I only say "almost legendary" because I’m north of that age, too, so I don’t really want to feel old. But yes, like Mike Myers and Sofia Coppola, the fragrances have already earned a coveted status amongst the astute fight gang of the world. Nicole Kidman glows in the creamy Vanille Abricot, while Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson win Grammys while wearing Vanille Passion and Denise Richards got Charlie Sheen to beg and cry himself back into her life while wafting the hypnotic Aloha Tiare.
These are what you might call feel-good fragrances. My personal favorite, as well as my good friend Pepper Teehankee’s, is the unisex Amour de Cacao, which smells like sweet coffee beans on him and chocolate cake on me. I feel ready to devour whenever I wear it.
The brushed silver bottle may come across as utilitarian to many, as they fancy crystal flacons to dress their boudoirs. However, it does have a purpose. It keeps the fragrance from changing or losing its potency by exposure to heat, air and light. My Amour de Cacao always smells brand-new and lasts forever, even in the most smoke-filled VIP room or sultry beaches.
The candle also has almost immortal properties. I bought mine last year and the soft and almost creamy wax emits a potent but subtle scent that literally sticks to the room. When I first moved to my apartment, it smelled like paint. Good enough for any house-paint junkie (they do exist – scary) to get his fix. One night of a glowing Comptoir candle and now my room eternally smells like Jacques Torres’s confection house.
Each scent is made to transport you to another world. To forget the stinky smog and relax in a haven of pleasures. The labels are color coordinated for the mood you want. Blue signifies the ocean, and you thus enjoy the marine notes in Aqua Motu or the sunny freshness of O‚ Pomelo. Yellow is all about the warm creaminess of Tahitian Vanilla found in the delicious Vanille Abricot. Pink is for all the romantics out there trying to recapture that perfect honeymoon. Aloha Tiare bursts of Hawaiian gardenias, while Coeur De Vahine is all about Tahitian flowers and passion fruit.
Brown, my personal favorite, is based on sweet and sinful chocolate, making Amour De Cacao a tasty treat bursting with flavors from orange, chocolate and vanilla. Red is dripping with exotic fruits, making it ideal for the tropical months. Mora Bella has exotic fruits and jasmine – totally feminine.
Another favorite is Bois de Filao, which hails from the green group, with scents from the Filao tree and citrus.
The fragrances’ essential oils are sourced from Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Other ingredients come from Africa and Indian Ocean islands like Reunion, Madagascar, Pacific Ocean islands and, of course, the South of France for lavender and rose. Just look at the logo and see the coconut tree and turquoise sea. Just spray it on or light one up and transport yourself to a place that doesn’t say "Passport, please." A perfect gift for anyone who is itching for an escape – which is all of us, maybe. Try one or two to make a Comptoir cocktail.