When it comes to perfumes, I’m pretty difficult. Sometimes I don’t wear perfume at all for weeks, then I’ll have another phase when I can’t go without it. Either way, I have a total of only five fragrances in my cabinet because I think it’s important to be able to assign a very specific scent to a person—a signature scent, so to speak. And there’s only one scent I use every time.
The others are similar to this scent that I swear by, and they’re all layerable—that is, mixable—with my signature fragrance. That way I have a choice for every occasion; for example, I might wear heavier fragrances in the evening or in winter and lighter summer fragrances in warmer temps. And due to my special mixtures and layers, the scent remains individual—no one else has it but me.
So what’s so special about my signature fragrance, which smells so good that people are always asking me about it? It’s not a classic fragrance with a heart, base, and top note. It consists very minimally of just one molecule, called Iso-E Super (a.k.a. sandalwood), which master perfumer Geza Schoen created in the lab. “Iso-E Super transforms on the skin into an indescribable aura that surrounds its wearer,” reads the fragrance’s marketing description. I’d say it smells like something between fresh laundry and an alluring, addictive musky scent.
Besides the cedar note of sandalwood, there are no other fragrance notes in this perfume. Moreover, those who wear it for the first time will notice that they themselves do not smell it all the time. This is due to the molecule, which constantly interrupts itself. To the wearer, it seems as if it disappears only to reappear. This is due to the way the molecule connects with the receptors in the olfactory system, slowly dissolves, and then gives way to a new charge of the molecule on the receptors. So you are surprised again and again with a burst of fragrance, which delights anew each time.
To another person, the scent has an even more intense effect. Whether in the bar in the evening or at breakfast with friends, people often askss, “What smells so good in here?” When I admit that it’s my perfume, they immediately want to know exactly which scent it is.
An additional phenomenon, as stated by the manufacturer: “Attention: This perfume could be a violent aphrodisiac, under whose narcotic influence the counterpart is intoxicated and infatuated.” I can confirm this from my experience: When I’m out and about, I’m often approached and flirted with by men who ask about my scent. Whether that’s always desired is, of course, the question. But I personally wouldn’t want to do without my perfume in any case, because at this point it feels like almost part of my DNA.
So what is this secret fragrance? It’s the Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules. You can buy it online for $150. But beware: After a short time, you may find yourself purchasing a second bottle because the molecule really is addicting.
As for the scents I like to layer this fragrance with, I go with the fresh Miss Dior Eau de Parfum with its notes of peony, lily of the valley, and musk or Sunset Riot by Allsaints with its pink pepper, orange blossom, freesia, cedarwood, musk, and moss. And for something heavier, I reach for Narcisco Rodriguez for Her with its notes of bergamot, coriander, musk, and patchouli.
