I 've heard tell that human beings require seven (7) exposures to a new taste before they can know if they like it or not. I heard tell of this when learning about "introducing new foods" to the ultimate "newbies": babies adding foods other than breastmilk to their diets.
Could it be that scent introduction is like that? How many times have I sampled a scent, and been nonplussed, or worse, felt that it was "ugly," or worse yet, was repulsed by it? And yet later...I find that a fresh note, or even overall impression arises; or that what was "nope" has become "Hmmm!"
And yet some scents ride a steady line, either positive or not. Time and time again, they register the same reaction; the steady hitters coaches like at the heart of the lineup, if for no other reason than their predictability.
A quick look at Steady Eddies (Edies?) and Morphing Mojos from the rose family.
Steady Eddie:
In the postive sense: Bulgari Rose Essentiale has been, from first spray, a nicely constructed, "true," linear rose. Nothing more--and, because it is so nicely done for what it is, certainly nothing less.
In the negative sense: Sheseido White Rose remains a room clearer for me. Unfortunately, when I try to leave the room, it is still clinging to my wrist. (Sheesh...I just found Chandler Burr on this d@%! perfume...once again, I am shamed into doubting my reaction. Skulking off to try it again.)
By the way, I do believe that "scrubber" is to perfume for an adult as "hurler" is to get-it-away-from-me-now food for the young child.
Morphing Monster:
Alexander McQueen Kingdom. I'm sorry, but it was four tries in, and I still was on the panties side of the fence with this one. "Cumin" my hiney; I was totally getting the indiscreet note that some spoke of. No ifs, ands, or (almost) butts about it. I kind of felt like the kid in "The Emperor's New Clothes"--no, wait, that's too noble. I was too apprehensive to dare say "this stinks!!," but doubting myself for not getting "ah, the smell of it." And then, the fifth time -- wondering if perhaps I had a bit of a masochistic streak in me after all -- I found the beautiful rose. Under...cumin! and then skank. But hey, I found it, hidden in the layers, and my spine straightened triumphantly.
Somewhere in between:
Hermes Rose Ikebana. Three tries, three different reactions: Meh. Weird. Nice. Notice, none of the reactions were strong...but clearly different.
I'm sure I will discover more morphers, if I'm just patient enough.
On a side note, as long as I'm chatting about roses: I retain a strong fondness for the discontinued Bath & Body Works body essence Sandalwood Rose. A Steady Eddie for me. Love the body scent, the shower gel, the lotion. An excellent half faced scent for me: half "me scent," half "I'm wearing this." If anybody is harboring a case, contact me for swapping. ;)
