Scenting the Chinese New Year
Or also, which perfumes did I bring back to my hometown for the weekend (because obviously you can't just have one)
Atelier Colonge's Orange Sanguine, because what are Chinese New Year celebrations without mountains of red plastic-wrapped mandarins. Orange Sanguine opens up with that freshly juiced blood orange, not unlike the fresh bitterness you get when splitting a mandarin with blunt fingers
Diptyque's Tam Dao, ritualistic as the temple visits we never fail to make. Josstick smoke will cling to your hair as soon as you towards into the flower-ridden altars, overflowing with candle and food offerings to the dearly departed. A touch of Comme des Garcons' Incense Series Kyoto completes the accuracy of sacred incensed air.
L'Artisan Parfumeur's Timbuktu, to be the slightly odd kid in the family during reunion dinner. Not a pretty scent, but interesting, well balanced, and has a hint of incense, reminiscent of the morning visit to the temple. Dusty vetiver and dry greenness to keep you grounded as indulgence and festivities abound.
