It’s all too easy to forget that before she had you, your mum had a life of her own. You may have grown used to seeing her just as the person who taught you how to tie your shoelaces, nagged you to tidy your room and gave you an endless hug when you had your heart broken. But there was a time when she had an identity that wasn’t connected to yours in any way. She was a princess when she wanted to be, or an adventurer, or a dreamer, a planner, a party-animal, a culture-vulture, or a lover. All those facets of her personality are still in there, although they might not have many chances to show themselves these days. Perhaps they need a bit of a perfumed prompt to bring them out of hiding. After all, there’s nothing better than fragrance to help us showcase different aspects of ourselves. So yes, although Mother’s Day is the one day of the year when you thank your mum for being your mum, maybe the best way you can do that is to help her find those parts of herself she’s long forgotten. Here are some scented recommendations to help you out, all of which have been released within the last 3 years, just to help you stay up-to-date.
Estée Lauder – Modern Muse Nuit
Issey Miyake – L’Eau D’Issey Pure
Annick Goutal – Vent De Folie
Clinique – Aromatics In White
Prada – Candy Florale
Grandiflora – Madagascan Jasmine
Hermès – Muguet Porcelaine
Bulgari – Eau Parfumée Au Thé Noir
Frederic Malle – Superstitious
Mums are connected to their own families: that goes without saying. But every so often, they want to feel connected to all other mothers, to all other women and to the infinite power of motherhood that has kept the world going for millennia. The primal elements in Superstitious – jasmine, sandalwood and vetivert – tap into these near-mythical forces with an immediacy that is both startling and irresistible. [Please note: Superstitious will be available as an exclusive to Liberty from Friday 24th March. A week after that, it will be sold at all Malle stockists.]
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I really can't wait to try Superstitious. I love classic French floral aldehydes like the reformulated Aprege and Amouage Gold even though they aren't traditionally masculine.
Greek Mike, I hope to post a full review of Superstitious soon. There's a lot to say!
Yes, it is aldehydic, but not overtly so. The aldehydes are of the fatty/waxy variety, rather than the soapy/sparkly/bubbly type we associate with Amouage Gold.
I really can't wait to try it. I tried Caleche recently and loved it. It's generally accepted that it's been heavily reformulated and a shadow of its former self. As I've not encountered the original, I think it's wonderful and I can't complain. I eagerly await your opinion on Superstitious:)
Greek Mike, I don't think I can say I ever tried the original Caleche either. I shall try to put together my thoughts on the new Malle soon 😉
Thank you for the lovely introductory words on different facettes of mothers. I appreciate it. And I appreciate your choice of perfumes although I haven't tried many of them. They go straight on my "to-try" list and if my daughter doesn't get the hint, I'll buy something for myself soon.
Neva, thank YOU for reading. And let me know if the hints work 😉
My late & still much-missed mother wore either Chanel No 5 or Joy, though I do remember when I was very young seeing a bottle of blue (?) creamy perfume on her dressing table called something along the lines of Soir de Paris.
Carolyn, thanks so much for sharing that. Yes, absolutely, Soir De Paris is right. As it happens, it was made by Ernest Beaux, the same man who composed No. 5.
Thank you so much for this, Persolaise. How interesting that when my mum was so much younger, & therefore less well travelled, worldly-wise etc she still gravitated towards a fragrance created by the same person who created one of her two favourites all those years later – I like to think I have inherited her discernment!
Carolyn, I love coincidences like this. And of course, Joy also has quite an aldehydic facet, which means it's not all that different from No. 5. Your mum was consistent 😉
And I have no doubt her daughter's discernment is top-notch!
Thank you for your kind words, Persolaise – I like to think so!
🙂