The Mr. Softie-like Influence of Skin Fragrances
- Wilson Lim
- Dec 22, 2022
- 2 min read
Indeed, exceptional fragrances exist, although the superior ones, referred to as skin scents, envelop the body gently akin to an ideal white T-shirt. The image above depicts Tom Ford Costa Azzura Eau de Parfum, characterized by its skin-like lavender and saline sea air essence.

A skin scent, in its most basic definition, refers to a fragrance that lacks projection, meaning it is only detectable on the body when someone closely inhales it; this is exemplified by Gucci Ode On Melancholy, a perfume oil that develops the spiciness of patchouli and the warmth of sandalwood.

Moreover, it may be a fragrance that one cannot perceive in oneself. The USD 30.6 billion inquiry is: what is the rationale for considering scents that often fall under the realms of extravagance, niche markets, or high-end designer classifications?

The compelling allure lies in the subtlety of these fragrances—predominantly green in character, exemplified by Loewe Agua with its refreshing bergamot and tropical Ceylon tea notes. This elusive quality is perceptible to some yet imperceptible to others, akin to clear waters that mirror the distinctiveness of an individual's pheromones, attracting attention like moths to a scented flame.

German perfumer Gaza Schoen pioneered this notion with Eccentric Molecule 01, an excessive application of Iso E Super that emulated wood, making its widespread adoption unsurprising. One should consider that these fragrances possess a minimal nasal effect while providing significant atmospheric appeal; the salt and powdered notes of Maison Crivelli’s Rose Saltifolia exhibit exceptional projection for a scent reminiscent of skin.

In relation to the story's title, we refer to these perfumes as Mr. Softie: a designation that implies that, despite their diminished sillage compared to typical fragrances, they seamlessly blend with an individual's natural aroma. Consider it the olfactory counterpart to no-makeup makeup, where the richness of rose and the spiciness of sandalwood form the essence of Valeur Absolue’s Serenitude, prompting the most joyful inquiry about one's appearance rather than scrutiny of their makeup.

What other information can be provided regarding Mr. Softie? By sensually melting into the crook of one's neck, it establishes that the nape is a new erogenous zone, with an optimal moment for a sniff typically occurring after four hours. The specific timeframe is when Hermès Eau de Basilic Pourpre emanates the spicy sweetness of cloves combined with the intensity of geranium and crushed basil.










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