Two Frederic Malle numbers I’ve been wearing this year. I bought Portrait of a Lady because it’s a rose/patchouli number with a bit of spice and I’ve always loved a good rose-patch combo.
Carnal Flower is a calming white floral number that I wouldn’t have tried myself. I really thought I’d wear Portrait of a Lady everyday, but it is so intense and one spray lasts for so long (it’s on my sweaters and clothes for days), that I didn’t reach for it as often as I thought I would. I do think that it’s a forever scent for me – I’ve never smelled anything that even comes close to it, and the spiciness is intoxicating.
Carnal Flower on the other hand is super chill and always settles me down. It’s like walking into a cool damp garden before nightfall, and enjoying the air by yourself. Again, a forever smell for me – the more white florals I smell, the more I appreciate the subtlety of Carnal Flower. It’s impossible to find a coconut note in scents that’s not too fake or too sweet, and this savoury take on it is refreshing. This is a green damp Tuberose garden.
