Author Archives: Shawn Maher

Scent Notes: Waking Dream is Delirium through Iris, Sandalwood and Amber

One note that I have always loved is iris. Even though I (obviously this is the case) love raw orris butter, the iris accord intrigues me even more. Anything that doesn’t have a true natural material analog allows for pure interpretation, acting as a Rorschach test of the perfumer. What do they smell when theyContinue reading “Scent Notes: Waking Dream is Delirium through Iris, Sandalwood and Amber”

Scent Notes: Sumemer Refreshment from Agua Fresca by Chatillon Lux

Years ago, I created a scent for a brand. However, during the process, the whole thing went sideways and we had to part ways. This left me with a formula that I liked but had no use for, so I released it as a limited edition called Nonaginta. The name came from its inspiration fromContinue reading “Scent Notes: Sumemer Refreshment from Agua Fresca by Chatillon Lux”

Red Skies from Maher Olfactive: A Maritime Chypre

From the first time I heard it as a kid, the expression always seemed so mystical and full of wonder. Red skies at night, sailors delight. Red Skies in morning, sailors take warning. For a kid who only knew about the high seas from books and stories, it fed into the larger-than-life idea of lifeContinue reading “Red Skies from Maher Olfactive: A Maritime Chypre”

Sagan Dalya by Maher Olfactive: Fresh, Rich and Resinous

Sometimes, when you smell a material for the first time, everything just clicks. When I first opened the bottle of Siberian rhododendron essential oil, the multifaceted aspect of this amazing material got the gears turning in my head immediately.  Long-time readers will know that most of these columns begin with me discussing the story behindContinue reading “Sagan Dalya by Maher Olfactive: Fresh, Rich and Resinous”