Series 3 Incense: Avignon by Comme des Garçons

Comme des Garçons took the perfume world by storm in 2002 when the line released not one, not two, but five excellent incense fragrances as a part of their Incense series. Each of the fragrances in the collection represented the rich and fragrant history of a different incense-burning culture: French, Moroccan, Russian, Japanese, and Indian. Avignon, as the name suggests, is an homage to the "City of Popes." For a period in history, Avignon was the very center of Catholicism in France—and in Europe as a whole. This fragrance brings to mind Gregorian chants and stained glass windows and whisks you away to a 12th century cathedral. This is, unequivocally, one of the best incense fragrances on the market.

Perfumer(s): Bertrand Duchaufour

Notes: palisander, patchouli, ambrette, aldehydes, cistus labdanum, chamomile, elemi, frankincense, vanilla

Longevity and layering

Did you know that fragrance longevity can be greatly increased by beginning your routine with clean, moisturized skin? We recommend starting with a shower gel or soap that is either neutrally scented or in the same scent family as your perfume. Then, add a moisturizer and/or body oil and allow it to soak in. Finally, add your fragrance on top. This added moisture barrier will hold the scent molecules for more time, allowing the fragrance to last longer. Think of it as a primer for perfume!

You can also layer scented products (including lotion, soap, body oil, perfume oil, and other alcohol-based perfumes) to add depth, intensity, or a variety of other facets to your final fragrance. We suggest beginning with similar scents (such as two different citrus or vanilla fragrances) and testing those layering combinations, then branching out to more experimental pairings. Feeling stuck? Shared notes, even in very different fragrances, can help bring the final scent together. The sky's the limit - have fun!

Series 3 Incense: Avignon

Series 3 Incense: Avignon

Longevity and layering

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