By Tracey Strange
My husband has a nose for fragrance. After many years of living with a beauty writer he can distinguish notes, comment on depth and dry-downs and has a keen interest in aromacology.
He is almost as likely as I am to light a scented candle or oil burner, and our car usually pongs like a Smith & Caughey's perfume counter. So particular is he about fragrance that, like his wife, he decided to have one made. Mine smelt remarkably - and rather unoriginally - like Narciso Rodriguez For Her (which I love); his - still a work in progress - is an altogether more authentic mix of whisky and mint.
Perfume is personal. And if more men truly understood its power, they would be splashing it on as regularly as they flick the toothpaste lid. Research indicates that while men might be initially drawn to the way a woman looks; she can fall in love at the first whiff. Fragrance, and not just the smell of skin, is far more compelling for women when it comes to sexual attraction.
Enter Tom Ford's new Noir Anthracite ($296). Although it's promoted as intense and daring with its mix of pepper, bergamot and rich woody - almost smoky - notes, this is surprisingly subtle for a cologne with "noir" in the title. It was so delicious I considered hiding it, wearing it myself for a few days before handing it over.
