Benders fragrance cabinet (and a challenge to Rodrigo Flores-Roux)

Who expects an extensive cabinet: I have more perfurmes than these 3, but what use would it be to list all of them? Let me simply list what I think are the best and then write some interesting challenge to the intelligent people out there:

Tabac is one of the oldest brands in the market nowadays and I love its white bottle made of stone, which feels so authentic and so high-quality. As a scent it is calming and not aggressive as a lot of modern perfumes are. I believe the reason most modern perfumes have to be so agressive has the same basis as the aggressive overproduction we hear in music: the utter  stumped-up mode of being of modern man requires blantant and repulsive stuff. 

Tabac

It’s the fragrance my father used to wear. Jasmine is a type of flowering plant that is prized for its beautiful, fragrant flowers. It is often used in perfumes and other fragrances, and is known for its distinct, pleasant aroma. Additionally, jasmine is prized for its delicate, delicate appearance, and is often used in floral arrangements and other decorative displays. Overall, jasmine is considered one of the most special flowers on this planet because of its unique fragrance and delicate beauty.

While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that the smell of jasmine specifically improves health and wellbeing, it is generally believed that the use of pleasant scents can have a positive effect on a person’s mood and overall sense of well-being. The aroma of jasmine, in particular, is often associated with relaxation and calmness, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, the act of smelling something pleasant can trigger the release of endorphins in the brain, which can help to improve mood and promote a sense of happiness and contentment. 

 

John Varvatos Original

Normally im only a moderate fan of leathery smells, but this is  a leathery type sage smell, and that makes a world of difference. The sage plant has long been prized for its powerful aromatic properties, with its distinctive smell playing a central role in many traditional shamanic practices. In the shamanic sense, the smell of sage is believed to have a range of beneficial effects, helping to purify and protect individuals and spaces, as well as to promote healing and spiritual growth.

In addition to its purifying properties, the smell of sage is also believed to have powerful healing properties. Many herbalists and traditional healers believe that the plant has the ability to soothe a range of physical ailments, from stomach aches and headaches to sore throats and even wounds. The strong aroma of the plant is thought to help stimulate the immune system, making it an effective tool for promoting overall health and wellness.

Beyond its physical benefits, the smell of sage is also believed to have a powerful impact on the mind and spirit. In many shamanic traditions, the plant is used as a tool for inducing altered states of consciousness and facilitating spiritual growth. The strong, pungent aroma of the plant is thought to help clear the mind and open up the senses, making it easier to connect with the spirit world and access higher states of consciousness.

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In conclusion, the sage plant is an incredibly important smell in the shamanic sense, thanks to its powerful purifying, healing, and spiritual properties. Its distinctive aroma has long been used in traditional shamanic practices to promote health, wellness, and spiritual growth, making it an essential tool for anyone looking to deepen their connection with the natural world and the spirit realm.

The smell of salvia divinorum is often described as earthy and musky, with hints of sweetness and a slightly pungent aroma. Some people compare it to the smell of damp soil or freshly cut grass, while others describe it as being reminiscent of a forest after a light rain. Some people even say that it has a subtle floral scent, like the delicate blooms of a wildflower. Overall, the aroma of salvia divinorum is complex and difficult to capture in words, but it is often said to be both soothing and invigorating at the same time.

John Varvatos Artisan Pure

I love the Varvatos bottles. Any artist worth his salt will put a lot of time and effort into the design. Another great thing about Varvatos is that they work with to my mind one of the best perfumers in the world: the mexico-born Rodrigo Flores-Roux, who simply has an impeccable nose, of you ask me.

Does a clementine smell different from an Orange or a Mandarin? Well to a trained nose, of course it does! But its the maturity of this complex combinations of smells that makes this one of the best perfumes about – if you ask me. It’s the perfume I use most often from my cabinet of luxury smells. 🙂

Flores-Roux writes that the smell is inspired by the ‘lush hills of Xalapa, Mexico’ – I believe I have a new travel target right there!

One smell i rather still miss in the fragrance world would be one that uses the original mystical sage plant, salvia divonorum. Rodrigo Flores-Roux, if you ever read this: I personally challenge you to make a perfume based on that plant, or if you are up to it work with me on a line of perfumes based on….teacher plants!Py

 

 

Why there should be a perfume line based on teacher plants?

A perfume line based on teacher plants could be a powerful tool for promoting ecological awareness and change. For many people, the sense of smell is closely tied to memory and emotion, making it an effective way to connect with people on a personal level. By using the scents of teacher plants, a perfume line could help to evoke feelings of connection and reverence for the natural world.

In addition, using teacher plants as the basis for a perfume line could help to educate people about the important role these plants play in our ecosystem. Many teacher plants are used by indigenous communities for their spiritual and medicinal properties, and by highlighting these plants in a perfume line, we can help to raise awareness about their cultural and ecological significance.

Furthermore, a perfume line based on teacher plants could be a way to support conservation efforts and sustainable harvesting practices. By sourcing the ingredients for the perfumes from sustainable sources and partnering with organizations that support conservation, the perfume line could help to generate funds and awareness for important ecological causes.

Martijn Benders has published twenty-six books, eighteen of which are in Dutch. He has been named one of the greatest talents of his time by critics like Komrij and Gerbrandy. He has also written three philosophical works, one of which is in English about the Amanita Muscaria, the Fly Agaric. Publishing on the international stage of The Philosophical Salon, he has also gained international recognition as one of the most remarkable thinkers from the Netherlands.