Bois de Jasmin

18th Century Incense Recipe and Perfume To Burn

As the smoke of joss sticks paints fragrant curlicues in the air, I feel that I am participating in some ancient ritual. I love smoky scents in general and my favorite incense perfumes range from tender like Chanel No 22 to austere like Comme des Garçons Avignon. But the process of lighting incense, watching it smolder and then vanish into scented smoke and ashes is what I enjoy the most. The word "joss" came down to us via Portuguese from the Latin deus, god, and whenever I burn incense—even if only to enjoy its perfume, rather than to please a deity—it feels like a spiritual offering.

New Frederic Malle Candles : Notre Dame, Chez Monsieur, Marius & Jeannette

Frédéric Malle and perfumer Bruno Jovanovic collaborated on three new candles, which are already available at Aedes and Barneys. The collection include three scents, with a personal story behind each.

Chez Monsieur in Frédéric Malle's words: "One of my assessments when working on scents for the home was that unlike traditional perfumes for people, home fragrances aren’t and shouldn’t be sexy. The scent of a men’s den is a slight exception to this rule, as one feels, when smelling it, the presence of its proprietor amongst the precious woods, tobacco and books. Spending time in my grandfather’s reading room as a child left a particular taste for this type of environment."

Notre Dame in Frédéric Malle's words: "Of my extremely short career as an altar boy in Paris I only re- member the giggles of my friends in the audience and the scent of incense."

Marius & Jeannette in Frédéric Malle's words: "The summer has a thousand smells and, among them, the scent of Pastis is one of my favorites. I was always fond of the cool, minty freshness of this anise drink, as it links Sénéquier (my favorite terrace in St Tropez) and the Café de Flore, Prévert and Pagnol. In order to turn the invigorating scent of this drink into a scent, Bruno Jovanovic added a floral freshness to it, therefore reinforcing its “clean” and refreshing personality."

Each 220g candle is priced at $80. Via fredericmalle.com.

Caron Cygnet Down Powder Puff : Beauty Accessory Review

Most makeup accessories I own are purely utilitarian, with looks to match. The exception, however, is my Caron powder puff. It is a feathery light orb of goose down, with a satin ribbon bow. The powder puff I selected is tinted bright fuchsia, although pastel pink, lemon yellow, peach, lavender and red were equally tempting. As I reach for it to put finishing touches on my makeup, I feel as if I am getting ready for a ball, rather than another day at the office. I do not know about you, but I certainly appreciate such fantasies to keep the weight of routine at bay.

Rose Creams : Roger & Gallet and Crabtree & Evelyn

It is amazing how little pleasures can color one’s mood: spreading a fragrant chestnut honey on my morning toast, reading a few lines from a favorite book on my morning commute, wearing a soft red scarf knitted by my grandmother. When I get home after a long day at work, what I crave most is some low-key indulgence, preferably something deliciously scented. Among my favorite everyday luxuries are rose scented creams. I find the fragrance of rose to be relaxing and soothing. As I rub the cream into my skin, all the worries of the day vanish and somehow starting it all over again tomorrow does not seem quite so daunting.

Holiday Shopping : Gifts for All Senses, Perfume and More Part 1

Holiday Shopping : Gifts for All Senses, Perfume and More Part 2

My very first perfume gift was an abject failure. I must have been 10 at the time, and in anticipation of my great grandfather’s birthday I walked into the cosmetics shop and asked for a bottle of their best perfume. Considering that the sales associate had only one type of fragrance on the shelf, it was not a difficult choice for her. It was a glass bottle filled with green liquid labeled “Shipr” (Chypre in Russian.) My great grandfather graciously accepted my gift, but my great grandmother said that this is the type of perfume that alcoholics drink when they do not have enough money for vodka. Needless to say, my great grandfather never wore it and I developed an apprehension about chypres which only my perfumery training erased completely.

These days I am still careful about giving perfume as gifts, but I love the idea of a present that can stimulate the senses. Holiday presents give me an opportunity to indulge in shopping, but they also inspire me to create my own gifts, which are appreciated by my friends and family.