Admit it. The things that smell gross also kinda smell good. Like you want to keep smelling them to see exactly how dirty they are…
Here are three from my collection that scratch that itch. Zoologist Camel. A bit dirty, but most warm and rich, with vanilla and dates. This almost feels like a cooler, dirtier version of Serge Lutens Arabie. Arabie is discontinued but this is around and easy to get.
Kiehl’s Original Musk. Dirty and clean in a bottle, it’s just right, it’s under $100, and it’s been under our noses this whole time.
L’Artisan Parfumeur Dzing! Is barnyardy vanilla in a way that they just don’t do anymore. This one is discontinued, and honestly, it’s so polarizing that I can see why. It can’t have been one of the L’Artisan best-sellers, but those who love it, really love it. I find the vanilla to be the same as the kind in Santa Maria Novella Tabacca Toscana, Bvlgari Black (also discontinued), and Le Labo Patchouli 44, so if those are accessible to you, try them.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
