The Lipstick Page Forums Beauty Blog: Insomniacal... Insomniacal... Posted by Dain, Sunday, June 19, 2005 9:29 PM (Eastern) I wonder if that's a word? Instinct says nay, dictionary.com says nay. Well, it's fun to say (kinda reminiscent of "maniacal", which is a bit like), so it shall remain. The name is apt; I haven't slept in quite a while. If you need to be reacquainted with my intentions regarding perfume, do read my blog of April 25, 2005, Introduction/Abstract/Beginnings. I am not setting to do any comprehensive guide, as I'm no expert (for that, check out Victoria's excellent blog, as well as Robin's). But I've been a single-scent gal for years, and wanted to expand my horizons. I'm the painstakingly tedious type, so quick 'n' easy gratification wasn't enough. No, I wanted to visit the masterpieces, discover the rare gems. But again, before I wander into overmeticulous territory, I want to give the Odyssey flexibility, so my posts will be rather "loose"; even when it's about a single perfume, we'll focus on "impression" and "evocation", rather than a business-like description of notes. I'll try to avoid describing duds, too, unless they're worthy of note—simply for that reason, only the truly gorgeous lift our spirits, right? A well-designed perfume is a work of art, and is quite unlike any other cosmetic in that respect. The only exception I can think of is lipstick, because lipstick also has the capacity to infuse the owner with character-defining (as I wear lipstick, since I'm doggedly faithful—unconsciously, it seems—to a sole color) or itinerant (if you like to switch often) qualities. A woman who wears Christian Dior's Brun Lunaire (at least I think that's the name), a whispery peachy beige of satiny hue, is a very different woman from she who wears Urban Decay Big Bang Lip Gunk, a watery cinnamon-laced magenta gloss with blue glitter. Perfume is even better at evoking different reactions, different auras... But the similarity is not unfounded, I think. The lips, and scent are key sexual "markers", according to certain theories. That is to say, the painting of the lips is supposed to mimic blood rushing to the vulva, and that scent triggers (including those that cannot be smelled, pheromones) are key to chemistry. How much of that is creditable? I couldn't tell you, except that it's an interesting idea. My trajectory is rather without aim. If I hit on a scent I like, I'll know. I'm using a fairly nebulous "glamour" quotient as a guide. I'm not a perfume fanatic, and there aren't any "goals", per se; it's more about the journey. I do have a weakness for anything created with passion and artistry, but I don't mind a rote industry formulation if it really, really suits me (which, I think, is rare—something about appealing to as many people as possible tends to reduce the probability of its suiting you to perfection). I prefer Eau de Parfum concentrations, though if it the Eau de Toilette is good, I don't mind. Parfum is too much for me—sure I can appreciate a cup of Mariage Frères Tea ($72 a pound), but I'd be perfectly happy with Twinings. I haven't the developed nose for it, the cash flow for it, and I prefer a spray, anyway. First up: the signature, Givenchy Organza Indécence (which I've already posted on... but I'll revisit, in a fresh style). 0 Comment(s)    Email this post Rants, raves, and musings on all things cosmetic. Profile | Current Blog Site Feed (Atom) Previous Articles ·· Obsessions redcurrant... ·· UPDATE on minimalistic trend ·· Lemmings ·· Ramblings ·· Blog search function ·· White tea seems to be helping my acne ·· Colleen's post has got me thinking... ·· Old School Beauty Forums #3: Mad Science ·· Old School Beauty Forums #2 ·· The 50s... Archives TheBroadroom.Net's Beauty Blog (archive) April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 Links Colleen's Adult Acne Blog Fashiontribes Daily