A fragrance entry

[mollyringle]

If you're wondering why I've been oddly quiet about perfumes lately, it's mainly because I have been happily faithful to my regular fragrance, Chanel No. 19, for some time now. It's working beautifully for me: green without being astringent, floral without being cloying, and highly unlikely to be discontinued.

It is a touch on the "girly" side, though, so to tilt the scales toward the androgynous center I've been adding a little men's cologne to my skin along with it. Namely, I've been using varieties from the Royall Lyme Bermuda line. This pack of miniature bottles gives me four options (Lyme, Mandarin, Muske, and Bayrhum), all of which are simple and natural enough scents to blend well with No. 19. On their own, they've got a light, pleasant "your dad's aftershave" impression, and good staying power for a mere cologne.

Here's a new scent I'm curious about, though: Cumming, the fragrance, a tongue-in-cheek celebrity perfume created for Alan Cumming. Quoting the website: "Base notes of leather, peat fire, highland mud, burnt rubber and white truffle ground the scent with rugged sensuality, while the core notes of cigar, heather, Douglas fir and rubber contribute to its sharpness. The fragrance is completed with spicy top notes of bergamot, black pepper, Scotch pine and whiskey." I've never seen Douglas fir listed in a scent's notes before, though I've always thought it should be used in perfume. Must see if I can sample this one somewhere. If nothing else, Alan Cumming is hilarious and talented (check out the ad photos on that site--hee!), and I would like to support him.

By the way...in the Cumming video commercial on that site, is it just me, or does Alan look kind of like circa-1983 Robert Smith, with the eye makeup and the tousled hair and the pretty grin? Dang...sexy and goofy at the same time. That is talent. If he weren't gay, I'd totally call him and ask him out! ;)

Finally, I have up for grabs a 1-oz bottle of lotion and another of shower gel, in Bath and Body Works' Coconut Lime Verbena. I sampled both, but they're mostly full otherwise. On me the scent became a dreadfully overpowering tropical fruit salad, as if someone had spilled concentrated margarita and pina colada mixes all over me. Remember, self? Fruity perfumes, on the whole, are a bad, bad idea for you.

So, if you like this scent, say the word and send me your address, and they're yours.

Comments

[libation.livejournal.com]

I like reading your fragrance entries. Both my boss and a close friend are highly allergic to fragrance so alas, I am unscented. I can live vicariously through your musings. :)

[rachel2205.livejournal.com]

It's gotta be said, 'cumming' is an unfortunate name for a fragrance! It sounds quite interesting, though.

I used to have a bottle of Chanel no 19 and it is rather lovely - green and fresh.

[dirae.livejournal.com]

I really like the Coconut Lime Verbena lotion. It works well with my body make-up and ends up with a rum-like scent on me. I'll take it off you hands and send you some things to sample/pass on.

-K.

[gavinworld.livejournal.com]

I love Alan Cumming.

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Aw, bummer! Being put off perfumes temporarily was one of the most bothersome things about pregnancy for me. They were just too strong, at least on myself. Glad the words bring you pleasure, at least. I admit I like reading perfume reviews even when I'm not out to buy any.

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

I heard an interview w/ Cumming, and it rather sounded like the inappropriate name was half the reason for inventing the fragrance. :)

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Cool--they're all yours! I wanted it to work, since within the fruit family I do ordinarily like coconut and citrus scents (the Lyme and Mandarin work fine), but ah well, no accounting for body chemistry.

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Same here. He can be so sleazy and off-putting in his characters, then so cute and charming as himself. :)

[gavinworld.livejournal.com]

Love that Scottish accent, too.

[ramaustin.livejournal.com]

A fragrance for the woman who has it all, I guess...

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Oh definitely. I have a big ol' softness for the Scottish burr.