Perfume & Lockdown, your stories
Perfumes have this magical power to make us instantly travel, to cheer us up and comfort us. We were curious what your perfume experience was during lockdown period. Sylvaine Delacourte wrote the following message that we sent to all of our customers:
“Hello,
During lockdown, I brought out my perfume vials planned for the next Collection to evaluate and smell them with a new nose. It truly enchanted and stimulated me.
Certainly, perfumes are not a necessity and are not considered essential, but to me, spraying my favorite perfume feels like a ray of sunshine passing through the window. A good perfume reminds you that sweetness is essential to life and I realized that we are more than ever a community sharing delicate pleasures in life.
Sharing is a way to restore optimism and to look at the future differently. That is why I would love for you to share your olfactive lockdown experience with us. We want to know your feelings and impressions on how perfumes and smells may have affected this period in a positive way. Maybe you wore a Sylvaine Delacourte perfume and it gave you a smile.
Personally, I have been wearing cosy and soft fragrances, especially Florentina and Dovana. They healed and soothed me, these perfumes were very comforting during the difficult time.
You can reply to this email with a few sentences on how perfumes and smells helped you stay positive. We would love to hear from you and share your answers with the rest of the Sylvaine Delacourte community!
Love,
Sylvaine Delacourte”
We were very pleased to see so many of you sent us your olfactory testimonials. We enjoyed reading all your stories and we are happy to to share your messages with all you the Sylvaine Delacourte Community.
Here are the stories on how perfumes affected your lockdown experience!
Fragrances made you travel and brought you positive memories
Missha
Self care is very important for the soul. I might not be able to wear a lot of makeup during these times, due to the mask I am wearing to shop for my family. But after a stressful day, taking a shower and experiencing the magic of memories triggered by a scent is just a blessing. Being able to trigger a moment in time, the comfort of my grandmother's company. My mother's hugs. My time as a student. Maybe a party. A trip to Ireland. Places and people I can't visit in person, but surely can within my heart, all because scents have that kind of power. And that, is what gives me comfort during these hard times.
I have a strange perception of time, in which everything seems to have happened yesterday. It gives me the ability to remember things with detail. However, when the memory is supported by a scent, it makes it quite vivid and wonderfully re-experienced. Almost like literally traveling through time. So even if the memory was truly yesterday, or over a decade or two ago, it is truly a powerful gift. Thank you for your art.
Anonymous
Adding a spray or two of perfume each day has always been apart of my daily routine—it brings me a sense of confidence and makes me feel ready to tackle the day. During this difficult time, I have been wearing fragrances that remind me of a happy time in my life when I wore the scent. It instantly brings back a flood of positive memories and brings me comfort during such a stressful time. I cannot wait to try Sylvaine Delacourte fragrances! Fragrances uplifts my mood and puts me in a different mental space. Fragrances are very emotional for me because I allow the story that they tell take me on a trip.
Olga
During the lockdown perfumes were the only new impressions I could afford. Usually I travel a lot, I love sea, but this year it has gone totally wrong. Luckily a beautiful fragrance is able to create a travelling inside my head. I always seek for perfumes that speak to me, that may create a “movie” in my imagination. So when I received Vanilla collection I felt so happy and so alive. Each scent made me see its own story. I can hardly say which one is the best for me, but Valkyrie has become my signature scent for sure. I don’t smell any citrus there - only smoke and ashes of a battle and smooth softness of gentle feathers. If Valkyries existed in reality they would smell like this - 100%
Caryn
Normally I wear Dovana every day. I love it, the scent is so soft on me. However, since quarantine, I have put it away, because life doesn't feel "normal" anymore. (Although I will probably put in on for my wedding anniversary, as it is my husband's favorite.) As being secluded becomes more normalized, I might bring it out again. Instead, I have been switching between wearing pure lavender oil, for its relaxing properties, and an osmanthus body lotion, which I bought as a souvenir on vacation, and reminds me of being able to travel.
Joanne
Yes, I did enjoy spraying my Florentina on my shawl, it was comforting. While watching my Brilliant Friend on HBO, I sprayed Lilylang and it reminded me of summer, when they were on the island of Ischia in Italy. I also start using Olyssia which is summer in New York.
My son thought they all smelled beautiful! Looking forward to your new scents, I wish someone could make a scent of spring that smells like viburnum and lilac trees and bushes. Thank you
Debra
I’m wearing Osiris today ~ it is raining and gray outside but I feel like I’m in a garden in Marrakech! I need all beautiful things especially in the quarantine time because it gives me joy and even strength. I am also wearing different scents each day depending on mood and even what I wear. Tomorrow Virgile. Love all your perfumes and it is wonderful to enjoy little luxuries during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing beauty and inspiration.
