Aromatics Elixir by Clinique

This is not your Clinique Happy, but her dank, mature and way more interesting sister. This is like Daria Morgendorffer to Quinn, or Chanel #19 to Chanel Chance. It is a bitter, herbal bitch and I love it. If you’re a basic Lancôme La Vie est Belle lover this may not be for you. If you’re an 80 year old who gets her hair set on Mondays—this could be for you. See the trend? It’s polarizing.

Aromatics Elixir first stomped onto the scene allegedly in 1971, and the nose is none other than Bernard Chant. Chant has created some of the most iconic chypres (Aramis 900 anyone?) around and this is no exception. However, if you’re not of the dark and medicinal persuasion I would ease yourself in.

I’ve always found it interesting that the bright and pastel counters of Clinique churned this one out ahead of their more commercial Stepford Wife-esque creations—but it’s still found today, tucked away at the bottom shelf at your local mall. If you’re a perfume lover and interested in opening your nose palate then I suggest picking it up and surprising yourself and the Clinique lady by requesting a sample.

Notes include verbena, sage and chamomile, geranium, rose and white flowers: ylang-ylang, jasmine and tuberose. Oakmoss and patchouli are the heavy hitting basenotes. In real life you will smell like Katherine Ross pre being Stepforded in the 1975 adaptation of the book. Severe and different.