She defines herself as a visual perfume reviewer. After intensely studying and working as an architect for over a decade, one day, IEVA simply sat down and recorded her drawing process, which later became her very first perfume review. Little did she know that it would be the humble beginning of her new career path. “I draw perfumes. No, not perfume bottles. I depict what a certain fragrance smells like to me…” Ieva dreams of creating a massive visual dictionary for the one thing that just can’t be put on paper – the sense of smell.

I became interested in perfume when I discovered the existence of perfume reviews! I remember reading other people’s thoughts like absolute best selling novels. I’ve spent hours, months, years submerging myself into humanity’s thoughts on newest releases or older gems. I was so amazed that people could come up with such intricate stories about a smell which, to me, at that time, simply smelled just “sweet” or just “spicy”. When one day…something just clicked in my head and I started telling my own olfactory stories.

My favorite notes are anything, really! I’ve tricked myself into seeing beauty even in the least popular accords. As long as there’s someone who finds a particular smell pleasant, I try to perceive it from their point of view and imagine what aspect of that aroma could be seen as appealing. (P.S. My favourite note is definitely black currant!)

What interests me most about perfumery is the power various smells have over us. From carrying out mating rituals in wildest night clubs or asserting dominance during business meetings to presenting yourself as a friendly shoulder to cry on with softest motherly musks. We could either seal or break the deal with our perfume choice. However, the most exciting part to me is what perfume does to our self-esteem. It allows us to choose any role we desire and amplify it.

I became a fragrance content creator by an accident, really. After a fun discussion with my husband about the Iso E Super molecule, we concluded that it smells like the legendary android Data from Star Strek was getting ready for a big ball. The idea seemed so fun to me that I just sat down, drew a few pictures and thus my first perfume review was born. I just fell in love with the process of smelling perfumes and drawing whatever came to my mind after wearing the perfume for at least a week.

So far, my contribution to the fragcom has been quite humble, yet somewhat special. I very accidentally came up with a new genre of visual perfume reviews on YouTube. I just love experiencing stories that materialize in my head after sampling various perfumes and then telling them to my listeners through colorful drawings.

A good fragrance is one that evokes curiosity. What’s that smell? Did you just harvest fresh peas and ate maple syrup pancakes? Have you just returned from a swamp expedition during which you wore your favourite latex suit? Has your vinyl collection just caught fire and you tried to put it out with whiskey?

I see the current perfume market as overflowing with highly synthetic-based creations. It feels like we’re on the brink of a new era since flashier, longer lasting, beast-mode unlocking releases no longer catch so much attention as they used to. It’s just like with the Transformers franchise. The first few rambunctious movies were fun. But after the 7th one you’re left wondering – do we really need MORE of the same?

In a few words, to me perfume is a magical potion which I use to transform my state of mind.

IEVA’S LIFETIME SCENTS

Enchanted Forest by The Vagabond Prince

I have to start my special perfume list with this one! This was my very first special niche perfume. Upon smelling this magical liquid for the very first time in a brand new perfume store, my eyes simply popped. Rich, juicy, fruity, deep and dark forest overgrown with blackcurrants. My mom witnessed my unconditional joy at that moment and so very generously gifted me this perfume. A few years later I even wore Enchanted Forest on my wedding day. This is the perfume that got me the most compliments ever.

Eau des Merveilles by Hermès

This perfume marks the beginning of a new era in my life. It was the very first bottle that I’ve purchased myself, with my own money and trusting only my nose. It’s the smell of eating perfectly ripe oranges by the sea. When the juices start running all over your sun-kissed skin which is still salty from just taking a swim in a cold ocean. You can feel the essence of small seashells and even kelp mingling with resins from a nearby pine forest. It’s not a tropical beach. Rather, it’s a cold northern ocean shore. Stunningly genderless and timeless.

Jardin Privé by Hervé Gambs

Jardin Privé is a perfect example of “less is more”. The official notes are quite basic, on paper it’s a standard soft and summery green tea fragrance. But to me, this perfume is a perfect representation of autumn. I remember just casually smelling the bottle cap in the store when, suddenly, visions of fallen leaves started manifesting in my mind. Red and golden leaves, all smushed on the ground, sitting in crystal clear puddles…and there’s an unmistakable aroma of dried prunes in the air.

Migration de L’Arbre by Senyokô

I’ve learnt that I’m capable of taking risks through this perfume! Migration de L’Arbre was my very first blind purchase from a kindest lady from Italy. I remember spending hours reading and watching every possible review on this perfume and my utter excitement while unpacking the mysterious liquid! Up until this day I can’t fully describe this complex creation. Maybe…if a dry pine forest was fitted into a bottle of champagne and carried around by a slightly sweaty lady?

Eau de Rhubarbe Écarlate by Hermès

This rhubarb cocktail helped me survive the quarantine in 2020. It’s my absolute happy juice. I publicly admit having intrusive thoughts about drinking up the entire bottle. Nothing fancy, nothing special, but just hits the right spot for me. A perfectly balanced tart fruity hot summer drink…pardon me, perfume. And yes, I know that this is how 14 year old girls smell like. But it’s my secret comfort fragrance.

Bee by Zoologist

Bee is such a special fragrance to my family! It’s one of those perfumes that will always have its own spot in my home. Extremely undeniably sweet, sticky, runny honey with waxy undertones…built on a rich and dark incense base. Simply put, this is how a spiritual leader smells like or a Buddhist monk who took a darker path!

Follow Ieva on Instagram @smellomania and YouTube.

Check Ieva’s website: https://smellomania.com

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(image credits: Ieva Ziede)