The Library of Fragrance caught my attention at the beginning part of the year with its quirky scents like Grass and Gin&Tonic. I’ve since found out that it’s the UK name for the Demeter Fragrance Library that was established across the pond in New York in the mid nineties. Why it took until the end of last year to get to the UK who knows! I love the ethos behind the brand, which is to ‘capture the beautiful scents that surround us in the everyday providing scents that are real and familiar to the wearer’. Which is why I liked the sound of the G&T fragrance I’m sure!!!
I chose the Peach* and Baby Powder* scents to try out. I chose Baby Powder as this was the name of the first scent I ever owned. Back in the early 90’s I was in an American Mall in Florida and there was a stand selling all the fragrances you could think of, I don’t know how we got there but at the age of 8 I wanted some perfume of my own! They recommended one they called Baby Powder as it smelt just like it and it was perfect for a young girl like I was, as it was soft and subtle. My mum bought it me and used it all holiday and then on special occasions, until I discovered Charlie Red and Nina Ricci ‘Les Belles De Ricci’ (the only scent to own in the mid nineties!). The Library of Fragrance version hits the scent perfectly and reminds me of those younger years every time I spray it, which, in my opinion is exactly what a scent should do sometimes. (Maybe my version was a knock off Demeter one?or an actual Demeter one?! Who knows!?)
Peach is just gorgeous too, exactly identifiable with such a sweet smell of peach(believe it or not!) ! Peach always reminds me of Spanish holidays drinking pure peach juice (with vodka on the odd occasion!) so is the perfect summer scent for me. In fact if they had a Fanta Lemon scent to layer it with I think my summer scent would be made!
That’s the great thing about the Library of Fragrance scents,they are single note fragrances (one distinct smell) which makes them perfect for layering as they smell the same once sprayed as they will hours down the line (rather than multi-note fragrances that change as the notes develop).
Layering perfumes means you can create your own scent,which for me is a bonus as I do like to be individual so the idea of almost customising my perfume is my kinda thing! Claire, the Managing Director of House of Blend (the UK distributor of Library of Fragrance) recommended to me that my choices would layer well together so that was a great start! If you want to know more there’s some great info here. (To summarise: spray the heavier scent first and experiment with how many sprays of each until you reach your perfect mix. You can also spray each one on different parts of the body which will also mix the fragrances differently)
So I’ve tried and tested all different ways with both of my scents. I especially like Peach on my wrists and hair with Baby Powder on my wrists and across my torso. When the heating is cranked up in my car blowing on my wrists and arms you can really smell the mix of the 2 which is just amazing!
These are my summer scents for sure but I’ve also been eyeing up some of the other fragrances to try next and as there’s so many different ones. I’ve got quite a list, but here’s my top 4:
- Grass (available at Boots)
- Chocolate Chip Cookie (TLF site only)
- Lemon Meringue (the closest to Fanta Lemon!) (TLF site only)
- Marshmallow (available at Boots)
Luckily for me they aren’t too expensive at just £15 each on The Library of Fragrance or £25 for 2 for the ones stocked at Boots. Considering you can layer too and create different mixes I think it’s fab value for money!
What’s your favourite fragrance or smell? Let me know what scents you’ll be trying or have tried that I should add to my list!
*items gifted for an as always honest review.