Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Intrigant Patchouli by Parfumerie Generale : Musings and a Perfume Review

How do you feel about strongly animalic scents? Undeniably, there is a sense of danger in wearing one in public. The message these fragrances broadcast is by far not subtle – it is instead, a proclamation of pure sexual energy, an advertisement of one’s lusty nature and perhaps best of all, they are an admittance of the fact that at least part of us, longs for and misses the ability to smell the earthy, warm human scent of one another, a scent long suppressed by the norms of excessive and sometimes sterile cleanliness enforced by modern society. Don’t get me wrong – I am neither ready to give up my daily shower, nor throw away my deodorant just yet. As a student of Psychology however, I can’t help but appreciate the fact that masking our natural scent, is in fact quite unnatural. But I digress. Animalic scents then – my first question was how do you feel about them? Moreover, would you wear them in public? Many feel that wearing these scents outside one’s home is too daring, inappropriate, unsuitable even. The scents in question are often well loved, but feel so private in nature, that their owner reserves wearing them only in the privacy of their own abode. Personally, I have no reservations when it comes to raising a little olfactory controversy with my scent of choice. In fact, I must admit to taking perverse delight in wearing something that is bound to raise a few eyebrows and bother a few noses. The little child in me giggles naughtily when I find myself in the mood to take one of my little sex-bombs out for a ride. No, I do not think this is due to some sociopathic trait of a deranged perfumista mind! When I sit to think about this strange behavior, I realize that perhaps the reason behind it is my deep love for perfume – perhaps subconsciously, I am trying to make others not only aware, but actually part of this wonderful world of scent and its ability to awaken powerful emotions. Controversial scents cannot be ignored or taken lightly, like cologne applied thoughtlessly after shaving or a light floral spritzed on the run, already late for an early morning meeting. Thus, when I step out of the house wearing something with undeniable oomph, I am not motivated by a wish to make my friends faint, but rather, by a wish to involve them in my world of perfume – all with the help of a game, instead of prose. But of course I would be lying if I said that when I apply Paloma Picasso on the small of my back as the finishing touch for backless dress appearance I am motivated by playfulness. No, the only motive then is the enhancement of sex appeal, one more overt expression of the way I feel in the particular outfit. I do believe strongly in underscoring one’s mood with one’s choice of perfume. And in the world of perfume, there is no better way to underscore one’s sensuality – an animalic fragrance will always do it best.

By now it must be clear that I adore carnal scents; it will come as no surprise then, that I haven’t been able to get Intrigant Patchouli out of my head ever since I first smelled it last week. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that it positively haunts my thoughts, popping in and out of my consciousness unexpectedly throughout the day. At the gym, while doing push-ups to the sound of Bodyrockers Dirty (“There’s a reason why you’re in my head... There’s a good reason why you’re in my bed! There’s a reason why you rock my world... Cause you’re DIRTY! D-d-d-dirrrty!!!” – Oh dear, are you laughing? Please be aware I am not responsible for the choice of music – it is a group class! But let me tell you, it is impossible to NOT think about Intrigant Patchouli while listening to those lyrics! ) and before going to sleep at night, thinking how wonderful it will be when I can wear it again the next day. Intrigant Patchouli starts with a strange alcoholic blast that manages to delay the advent of the pure animalic lustiness that is to follow for about... two seconds. Wait for it, wait for it... then Boom, it all becomes a hot breath of eroticism that blows longingly over every single expanse of naked skin. Its heart is patchouli perfect, so well blended that there is not a single hint of headshop oil left to speak of. It is lovingly surrounded – and in my mind, loved, courted, hugged and fondled as well- by a heart-soaringly wonderful, dirty animalic accord, the heart stopping trio of civet, castoreum and ambergris. And right underneath those tantalizingly inquisitive fingertips, velvety soft sandalwood and the lovely, resinous sweetness of benzoin. As time passes, the scent becomes mellower, with a sweet, musky overtone. Finally, far into the drydown, a lovely, milky-powdery scent rises from the skin in the most seductive manner. In order to get a better idea of how intriguingly sensual this scent is, imagine Muscs Koublai Khan and then amplify (yes!) its animalic tendencies, then add Musc Ravageur’s earthy, dirty sweetness to this imaginary mix and place it around a heart of beautiful patchouli. This is not a perfect comparison by far, but I’ve been curiously testing all three scents this week to see how alike and different they are, so I thought it'd be useful to share. (in fact I am currently wearing Intrigant Patchouli on one arm and MKK on the other, and let me tell you, this is a potent mix!) Surprisingly, even though Intrigant Patchouli is indeed very powerful, it is not a trail fragrance – this is an intimate skin-scent. Full bottle worthy? Oh, yes! I’ll be rushing out to buy this, once my decant is finished!

