The creation of olfactory scents may as well be considered a sport in France, with good reason – home to arguably the most prestigious fragrance schools in the world, becoming a ‘le nez’ (that’s Nose, in case your French is dusty) comes with it infinite prestige. 

Qualifications aside, tinkering with unique perfume concoctions yourself isn’t out of reach. We spoke with Myriam Badault, the International Marketing and Product Creation Director of Diptyque on the art of layering room fragrances with candles (baby steps, people) to create your own signature scent.

 

’O What’s the secret to combining scents successfully? 

“Dispose two candles to create your own scent – choose different fragrance from one season to another. As an example, FEU DE BOIS and MYRRHE work wonderfully for winter, and ROSES and LIERRE evoke spring in an English garden. As far as the scents are concerned choose complementary ones or reinforce one facet, say BAIES and ROSES could be an example. To quickly get a welcoming scent, you can also use a room spray before lighting the candles.”

 

’O Is there anything to take in consideration in regards to your surroundings you recommend (say, seasonality, the size/mood of the room, etc)? 

“A scent can influence the atmosphere according to the experience of each and every one of us. It depends on your mood, the occasions for which you create an olfactory atmosphere. It helps to purify the air, create a nice environment. Indeed, according to different room of the house, we aspire to different fragrances – for example, you can choose Pomander for the kitchen or Lavender leaf for the bedroom…”

 

’O What’s your personal favourite combination? 

“My favorite scent is Musc, it was the first one I bought at diptyque but I also regularly burn Maquis, Myhrre, Vanille, Thé and Coing.”

 

Diptyque Baies candle from Mecca Cosmetica, $87. For more Diptyque visit mecca.com.au.

 

Words by Emma Read