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
Maddy
We had lots of red roses and Jasmine in our garden when i was growing up and i think my love for roses and floral scents come from.
BeautyBloggess
Definitely agree with the Chanel No. 22 – jasmine reminds me of spring. Would also like fragrances that bring to mind the smell of rain and anything with vetiver gets my vote.
Lorraine
If i can remember it was a CC cologne .And something like Blue Grass.Then there was 4711 cologne .
Rochelle Stewart
Musk! Which I dislike now.
Thobza
Any fragrance with Musk bring the fear in me, it reminds me of my abusive grade1 (SUB A, then) teacher, who loved to pinch our inner thighs, that is a lingering smell of abuse to me, her perfume was a strong musk scent
Tasha
Vanilla….and lemon i think.
Sam
Childhood smells are the best
Charles
When I think of perfume and my childhood – Royal Secret stands out! It’s still my gran’s favourite :)
DIVA
chocolate and Vanila that all I can remeber from my childhood.
Gee Whiskers
The sweet scent of sweet peas makes me think of my childhood.