Perfumistas, you better pucker-up – were you aware July 6 is International Kissing Day…?
Now, we all know that a good smooch is a great time to get up close and personal with a great-smelling fragrance – in fact, the enticing waft of a perfume may well lead to such a close encounter. And as Neel Burton M.D. reports in his article on kissing for Psychology Today, it’s not only we humans who like to lock lips. ‘Primates such as Bonobo apes frequently kiss one another; dogs and cats lick and nuzzle one another, and members of other species; even snails and insects engage in antennal play, ‘ he explains. ‘It could be that, rather than kissing, these animals are in fact grooming, smelling, or communicating with one another, but even so, their behavior implies and strengthens trust and bonding.’
As you may imgine, we’re very given to smelling people here at The Perfume Society, and got to wondering not only what scents you like to sniff when going in for a smooch, but thinking about Cartier‘s collection of fragrances directly inspired by kissing…
Cartier launched Le Baiser du Dragon (the Dragon’s Kiss) in 2003, described as a ‘dangerous and powerful scent’ and created by genius perfumer, Alberto Morrilas. Top notes of bitter almond, neroli, orange and gardenia subtly entice before the warm breath of cedar and musk take charge. The exotic base of vetiver, patchouli and benzoin resin veritably crackles with smouldering, exotic intensity, for a beguiling trail we still love to follow…
Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon £117 for 100ml eau de parfum
Buy it at cartier.co.uk
In 2011, Cartier built upon the original concept, this time using now in-house perfumer, Mathilde Laurent, to create for Baiser Volé (stolen kiss) a sophisticated interpretation around the theme of anticipation and composed around the single note of the lily. But this is no simple scent, for the entire plant is evoked from leaves and roots to the white petals and pollen-laden stamen. Cool and transparent, then silky and sensual, it’s a perfumed passion that evolves the whole day through.
Cartier Baiser Volé from £57.50 for 30ml eau de parfum
Buy it at John Lewis
Taking another single note to explore for Baiser Fou (crazy kiss), this year saw the launch of Cartier’s latest smooch-inspired scent. Mathilde Laurent plucked the orchid, this time, describing the fragrance as a ‘mischievous and feminine soliflor whose delicious accents evoke the aroma of kisses with lipstick.’ Sweetly powdery and reminiscent of luxuriously packaged vintage makeup, this is a perfume to evoke tender memories of glamorous film-star clinches.
Cartier Baiser Fou £94 for 75ml eau de parfum
Buy it at Selfridges
A trilogy of kisses thus far, we think you’ll rather enjoy getting to know them – and we hope there will be more scented kisses to follow!
Written by Suzy Nightingale
