I don’t remember much about my childhood, let alone the smells. Allure’s editorial assistant, however, does…
Some people say that perfume should smell like seduction; others, like confidence. But according to Nicole Richie, it should remind us of childhood. Not that she means Crayolas and Jolly Ranchers. The inspirations for her first fragrance were memories of her mother’s ‘exotic’ lotions and ‘sensual cashmere’. (Sounds like some very sophisticated formative years to me.)
I love this Proustian approach to scent, and recently I’ve noticed that many of my favorite perfumes have notes that I remember from growing up. Serge Lutens Fleurs D’Oranger reminds me of my hometown, surrounded by Florida orange blossoms. L’Eau de Chloé conjures summers spent by the pool drinking lemonade. Chanel No. 22 brings to mind the patch of overgrown jasmine in my parents’ front yard. The connection makes these creations not only beautiful, but also personal – like Prousts madeleine.
What about you? If your childhood were a perfume, what would it be?
Written by Alexandra Owens, this article originally appeared in Allure.
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22 comments
Leana
I love it when I smell something that brings me back to my childhood… I just hate that I can’t always pin point the memory
Cass1231
Britney Spears fantasy perfume makes me think of mixed sweets from sweets of heaven or candyfloss
Mikki
Peaches, vanilla and freshly cut grass… The smell of rain, watermelon and new born puppies…think they could bottle that?
Cat
Vanilla and Cinnamon
Firefly
My grandparents have this tree in their yard, Don’t ask me the name as I have NO idea. But this tree has little white flowers and everytime I go visit them I run straight to that tree to smell these little white beauties! I wish I could bottle their essence!!
mahomed
cinnamon and vanilla remind me of my childhood with mum busy in the kitchen
ricebunny
definately love chloe as it smells like baby powder
khan
i used johnsons baby products right to the age of 10 lol, i would say that and vanilla, coz it reminds me of how innocent i smelt and the vanilla is coz of my mums yummy baking!!
mel
Gardenia.
Angelisha
I remember a perfume that was called Tribes, a Floral Fun Loving Fragrance…