Stop and smell the roses!

When I need a break from work I like to go and wander the fragrance counters of the department stores that neighbour my office. A few deep breaths and I come out relaxed and smelling like bliss... I've been taking time out to smell the roses quite a bit lately (I think I need a holiday) and I have discovered a few new favourites.

The rose collection by Le Perfums de Rosine has a rose fragrance for every rose lover. My fav is Diabolo Rose which is a rose mint blend. Its rosie sweet but also fresh and the mint clears the nose - a hit in my office! However, if you prefer pure rose scent and want a serious fragrance you must try Une Rose from Editions De Perfums Frederic Malle. The scent is meant to conjure up the smell of roses pulled from the ground roots and all... its strong, lush and lasts!

Diabolo Rose (left) and Une Rose (right)




If you haven't heard is Editions de Perfums before then I'm not surprised. It isn't readily available at Australian perfume counters but can now be purchased from Mecca Cosmetica. Editions de Perfum was created when perfumer Frederic Malle (perfume royalty) become frustrated that fragrance houses were creating more of the same and that there had been a fall in the launch of truly original fragrances. Just smelling an Edition de Perfum you can tell the difference, gone is the hint of alcohol.... these babies are pure. Malle gives credit to each scent's creator by naming the perfumer on each bottle and Editions de Perfum prices vary depending on the ingredients. These perfumes are liquid gold and come at a price to match but the results are obvious. The stuff lasts!

The Editions de Perfums counter at Mecca Cosmetica's Myer Sydney City outlet is one serious perfume experience, with purpose built fragrance smelling capsules so you can smell the fragrance in its pure form (I'm serious).

Clint, Mecca's fragrance specialist, runs private fragrance workshops for 4 or more people in which he explains the principles of perfumery, runs through Mecca's range and helps each work-shopper select the best scent for them. The workshops are $100 per person redeemable for a product, so if you are in the market for a perfume it is worthwhile.

If you can't make it to Mecca Cosmetica but like some of the more unusual but no less pleasant fragrances then try these, available at most department store fragrance counters...


Jo Malone Dark Amber and Ginger Lily (one of my staples)


Badgley Mischka Couture (on my wish list)


Dior "Miss Dior Cherie" (always on my cosmetic shelf)


Images: Mecca Cosmetica, ratethem.wordpress.com, editionsdeparfums.com, nstperfume.com, Jo Malone