Christmas is a distant memory, nights are still far too long, it’s cold and damp and one has a tendency to feel a bit miserable frankly. So thank goodness for Valentine’s Day – a chance to be shamelessly spoilt and revamp your romance, or start a new one (particularly if shameless spoiling falls short of the mark).
For the sake of true love, I feel that it’s sometimes necessary to provide subtle guidance for potential gift providers, be it secret admirers or long-suffering partners.
When I think romance gift, I think exotic fragrance, affording pleasure to both receiver and bestower. And when I think fragrance, my thoughts fly to my favourite on-line perfume company, Perfume Direct, a real hit with Frost Magazine. It’s a British company which not only supplies genuine, luxury perfumes at affordable prices, but provides so much expert guidance that you can confidently select your perfect perfume without even having to walk into a shop.
People naturally feel nervous picking a new fragrance without physically testing it, and that’s where the Perfume Direct Guide to Fragrances is invaluable. It explains the different ‘Notes’ – Floral, Woody, Oriental etc and how these Notes are released (Top, Middle and Base). Once you’ve decided what Notes appeal, simply search the website for these, read the succinct individual fragrance descriptions, and you’ll be 100% confident in your choice.
I’ve just tried Prada Paradoxe – I was intrigued, as Prada are one of the first companies to use Artificial Intelligence, AI-created molecules, to subtly enhance the wealth of natural flower essences within their fragrances. Paradoxe includes a newly-created musk molecule, light enough to notice from the first spritz and I’m happy to report back to you that it totally works. The fragrance was stunning – an initial hit of flowers – Jasmine, Neroli, Orange Blossom, with a hint of citrus, followed by the deep warmth of amber and vanilla. And yes, a deeply noticeable, yet subtle musk essence was apparent as soon as I spritzed and it just lasted and lasted. I love those deep exotic musk notes, so I was sold. This could be the start of gently complementing, whilst not obscuring, the amazing scents of nature and using AI sensibly can contribute to sustainability. Talking of which, Prada Paradoxe comes in eco-friendly refillable glass bottles too.
At £76.99 for a 50ml Eau de Parfum spray I suggest you send the link to your partner. If they’re anguishing over your Valentine’s gift you’d be doing them a massive favour. And if you fancy a different combination of Notes, there’s plenty more to explore at Perfume Direct.
Happy Valentine’s day to me (and you of course).
By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.