Fragrance and Me: This Is Where It Began

“I promise, mummy, I didn’t touch Aunty Anna’s perfume.” But the overpowering smell of Chanel No5 told her I wasn’t being totally honest. In fact, the truth was, I’d emptied her entire bottle over my special Boxing Day party dress. This was no accident. I had very expensive taste. I was five. My mum was not impressed; she had to replace it.

See, my love of perfume started from a very young age. My first scent was Estée Lauder Beautiful, which, might I add, was a very sophisticated choice for an under-10. Shortly after that, along with the majority of pre/early-teen schoolgirls, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a bottle of Exclamation with its super cool bottle, made to look like an…exclamation mark. Clever.

And so it continued until today, aged 32, I have a perfume collection to rival that of any department store. On that subject, I spend a lot of time in perfume departments, on the hunt for new releases, and taking a trip down memory lane with a spray of something like Moschino Cheap And Chic. Upon leaving, and feeling slightly nauseous from over-spraying, I declare not to be so overzealous next time, but just like a hungover 30-something, claiming never to drink again, I know my pledge is fruitless. Surrounded by so much loveliness, I am powerless. You can imagine me in Duty Free.

I can’t tell you why I love fragrance as much as I do or where this unwavering passion comes from, simply because I don’t know. It’s often been noted that I can’t use anything without smelling it first; a glass, a tea towel, clothes, bags, new shoes. As I type this, I’m thinking, as might you be, a trip to a therapist could be in order. Pronto. Its all very OCD, isn’t it? But, it's just so in-built in me. I have a strong sense of smell and get immense pleasure from beautiful scents. From Coco Mademoiselle, to washing drying on the line in the summer sun. It excites me. But this over active sense of smell has its downsides. Coupled with having a face that refuses to disguise my true feelings, I find myself, in the gym/on the train/in the pub, all but shouting at the offender, “how is it possible to smell THAT bad?!” No need for words, my face says exactly that.

So, this is my Blog. And it’s all about my lifelong love of perfume. And why am I writing it? Because I could talk about fragrance day and night, but am yet to find anyone to listen beyond an hour or so!