Perfumes helped you heal
Anonymous
Fragrances are essential for mental health, imho. While stuck in the house, fragrance transports me to other places and times, trying on different personalities. During these times, sometimes you need a comforting fragrance, and some days, one to give strength.
Hiro
I also enjoyed Dovana, which I bought in April, and it healed and helped me remote working during this difficult situation. Also, this lockdown period was a good opportunity for me because I could enjoy trying other samples - orange blossom, musk, and vanilla.
Lisa
First, let me say that I absolutely love every single fragrance. I actually blind bought Virgile without knowing what it smelled like. I literally read the notes and created this image or scent of what it would smell like. When I received it my first spray I was surprised I wasn't expecting it to be so green. I let my mind settle in along with the fragrance and it was instant love. My fiance loved it immediately, it took me about 5 minutes and it was a wrap. I received my sample sets and I want every fragrance. Fragrance keeps me sane during these times. I work from home every day and getting dressed up to leave the house or to go somewhere is null and void because of the coronavirus. If I can spray on a beautiful perfume that lifts my spirits and make me feel good then so be it. I know that every day the fragrance I pick is going to fit and it won't make me look fat or frumpy but make me smile and feel beautiful and desirable what can be more precious. I wear it every day and night. And the beautiful bottles makes me smile with joy. Thank you for giving us this platform to share what fragrance mean to us. And thank you for creating such beautiful scents for us to behold.
Elaine
I am over 65 with health issues that have not allowed me to venture outside for over 2 months. It has been difficult not to be in a depressed state of mind including heavy bouts of anxiety.
I have tried many different tricks to keep my spirits up and I was very surprised when one of them actually worked! I started to spray a different scent of Sylvaine Delacourte once and awhile since I have all the samples (glorious)! Honestly speaking, my whole mood and attitude changed! It just immediately calms me down and gives me a sense of serenity! I truly wish I could afford to purchase every scent they have, they are heavenly!
I sound like an advertisement but you have my word, I was not paid to write this review. This is honestly the best perfume I have ever tried! Most sincerely.
Lisa
It's springtime here in NJ and the scent of all the new flowers has been helping me through this time, reminding me that it won't last forever and there's hope we will come to life again. Hyacinths, linden, mock orange, peonies, lilacs and lilies of the valley have all bloomed and kept my spirits going. Being locked down at home, I have been able to watch them grow and bloom. So I would say my experience is back to basics, where all great fragrances started.
Kay
Fragrance is indeed a luxury, but as others have mentioned, it can also be extremely therapeutic during these trying times. I appreciate that your fragrances come in not only the 100mL size, but the 30mL size, which makes for a more accessible and affordable luxury. Fragrance also provides a sensory experience akin to a window to the outside world that can transport us when we are unable to physically explore. I enjoy fragrances from all three of your lines that transport me in different ways. Ozkan with its sultry blend of leather and orange blossom reminds me of a night out on the town with girlfriends. Valkyrie has a lovely balance of citrus-vanilla, and I find it brings a sense of peace and internal balance. Oranzo is a cool, zingy, uplifting orange blossom that is so energizing in the morning, like a shot of Vitamin C. Smeraldo is a cozy, comforting scent for anytime, but especially when winding down. I just love so many of them!
Anonymous
Scents are one of those very few rare tangible elements in material world which kept me sane throughout these months. I have my lovely partner to love and support me always but my Gourmands and sometimes florals have always been mood booster to me, regardless of any season. I am going heavy on Gourmands now despite it might necessarily not be the right season. But like I said I always wear my mood and don't like to always join the same party. I'm happy to explore some new designers, new niches and honestly have been fortunate enough to work with some small scale niche brands in last 2 months. I can't tell you how this whole year made the whole world totally topsy turvy but I would like to believe there is a silver lining to everything. Perfumes have always been just some luxurious add ons to my life but off late I truly started diving deep down the whole olfactory journey and I couldn't be any more mesmerized.
Fragrances brought you comfort and happiness
Susan
Thank you. I too agree that during these uncertain times, I find that having special fragrances are part of self care that feels soothing & comforting.
Nicole
Bonjour Ms. Delacourte,
I have always loved perfume since I was a little girl, I'm now 45 years old. Anyone who knows me, knows that giving me perfume or something to make me smell divine is the best gift for me.
During the global lockdown besides my family, perfume has been a source of comfort. I've ordered samples so I can smell different and experience a new scent each day.
