.
Post by Portia
.
Dear APJ Reader,
Do you ever put fragrance on your skin with no knowledge or expectation of what it will be? With some of my independent perfumer friends that’s exactly what I do. For the sheer joy of experiencing the scent without prejudice. That can make for some pretty far fetched guesses as to what has gone into a fragrance, and the ideas behind it. It’s also one of the reasons I love doing Live Video Sniffs, you get to come on the ride……. Scott and I spend a few minutes smelling the opening and… well, you’ll see….
Memento Mori by Aftelier Perfumes 2016
Memento Mori by Mandy Aftel
Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Butter, orris, floral notes (Phyenylacetic acid)
Heart: Turkish rose, beta ionone (woody violet)
Base: Ambreine (amber), ambergris, antique civet, patchoulyl acetate (patchouli isolate)
From Aftelier: A memento mori is designed to “remind the viewer [or wearer] of their mortality and the shortness and fragility of human life” (Tate Museum). Memento mori jewelry was known for its intimate workmanship, beautiful delicacy and close associations with eternal love and remembrance. Mourning jewelry was a way for the bereaved to hold on to the memory of a loved one who had passed away: a way of saying “gone but not lost” or “sacred to memory.” It brought comfort and consolation and was not morbid or ghoulish, but touching and loving.
Further reading: Now Smell This and A Bottled Rose
Aftelier has samples from $6/0.25ml
Just so you know, while Momento Mori opens outrageously it does soften off considerable within the first hour. It’s indolic/fecal/barley butter gives way to the softest and plushest comfort scent. Like cuddling your partner first thing in the morning before tooth brushing and shower, still lived in and slightly rank but the smell of shared sleep and awakenings.
You’ve done it again Mandy, bravo.
Portia xxx
Australian Perfume Junkies 
HA! I was so eager to watch this I put the sound down low and played it during my lunch-break at work. Brilliant. I knew you’d get a thrill from Memento Mori and I bet Mandy gets a kick out of your reaction. She’s fearless and you are too, Portia.
Now I’m fascinated by what barley butter must be like!
LikeLike
Hey Tara,
He He he! I just watched it back. Scott and I are idiots.
Momento mori is full on, what a surprise.
Lemon Barley Butter is a candy we eat to calm a sore throat, like Butter Menthols.
Portia xx
LikeLike
Wow Portia! Love you deep connection with Memento Mori – couldn’t ask for a better reaction from someone who gets it so completely, thank the heavens and thank you dear! 🙏💜💕💘
LikeLike
Mandy, I know when a package come from you it’s going to be full of something special. Congratulations.
Portia xx
LikeLike
Thanks for the article & video. If this brings back naughty childhood, then its definitely for me. Mandy nailed it perfectly.
LikeLike
Oh yes she did Hikmat Sher Afridi, can’t wait to read what you think when you smell it.
Portia xx
LikeLike
That sniff was a lot of fun 🙂
And Memento Mori was deliciously naughty
LikeLike
He He he. Scott it was even more fun because we shared it.
I have worn it since and it is a bit outrageous.
LOVE IT!
Portia xx
LikeLike
Love the review!
I certainly wouldn’t be able to put it into words what Memento Mori smells like. I still don’t really like the very first, strong bit, but I love the dry-down.
LikeLike