ASK MARLEN: A Good Read?

Hey Marlen,

I notice that you respond to questions on your blog, so I'm hoping that you can answer this one in any form: I'm almost finished with Chandler Burr's The Emperor of Scent. I'm loving the book, and now I'm hoping to go through more literature about fragrances. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks!
A
Hi A!

Hmmm, so are you looking for novels, or resource? My favorite resource when looking for literature about fragrance is NowSmellThis blog's Marcello. He also has his own site - Scented Pages - devoted to publications about scent! Check for Marcello's contributions to NST - there's usually a new review every month!My favorite book? Well, Perfume by Suskind, of course! Also planning to read Aftel's Essence and Alchemy while relaxing on the beach in Florida!

Hope this helps!
Marlen

ASK MARLEN: UPDATE - New Lolita Lempicka scent, but WHEN?

UPDATE: Now available at Sephora.fr

L de Lolita Lempicka

Notes: Bitter orange, Bergamot, Fleur Immortal, Musk, Bark of
Cinnamon, Vanilla, Broad bean Tonka and Sandal of Mysore.

Marlen,

Do you know when Lolita Lempicka's new scent "L" is being released in the United States? I can't find this info anywhere! I am lemming this fragrance badly!

Thanks,
KDear K,

Lolita Lempicka, whose fragrances are quietly produced by South Korea's AmorePacific (surprise!) has asked Maurice Roucel to create her next fragrance, inspired by the beach. "L" contains notes of bitter orange, cinnamon, immortelle flower, precious woods, vanilla, solar notes and musk. The fragrance info was released last fall with a photo that may or may not be the actual bottle. No release date has yet been given and no info has yet been posted on the Lempicka website. I sent an email to AmorePacific and will let you know as soon as I hear back from them!

Marlen

If you have any info on Lolita Lepmpicka L, please let us know!

WEBSITES & E-TAILERS: New Blog

I'M POTENT, NOW! (yeah, baby!)

...ummm, actually that's the name of the blog..."I'm Potent, Now!"

(there's no exclamation in the title, but I like the extra emphasis it adds)

Ok, so the blog isn't exactly about fragrance, but my first post is...

Click the, erm, fragrance below and check it out!

MUST-READ: Wearing Whatever the $^%* I Want...

Yes, that's right, that's pretty darn close to the title of this month's Addicted column on Basenotes...

Click the Addicted icon below to read the article and be sure to share your thoughts!

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK: Eau de Dior, Coloressence Relaxante

Notes: Fig Sap, Lemon Tree, Rose, Lily of the valley, Heliotrope, Tonka, Vanilla.

6.8 oz EDT spray: Retail price: $65, Scentiments.com $12.89, unboxed

Why should I buy it? With a nod to aromatherapy, this soft floral oriental is just subtle enough to wear in warmer weather, yet substantial enough for cool breezes. Decidedly feminine, the scent is highlighted by a soft damask rose note and light lemon note with a green leafy accent (the fig sap?). For $12.89, nearly 7 ozs of this little-known Dior gem can be yours!

RANT: Finding Fragrance Samples in Canada

BIG thanks to FLORA for bringing this to my attention:

www.theperfumeshoppe.com is Canada's answer to Luscious Cargo, with niche lines like Serge Lutens, MPG and Laura Tonatto. 7 samples for $15 Canadian except for Yosh Han - those are $5 each. Also has a great selection of hard-to-find perfumes from houses like Caron and Rochas.

thanks, Flora!

REVIEW: Alain Delon, Shogun

Notes: Bergamot, tomato leaf, orange, basil, lavender, jasmine, sage, cinnamon, shobu, sandalwood, musk and amber.

Pros: Aromatic, unique, light composition, highlighted by leafy greens, citrus and cinnamon.

Cons: Discontinued (but that's a pro, really, because it's so darn inexpensive nowadays...Nowadays!); might be a little light in the projection area...

Reminds me of: I really can't think of anything - this one is dominated by the jasmine and cinnamon. Maybe Fresh Hombre des Flors Jasminium?


Development: None - the entire composition is laid out before you from the get-go.

Longevity: Though it's subtle, it stays with me throughout the day.

Sillage: Subtle...stays close to the skin.

Where can I buy it? $29.99 for a 100ml edt spray at ImaginationPerfumery.com

Bottleworthy? Absolutely, the perfect scent for summer!

The Bottom Line: My 2nd favorite of the Alain Delon line behind Pharos, this one just pleases me every time. I reach for this when I want something light, unobtrusive, slightly green, and very fresh. Perfect for after a day at the beach, and perfect for jasmine lovers!

Rating (out of 10): 8

Many of Delon's scents are inspired by Japanese culture. What's your favorite Japan-inspired fragrance?

ASK MARLEN: In the Dark?

Hi Marlen,

I had another question for you. On your blog you have a pic of that cute vanity with all your bottles displayed. Is the whole "keep your fragrances in the dark" idea just pretentious drivel? I keep mine in a deep drawer and frankly, what is the point of having pretty flacons if you can't decorate your vanity with them?

Love,
RHi R,

This is a question that comes up time and time again. Back in ancient times when I had hair and was working as a fragrance model, the general opinion in the industry was that the average fragrance has a shelf life of approximately 7 years if stored in a cool, dark, dry place.

Now, that being said, we all have scents that seem to "turn" a lot faster than 7 years, and some that seem to stay wearable forever. When a friend who worked at Niemans first started selling the CSP line, he was "trained" that one of the main reasons the fragrances were housed in aluminum was that it preserved the "freshness" of the scent by keeping the juice out of the light.

I'm inclined to agree with you that if you got it, flaunt it. There are some kick-ass bottles out there, and I do like to decorate certain choice areas in my home with some of the more interesting bottles.

So here's the bottom line: Invest in an industrial cooler with glass door and good lighting so that you can display your scents while keeping them fresh...much like the beer section at 7-11.

Marlen

SCENTED MEMORY: #5, Quasar and Barcelona

Christmas 1994, Tarragona, Spain - An ancient outpost of one of the world's great civilizations, Tarragona, Spain, home to impressive Roman ruins, is the city where I first spied a hunky Spanish model in the Jesus del Pozo Quasar poster. The black and white image accented with glowing blue bottle was posted everywhere - at bus stops, in street marquees...I finally found an opportunity to test Quasar while browsing one of the local department stores and wasn't disappointed.

A week later while shopping in Barcelona, after continued viewing of the sexy Quasar man and unable to shake the memory of the unusual men's fragrance, I broke down and bought a bottle. The rest is a fond scented memory. Walking through the Barrio Gotico, relaxing on Las Ramblas, gazing at La Sagrada Familia are now memories accompanied by the aroma of newsprint, banana peel, lavender, juniper, moss, sage, rosemary, geranium, white woods and musk. Everytime I smell Quasar, I'm brought back to breezy winter days and a Spanish romance, paella and sangria, and one of my favorite vacations.

What is your favorite scented memory associated with a vacation abroad?

p.s. - the hunk mentioned is the one pictured in the photo on the box.