Sail Away

Here’s something you don’t see often:

I’ve finished a whole bottle of “Sailing Day”  in less than 2 years.

Time to get a new bottle of Replica.

Petrichor period

This was a word that I learned way back when I was still in elementary school.

It was at the library in Claret School. While reading this science book, one page talked about “Petrixhor.” Because the word sounded so intriguing and complex, it stuck in my mind.

Basically, it’s the scent of rain after it falls on the soil and grass. It’s something I’d smell a lot when we were in Bicol, mainly because Lolo’s House was surrounded by carabao grass. After the rain, that distinct scent would waft in the balcony, and my first thought would be:

“Ahhh... Pertichor.”

It’s been a while since that smell reached the concrete jungle where we live. But that will change after buying this Replica scent in Shangrila Mall recently.

‘When the rain stops” aims to replicate the scent of land after its been drenched in rain. While it seems like an unusual scent to wear, after smelling the sample of this perfume, it brought me back to that period in my childhood in Bicol.

Another scent memory unlocked.

Very pretty

Being a fan of citrus scents, this was one of the Maison Margiela Replica fragrances that caught my eye after seeing it at Rustan’s.

The reviews about “Under the Lemon Tree” are true. It has a citrus base that’s not too sweet nor tart, and it has a balance of floral accords that give the scent more depth. It has the lightness of a cologne with the longevity of an EDT.

This Lemon Tree is indeed very pretty.

Sailing (Sun)Day

After what felt like an hour, going back and forth, spraying on paper then spraying it on my wrist, I finally decided on this bottle of Maison Margiela Replica.

It was a close call between 3 scents. But after letting it stay on my skin for a couple of minutes, it was Sailing Day that ticked all the boxes. It had to be light, it had to smell like second skin, and it had to have that shower smell.

The fact that this reminds me of the Clean scents that I have was probably the deal-breaker. I'm not a perfume kind of guy, so having one that doesn't smell like perfume is a plus. Quite ironic because it's perfume that doesn't smell like perfume.

Despite choosing this bottle, the 2 other scents still linger in my mind. And if it stays in my scent memory, I might have to go back to Rustan's and get those bottles as well.

Scent Memory

There are certain scents that trigger a particular memory. It can be a memory that's recent or far back. 

Personal examples:

- The scent of freshly cut grass reminds me of childhood, spending our summers in Bicol and Lolo would ask the caretaker to mow the grass around the house.

- The scent of plastic balloon reminds me of my playmates in Tomas Morato and how we'd buy plastic balloon at Aling Ensa's store. Then we'd blow the balloon and make it burst on our foreheads.

- The scent of Nina Ricci L'air du Temps reminds me of Lola Dita since that's her favourite perfume.

- The scent of Caesar Salad dressing reminds me of Tita Evelyn and how she would make this from scratch - using anchovies, mustard, parmesan, among others.

That's how powerful scents are in triggering memories.

And that's the spirit behind these perfumes from Maison Margiela called "Replica." 

Each scent is designed to trigger a memory, aside from making you smell good. The first time I smelled this was in SG at the Margiela store, and I'm glad that they finally have this in the Philippines.

I'm actually not a perfume user, preferring colognes and clean scents. That's why I gravitate towards something like "Bubble Bath," which is a barely there scent.

Reminder to myself - buy that the next time I go to Rustan's.