What fragrance has a permanent place in your collection? Like if you used it up, you would replace it? Or if it was reformulated or discontinued you would buy multiple backup bottles. For me, that would be Tom Ford Black Orchid and Byredo Gypsy Water. What’s yours?

I realize there are a lot of variables that can affect how we interpret a given fragrance. But can specific fragrances smell different depending on a person’s mood or possibly illness or maybe emotional disposition? I tried a fragrance awhile back and really didn’t like it when I first smelled it. A few weeks later I tried it again and I actually liked it better. I also tried a fragrance a couple of weeks ago when I was dealing with some sinus headache issues and didn’t like it at all, but now I find it somewhat appealing. I guess I’m wondering if individual fragrances ever come across differently to a person, depending on that person’s circumstance at the moment. Just curious! (stock photo)

This is a woody aromatic with a sharp green-aquatic twist, dropped back in 2021 originally as part of Tom Ford’s fancy Private Blend range before they moved it over to the regular Signature line. No perfumer is officially named, which is typical for these Ford releases, with the exception of Sonia Constant As the name says, it’s meant to capture the vibe of the Côte d’Azur. To capture that French Riviera feeling, like you’re stood on a sun-warmed coast where cypress & oak trees run right down to salt-kissed sea air. It’s nothing like your usual generic freshie; it’s a proper snapshot of a place, for anyone who wants something crisp but with actual depth. First spray hits you with that bright, sun-drenched opening they talk about: zingy lemon and mandarin mixed with soft driftwood, seaweed, and that unmistakable salty kick. There’s a tiny dash of cardamom and celery seed too, which gives it a subtle peppery edge so it never feels boring or too “soapy”. Give it 15 minutes and the heart settles in: crisp cypress and juniper take the lead, backed up by clean lavender and myrtle. There’s just a faint hint of sweetness here to keep it from getting sharp or medicinal. Dries down to rich oak, earthy vetiver and olibanum, plus a whisper of vanilla and soft smoky incense that adds just enough warmth without weighing the whole thing down. Now for the reality, this juice is not cheap, my local Dublin shop retails a 100ml for €181. Its like a designer house with niche pricing. That said I don't think anyone could argue the quality of this house. Their fragrances deliver. I get almost 7 hours on skin, with solid projection for the first 2–3 hours before it settles into a nice close bubble. It’s unisex, made for warmer weather, and works just as well for sunny days as it does mild evenings. It’s not my usual go-to style, but I honestly like this, it’s different, enjoyable, and stands out from every other fresh scent out there. My Rating: 8/10 Scent: 2.5 Longevity: 2.5 Sillage: 2