Your Favorite Comforting "Cashmere Wrap" Fragrances : Winter Perfumes

What are the fragrances you reach for in the winter for a comforting, enveloping, cashmere wrap-like scent?

Today's topic comes from a Bois de Jasmin reader, Anne, who is looking for your suggestions on winter fragrances. Please share your favorites, and also, any ideas of what fragrances Anne might like; she usually wears Prada Infusion d'Iris and almond scented body oils (Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, Roger & Gallet Huile Amande Persane). She is looking for something more substantial for the colder months.

My own thoughts were: Flower by Kenzo, Frédéric Malle Iris Poudré, Guerlain Iris Ganache, Christian Dior Hypnotic Poison, or for something classical, Guerlain L’Heure Bleue.  My favorite comforting winter scents are usually warm amber or incense based, such as any fragrance from Annick Goutal Les Orientalistes: Ambre Fétiche, Myrrhe Ardente or Encens Flamboyant. I also enjoy Christian Dior Mitzah. 

If you want to suggest your own topic for "Perfume Discussions," please email me your suggestions at editor at boisdejasmin dot com

Photograph by CumulusHumils via flickr.com, some rights reserved.

A Glimpse Inside the World of Flavors at Givaudan

The flavoring industry is the enabler of the food processing business - which depends on it to create a craving for everything from soda pop to chicken soup. It is Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory as a multibillion dollar industry; an industry cloaked in secrecy. But recently Givaudan, the largest flavoring company in the world, allowed us in to see them work their magic.

From a fascinating segment by 60 Minutes about the work of flavorists, experts at creating tastes and flavor sensations, at Givaudan. To watch the piece, or read a transcript, click here.

Fragrance Trends: from 1991 to 2011

Although the increase in fragrance launches is obvious enough from a visit to any department store, considering the trend reveals the incredible surge in the number of perfumes marketed each year. What will 2012 be like? While many trade sources say that there are fewer launches, I do not expect that we will see a significant decrease next year.

	1991	2001	2011
Total	76	372	1200
Feminine	42	234	766
Masculine	28	99	305
Unisex	6	39	129
Limited Editions	0	32	236
Flankers	3	52	197
Celebrity	3	9	73
Niche	9	61	219

Source: Michael Edwards's FragrancesoftheWorld.info

Cartier Baiser Vole : Fragrance Review

Star rating: 5 stars--outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars--very good, 3 stars--adequate, 2 stars--disappointing, 1 star--poor.

A lily that flirts with vanilla, Cartier Baiser Volé took me by surprise. After experiencing the pretty, but overly timid Cartier de Lune, I expected that Baiser Volé would fit its name, which means “stolen kiss” in French, by possessing a delicate and fleeting character. I was right about delicate, but fleeting and limpid it is not. For all of its soft and caressing presence, it has a distinctive and vivid character. While its start is sparkling and bright, Baiser Volé becomes warmer and richer as it develops, turning from a gauzy veil to a comforting cashmere wrap.

Harvey Prince Perfume Giveaway

Giveaway: The fragrance line Harvey Prince would like to give away a sample of one of their fragrances to 1 Bois de Jasmin reader. A winner will receive a mini 8.8ml vial of Eau de Toilette of their choice.

How it works: Please leave a comment answering these questions: "1) Do you have any favorites among this year's launches? 2) Which sample would you prefer (check the selection on Harvey Prince website?" Each participant will be assigned a number, and 1 winner will be selected via a random number generator. Draw is now closed. The winner will be announced early next week.

Giveaway explanation: anybody from the US or overseas can enter as long as you answer specific questions explained in the contest rules.