I remember when I received my Sylvaine Delacourte discovery scents in musk and vanilla. I was in heaven! My faves are Dovana, Lilylang, and Florentina. I can't wait to order the Orange discovery sample set.
I enjoy my perfume community, it's so wonderful to get a break from the stress of our world and share our love of perfumes and recommend perfumes to each other.
Now, I will draw a delicious scented bath and scent myself with one of my Sylvaine Delacourte musk samples since it's a warm day and I want to smell fresh, and lightly scented.
Amy
I find Virgile to be very calming.
Cyndi
I find my perfumes intensely comforting and uplifting during this time! I am oscillating between rich, intense scents like Alaïa EDP or Agonist Vanilla Marble and euphoric uplifting ones like your Oranzo, Osiris and Olyssia. They are incredibly joyful to me, and helps to dispel clouds of anxiety, worry, and dread like spraying medicine into my soul! It’s cloudy/rainy here in Washington DC today, so I absolutely will spray one of your Orange Blossom creations - thank you for making such beautiful perfumes. Perfumes have been a way for me to feel less isolated while working from home. I feel like getting up everyday, wearing a little make up, and choosing a scent allowed me to feel like I was getting ready to face an exciting day. I also kept wearing a variety of scents, so I wouldn't associate one with this isolated period.
Anonymous
Scents helped me to stay confident, they make me feel beautiful even if I don't feel like that, they keep me focused, calm and bring me joy. It can take me on the journey, change my mood, show me stability. Lovely post, and Lilylang perfume.
Carrie
I want to tell you how much pleasure I get from your sample boxes and the big bottles I've gotten. having to wear the masks, well, the perfume makes it so much more pleasant and the choice of course dizzying. What a delight and comfort your scents have been during this time as an essential worker out in the field every day since this began. THANK YOU!
Lisa
During this pandemic I’ve been using my vials of perfume, the scent of perfume helps me to stay calm, I also like to use my diffuser with lavender oil. I love jasmine, lavender, vanilla and a lot of other scents. Thanks for all you do Sylvaine Delacourte!
Yuliya
Dear Sylvaine, I really fell in love with Vanori. Every time I used it, I felt so happy. Thank you very much for beautiful scents. Respectfully yours.
Irina
Dear Sylvaine Delacourte, I am very glad to read your letter. I live in Moscow and I am familiar with your brand. I have several of your perfumes (Florentina, Lilylang, Olyssia, Osiris, Virgile). I often use them, including for work, and I get great pleasure. Many thanks! I will wait for your new perfumes.
Fragrances were a mood and energy booster
Julie
Sylvaine, I've found perfumes during this time to be helpful in uplifting my mood. I have rediscovered all my fragrances. Since I'm not going in the office, I can spray as much perfume as I want (there is a freedom in that). I can wear my heavier ones in the day time. I can wear perfume to bed. I spray my home with some of the fragrances that don't work on my skin but smell great in a room. I'm increasing my perfume rotation. I'm discovering new combinations for layering fragrances. It helps me feel creative and pulled together. It's a tiny distraction to elevate the day.
I'm happy to do my part by staying home. Fragrances help to make sheltering a little nicer.
Ruth
I have enjoyed my Discovery sets during the lockdown period. I have been layering Dovana with Smeraldo from the Musks Collection and on other days wearing Valkyrie which is a beautiful Vanilla melange. I also love a spritz of Oranzo which gives me energy mid morning. I love these subtle and surprising fragrances.
Teresa
I definitely use perfume as a mood stabilizer and during the lockdown, even more so. I alternate fragrances every day and also wear fragrance at night. Florentina is one of my favorite bedtime scents. I tend to go for heavier incense wood or sea water fragrances during the days. Scent can take us back to memories or out on adventures, things that definitely help during this time of constriction.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle .
Olga
Dear Sylvaine,
I wear Osiris - such a beautiful fragrant experience. Trying out the orange blossom samples lifted my mood the most.
Nice fragrant rest of the day.
Nissa
I've been enjoying my sample vials of all your collections. In these times, they especially make me feel uplifted. Beautiful fragrances. They also layer well together and linger perfectly. Stay well ❤
Nera
I wear Osiris - such a beautiful fragrant experience. Trying out the orange blossom perfume samples lifted my mood the most.
Anonymous
Olyssia keeps me in a good mood.
Natalia
Hello Sylvaine!
I first met Your fragrances a few weeks before lockdown in Russia, "COLLECTION FLEUR D'ORANGER". It is undoubtedly new experience for me, something completely different from that I used before.
