30 Days of Gratefulness: Ramadan Pt 15: Olfaction

Thank the heavens, I do, for my sense of smell; that ability to identify food, sexy mates (so say the experts!), spoilt food and the toxicity of chemical dangers. My nose provides me with the means to detect the sensual pleasure of blossoms and perfume as well as warning me away from rank body odour and rancid halitosis.

But enough about bad breath. Lets stick to the empyrean raptures I’m drawn into when my olfactory system detects a man’s quality fragrance…

Dior Homme Intense: NIKON D90 AF-S 1.4G f/3.5; 1/125sec

Dior’s Homme Intense was invented by Nose Francois Demachy in 2007. Best worn for evening, this fragrance is true to its name: intense.

Now, indulge me for a moment as I fall prey to this heady confection…Firstly I encounter lavender with a woody facet – its top notes. Wait a while and what emerges is the fragrance’s heart of hibiscus. To round it out, a base of virginia cedarwood essence give a masculine kick which lasts and lasts.

Gucci Guilty Pour Homme: NIKON D90 AF-S 1.4G f/3.5; 1/160sec

What is classified as a fougère fragrance, Gucci Guilty Pour Homme announces itself with charisma and a little bit of danger. I am invested in the heady pleasures of freshly mown grass: very much invigorated by its composition…

My olfactory joyride begins with lemon, mandarin, green leaves, pink pepper: the top notes. Give the scent a while to settle into warm skin and its big heart earns its voice: lavender, cardamom, orange flower, neroli. Hours later Guilty’s boistrous base notes beat their drum: cedar, sandalwood, amber.

Dior Higher Energy: NIKON D90 AF-S 1.4G f/3.5; 1/200sec

That Special Fella in my Life (a.k.a husband) is young, hip and an urban dweller. Which scent to gift him when knowing his collection of the two aforementioned? Cue Dior’s Higher Energy which suits another aspect of his personality: the thrill-seeker.

Grapefruit starts the harmony of fresh, woody and spicy notes. Its this top note of grapefruit which casts a spell – we begin lively, provocative and vibrant. Taking this mantra of energy to the next level, a heart of black pepper provides stimulation of the senses. Lingering hours later is vetiver’s base note. So seductive.

What noses we own! Keep ’em clean; they will reward us with all sorts of earthly rewards for doing so.