NICOLAS BEAULIEU'S LOVE LANGUAGE – BEHIND THE FRAGRANCE
Penhaligon's falls head over heels for Nicolas Beaulieu's latest fragrance, Liquid Love. We sat down with the perfumer to talk about all things romance and redolence.
What was the inspiration behind Liquid Love?
When creating Liquid Love, I wanted to capture the true essence of it. As roses are the symbol of love, I wanted to magnify its alluring florality by combining sparkling spices and captivating woods to give the same effect as butterflies in the stomach.
What is your usual process when creating a fragrance? Did Liquid Love differ to previous scents?
When creating a fragrance, I like to explore the technical aspects as well, which means that I focus on the different facets of an ingredient in order to explore a broad palette of scents in the most wonderful way. In fact, Liquid Love carries with it a very important personal olfactory memory: the delicate perfume of Rose de Provins from my hometown, which inspired me to incorporate this ingredient.
How did you come to pursue a career in perfumery?
Growing up in the countryside near Provins, surrounded by nature's beauty and the scent of roses, I developed a deep appreciation for fragrances. My mother's use of aromatic spices in her cooking also played a significant role in fuelling my passion. However, it was my discovery of ISIPCA, a French perfumery college, by my student counselor, that truly sparked my interest in fragrance creation.
How would you like the wearer of Liquid Love to feel?
I love the idea that Liquid Love could make the wearer more aware of their own beauty and uniqueness: love yourself to love others! You are stunning!
Did you draw on any romantic experiences to create Liquid Love?
I didn’t draw from my own experiences however I was very inspired by books and stories I’ve heard of, such as the 19th-century Romanticism of Jane Austin’s 'Sense & Sensibility'. It resonates strongly with Liquid Love and its intention.
The differences between the two main characters, the sensible older sister Elinor and the young Marianne, the epitome of sensibility, is reflected in the perfume by contrasting the romantic idea of rose with sensual spices and woods.
Do you have a favourite love story, anything from myths to movies?
Yes, my favourite love story is the movie 'Brokeback Mountain'. I've watched it countless times and it never gets old. The film tells a powerful and forbidden love story that encourages us to reflect on the power of love and the importance of it.
Can you give any advice or tips on how one should apply a fragrance?
When applying a fragrance, remember to use it sparingly on pulse points like your wrists and neck. Let it blend in with your skin's chemistry and evolve throughout the day.
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