisible Perfumes is orchestrated to show all that tuberose can do to one's senses. The result is stunning, not safe for work or for meeting your future in-laws and would probably send the wrong message on a first date. Yes, it's that wicked.

Narcotic is Fracas raised by wolves. It's untamed and uncivilized, refuses to wear shoes and should do something with her hair. It's also a lot of fun and a reminder what natural perfumery can achieve. As is the case with all the scents from Strange Invisible Perfumes, the parfum version is superior both in depth and in staying power. Hints of white flowers can be found on my pillow or scarves the morning after, and they are just as delicious.

A commenter mentioned that the Strange Invisible Perfumes line is no longer sold at Barneys, which is really a shame. This line deserves much better exposure than it currently gets. Samples (as I purchased) and full bottles are available online (siperfumes.com) and from the boutique on 1138 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, California.

Image from thedirtythirties.tumblr.com

Strange Invisible Perfumes- Musc Botanique

It was a nice coincidence that today's post on Perfume Shrine is the first in a series exploring musk. It's a fascinating read about this ancient and multifaceted ingredient and note and a great introduction to Musc Botanique from Los Angeles perfumery house Strange Invisible Perfumes.

Musc Botanique belongs to the carnal/dirty side of musks. It's raw and human, and after the unsettling opening it settles and melts right into my skin. Herbal and almost chewy, the top notes remind me of Ambre Sultan, of all things, but that part doesn't last very long. The rest of the scent is all body, texture and warmth. Sometimes I could swear I smell something rosy and a hint of tuberose, but I think it's my mind's interpretation of a certain sensation. It is somewhat floral and the official notes mention geranium, which explains the rose impression. There's also a ripe, fruity element in the heart, as I find in other (in)famous big musks like the one from CB I Hate Perfume and Uncle Serge's MKK.

All in all, Musc Botanique is a delightful treat for musk lovers in both its formulations- parfum and EDP. I've tried samples of both (purchased from Strange Invisible Perfume website) and my preference is for the parfum, because it's longer lasting and feels even more luxurious. But the EDP is just as fabulous if you don't mind reapplying after a couple of hours.

Musc Botanique and the rest of the SIP line is available online from the company's website (siperfumes.com). Select scents including this one can also be found at Barneys.

Photo of Marilyn Monroe by Edward Clark, August 1950 from life.com

Atlantic by Strange Invisible Perfumes

Last November I visited the Venice, California boutique of Strange Invisible Perfumes. It was a great experience- there aren't too many one brand perfumery stores around here, and meeting people who are passionate about their vision and art is always refreshing. The perfumes are unique and they come alive on the skin in a way few commercial releases can. I especially liked Musc Botanique (of course) and Narcotic, a tropical lush tuberose that melts into a vanilla sandalwood base. My husband was instantly taken with Atlantic.

Atlantic starts with a very bold lime. There's a bracing green blast but also ripeness, almost overly so. It's kept in check by lavender, and the combination is strong and aggressive. It's interesting to smell it on different skins. On me it's chaotic and it takes a while to settle and reveal what this perfume is all about. On my husband you get it immediately- it's very manly. It takes a few hours before the lime leaves the scene and I understand those who get a big dose of a sharp household detergent from this phase. Occasionally I do as well, though my husband would deny any such thing. On him it morphs smoothly into a soft wood base.

I'm wearing Atlantic right now as I'm typing this. I applied it nine hours ago and while the sillage is very minimal (it's the parfum concentration), the scent is still detectable on my skin. It reminds me of a high quality men cologne, in the best way possible. Not surprising, since it was created by Alexandra Balahoutis, the perfumer, as an homage to her father.

Atlantic (($185, .25 oz parfum extrait) and the rest of Strange Invisible Perfumes line (some also come in an EDP concentrations) are available online from siperfumes.com as well as from the boutique on 1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, CA. If you're visiting, there's an absolutely amazing place, Jin Patisserie on 1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Don't bother with the sandwiches. Go straight for the cakes which are a fusion of French artistry and Asian aesthetics. The result is a dreamy perfection.


The photo above is of the Abbot cake from Jin Patisserie.

Utterly unrelated, but I found a recipe for a lime-lavender cake .

Top image: siperfume.com