Images: www.advancedwildlifecontrolllc.com, www.bioinquiry.vt.edu, www.delta.dfg.ca.gov, www.parfumeriegenerale.fr


12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've always found animalic notes in perfume very appealing; as you point out they might be daring sometimes, but they have such a close connection with the chemistry of our bodies that it's impossible to ignore them altogether. Anyway, every perfume we apply to the skin mixes with our own smell, so, to a certain degree, we provide an animalic base every time we wear perfume.
If it's amplificated by a scent like Intrigant Patchouli I see nothing objectionable in a little "proclamation of sexual energy".

Anonymous said...

This was a most compelling post, dear Divina. I have read it several times and am looking forward to trying Intrigant Patchouli. What is endlessly fascinating about fragrance is the way it does change with each wearer, and I for one would have few qualms about wearing an animalic fragrance outside the house (Dzing! today). You write so well that I can't help but agree with everything you say, and I laughed at the choice of music in your class at the gym! (I have some very dodgy things on my ipod..)
Also, the photo of the cat's face is beautiful beyond words,
Hugs,
Linda

Divina said...

Dearest Edwardian,

If I remember correctly, you enjoy skin scents. I really think you should try this one, if you have access to it! I agree with you (and I must say you stated it perfectly), we do indeed provide our own animalic base every time we wear a fragrance.

Unknown said...

This has to be some fragrance Divina considering you and I have a very similar relationship to patchouli ( a good deal of the time it doesn't work). I admit I get a kick out of wearing animalic scents out of the house, I suppose because it is so unexpected with my image: short, hourglass, dark hair, glasses, overall I look bookish and thoughtful.

Divina said...

My dearest Linda, you always warm my heart and put a smile on my face. I don't think words can describe how happy your comments make me - this was so very heart-warming, like a loving hug! Thank you so much!

I love that you are adventurous in your choices and don't fear wearing them out! As for dodgy songs.. oooh, I don't know if your mp3 list can compete with mine! ;) I am the 80s queen! LOL! Oh my god, did I just admit that?

Divina said...

Jen dear, all the better to take those strangers and friends by surprise! Keeps them wondering what else might be hiding behind that thoughtful glance :)

As for the patch, it is very wearable in I.P.!

tmp00 said...

WOW! How could I have missed this one? I hope it's at LuckyScent; I'd love to try it.

parisa said...

Having an aversion to patch for years now, I not only adore IP but realize how beautifully a scent can be crafted. I find it wears wonderfully and compliments come my way every single time. Compared to my hubby's HOT ALWAYS (patch over-load), I'll take IP any day:)

Anonymous said...

Divina, I love your post! I adore animalics too but I do try to use caution when deploying them. If I am going out on the town, I have no fear of wearing them, but in my office they would be too much.

And this Intrigant Patchouli - civet, castoreum AND ambergris!? Be still oh my heart! I must try this one for sure - and be VERY careful where I wear it! :-)

Divina said...

Tom, its a wild beauty! Sooo sexy!

Divina said...

Parisa, this is indeed a perfect patchouli even for those that often have serious trouble with the note. *raises her hand in the air* I am so glad I found it!

Divina said...

Flora, thank you so much for the kind words! :) I totally agree with you by the way, I don't think animalic scents were ever meant for an office environment!