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Seemingly nothing is normal anymore. Our lives have been thrown into disarray with barely a moment’s notice and little indication as to when they will return to normal. Even the new routines we’ve attempted to establish for ourselves feel foreign. At this point, anything resembling normalcy is a welcome reprieve.
Many have espoused the benefits of getting dressed to work from home to help ease one into a mindset conducive to working and just feeling like a productive, functioning human being. And while it’s certainly helpful in creating a sense of rhythm, why not take that idea one step further?
Maybe after you get dressed you find yourself reaching for your designated scent, out of habit, as you would before you head out the door on your way to work or to meet up with friends. Now you might hesitate, as the thought of wearing a fragrance to sit within the confines of your home, with no one to appreciate it save for you and maybe your roommate (or dog) seems a bit ridiculous. But what isn’t ridiculous about the situation we currently find ourselves in? Besides, if there’s anything that can aid in further creating normalcy, seize the opportunity.
Certain fragrances have the ability to serve as reminders — of people, places, memories. While for the time being you may be unable to see these people or places that the scent invokes, you can momentarily transport yourself with just a spritz or two. Maybe there’s a place you’ve been yearning to experience and luckily there’s a fragrance for everything. Just close your eyes, inhale and imagine you’re somewhere better.
For when you want to smell like Soho on a crowded Sunday
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
Santal 33 is the unofficial official scent of downtown Manhattan. It’s nearly impossible to walk more than a few feet through a densely populated Soho without repeatedly catching a whiff it. There’s a reason Santal 33 has grown to become so ubiquitous — it’s a universally fragrance that works well and adapts to anyone’s skin.
For when you want to smell like a smoky, dimly lit jazz bar
Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA’ Jazz Club
Who knows how long it will be until we’re able to cram ourselves into dark and overly packed bars. For now we can imagine ourselves in the scenario with Maison Margiela’s Jazz Club. The scent evokes the scene of an old, leathery cigar bar (minus the annoying smoke) thanks to the mix of rum, pink pepper, neroli oil and tobacco leaf notes.
For when you want to smell like you’ve been lost in the stacks
BYREDO Bibliotheque Eau de Parfum
There are few better ways to pass time than aimlessly browsing books at a library or bookstore. The next time you find yourself virtually perusing your local bookstore, spray Byredo’s woody Bibliotheque to further enhance the experience and create your own library of sorts.
For when you want to smell like a shared joint among friends:
Malin+Goetz Cannabis Eau de Parfum
Remember friends? And being able to hang out with them? There’s nothing that can fully replace time spent with those you love, but Malin+Goetz’s Cannabis fragrance is reminiscent of hazy, lazy afternoons spent doing little more than relaxing in the company of friends (with a little something else involved).
For when you want to smell like a horseback ride through Montana
D.S. & Durga Cowboy Grass Eau de Parfum
You may not actually be a cowboy, but you can at the very least pretend you are one with D.S. & Durga’s Cowboy Grass. Go to the wild, wild west with this mix of sagebrush, grass, vetiver and prairie switchgrass.
For when you want to smell like you just emerged from the ocean
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
There are few better feelings, or scents, than the feel of saltwater lingering on your skin. Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne practically brings the ocean to you and with it the calming, soothing sensation it provides. Close your eyes and turn on some ocean noises for the full effect.
For when you want to smell like you’re in a Hinoki forest
Aesop Hwyl Eau de Parfum
Depending where you are, Japan could be thousands and thousands of miles away, and with it, the magical Hinoki forests. If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing the scent these trees provide, Aesop has somehow managed to bottle their distinct earthy, musky smell.
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