I feel inspired, superiority, optimism, great mood. Sometimes, being at home, I wear Your fragrances with my beautiful shoes. It inspires me, I feel some energy. Wish You and all Your community good luck, stay healthy!
Wearing perfume was an essential part of your routine
Brenda
I have definitely enjoyed perfume during lockdown. Every day, I look at my perfume stash and decide what scent "works" for the day. I've been thinking of sending some Sylvaine Delacourte samplers to our daughter so she can enjoy the same experience
Ceil
I find my "perfume decisions" for the day are some of my most positive moments. The fragrances are either uplifting or supportive of my mood in some way. Fragrance is important to me but it has been therapeutic for me lately. I wear a variety of fragrances. I love Valkyrie and own a bottle. And I also have samples of your other fragrances that I have been enjoying, especially Ozkan.
Nancy
I finished my winter fragrance, Ozkan from you, Ms Delacourte, as well as last summer's, Vanori and Vahina which suited me well as a longtime Hawaii resident. I've taken care of my 95 yo Mother who has dementia during quarantine with her in Florida. One of my personal pleasures was to purchase a modest number of niche samples of perfume each month to surprise, delight and wake me while adding to my olfactory education. Thank you for asking and for your sense of community. It's a delight to open the door to the natural world thru appreciation of its fragrance.
Anonymous
Wearing scent is a daily ritual for me. My day doesn’t start until I apply perfume.
Liane
Hi from Singapore, SD team!
These days I choose whatever scent inspires and calls out to me each morning when I get dressed - even if I’m wearing yoga pants, no makeup and not leaving the house for the day, I make it a point to wear a fragrance as my expression of my mood and intentions for the day. It feels like my invisible armour that’s also an extension of my present self in that moment - vanilla based for when I am feeling cosy and content, bright citrus when I’m feeling playful and relaxed, neroli and gentle florals when I feel feminine and spicy/herbaceous notes for when I’m putting on my “work” mindset to focus. Thanks for making beautiful fragrances that resonate with my various moods and expressions. They also inspire me as an amateur perfumer. Keep up the great work!
Terri
Helicriss=Adventure
I have taken up walking on nature trails during quarantine. Keeping social distancing and wearing a mask of course! I wear perfume every day. Helicriss is my favorite scent for these excursions. After walking five miles in the heat and humidity last week a lady stopped me to ask if I had flowers in my backpack because they smelled wonderful! "No Ma'am, no flowers", "Well then, it must be you!" I thanked her and told her how to get her own bottle. I am now anxiously awaiting the newest sample scents. l'm sure I will love them, also!
Yvonne
I loved my perfumes when staying and working at home so much, also working at home. I prefer gourmand perfumes.
Savannah
Yes, essential oils and perfumes have been a "necessary luxury" the last couple months! In the diffuser we've been mixing different combinations of Eucalyptus, citrus oils, Frankincense, cinnamon bark, ylang ylang, and lavender. On my body I have been wearing sandalwood, rose, cedarwood, patchouli, amber, and frankincense. I dab 2-3 drops on my wrist then rub my two wrists together, then I might touch a little extra at the base of my neck. :)
Anonymous
I love perfume I like smelling amazing. I have to wear perfume everyday weather I’m not going out at the moment. It makes me feel happy. I love when I walk in room and everyone can smell me. I love rich warm sent. I love vanilla Tonka bean oud rose amber and floral notes please let me know what should go for.
Deborah
Im wearing Dovana. Perfume IS essential.
Lockdown was an opportunity to discover perfumes
Ramona
I had a great experience buying my first perfume from the Sylvaine Delacourte site. From choosing the samples to finding my favorite scent, it was a seamless and delightful journey. The shipping is incredibly fast and they have a courteous customer service. Greatly recommended if you want a refined scent, a classic yet modern signature scent. I tried all the samples and all of them have a good longevity on my skin, with a moderate sillage.
Benoit
Hello and I hope you are well, obviously it is not easy for everyone to be confined and without knowing what life will become after such a thing that shakes our whole sphere of life, and for some people it's a moment of creative development, being passionate about artisan perfumery it's a privileged moment to let go of my creativity, to take the time to discover the infinite possibilities of producing aromas I find it fascinating to be able to make perfumes that are for me mind conditioners, before confinement when I went out in shopping centers people complimented me quite often on my perfumes, but I do them for pleasure and for the moment I am not marketing but when I go out with my new creations that I produced during the confinement period, it is quite possible that I will have requests so I can't wait to go out of my house scented with my new creations.
Katharine
I've worn very little perfume in lockdown (same goes for make up) but today I'm wearing Osiris - so lovely and summery. Monday I wore Vahina, one of my absolute favourites.