Be transported back in time through SMELLS!

I've time-traveled.
I didn't know it's possible.

And I'm gonna' share with you how I did it - through the sense of SMELL.

Here's one thing you probably won't know about me: - I have ALWAYS been fascinated with perfumes, perfumes and perfumes. 

There were MANY times when I catch a whiff of someone walking past and I would be like, "WHAT'S THAT PERFUME SCENT?! OMG!!!"

Of course, perfume scents are VERY subjective. 

One of the main reasons why I love perfumes is because I have always felt that scents CAN evoke memories. I am not sure if it happens to everyone, but I did have many déjà vu experiences whenever I smell a particular scent.

There were scents that somehow registered in the sensory part of my brain when I was a kid, and I would immediately be reminded of my childhood even if I were to come across the scent now. It's just all very intriguing and mysterious at times. Almost like  time traveler experience. I couldn't find any exact word to describe it either.

So you can imagine my delight and curiosity when I was approached for an opportunity by Mrs Prachi Garg, founder (and a Master Perfumer!) of Je t'aime Perfumery, to feature a perfume-related exhibition that very much relates to my sentiments about perfumes!

It will be a collaboration with the Singapore National Museum and 12 unique smells will be on display during an exhibition from 17 April 2015 to 18 May 2015 that showcases an olfactory translation of Singapore history.

Trust me, this is really something very, very interesting! We all know history can be read, but now we can actually SMELL history?! Even if you are one who isn't interested in perfume scents, I bet you will be curious to find out as part of an experience.

Mrs Prachi Garg has kindly sent me all the 12 unique scent samples (and 1 bottle of their perfume that simply looks so exquisite!). 

I'll be reviewing them here (Yes, and all of you will have the honor to read about it before they are officially on display to the public on 17th April 2015!)

Arrived via Courier in such a nice packaging!

The bottles look so cute! Each of them is individually labelled with the names of the scent. I totally LOVE the names they came up with. (Do you notice that there are also picture illustration printed on the labels?! Awww!!)

The names of the scents:- (And most of them are related to Singapore history, which is so memory-evoking!!)

Not in any particular order:

1) Ancient Singapore - Life before 14th Century

2) Ancient Singapore - Singapore Stone

3) Road to Merdaka - 8 cents meal

4) Colonial Singapore - Sri Mariamman Indian Temple 

5) Colonial Singapore - Rich Lavish Cloths

6) Play Colonial Singapore - Near the Mosque

7) Syonan to Fear

8) Independent Singapore - Green Singapore

9)  Independent Singapore -Where Children can Play

10) Road to Merdaka - Home Food

11) Archaeology - Hotel de l' Europe

12) Colonial Singapore - Masons

Judging from the names of the scents, I was already feeling so excited. I wondered if they would indeed smell like how they were named.

As below is my review for each scent - Please do note that all of them are based on my PERSONAL opinions in which I tried to describe them to the best of my ability. I was not given any notes how they SHOULD smell like (since scents are very subjective anyway) Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy my descriptions as much as I did smelling them!

1) Ancient Singapore - Life before 14th Century

In order not to confuse myself with the different scents, I actually took time to smell each of them and wrote my thoughts here along the way.

Interestingly enough, this scent DOES smell ancient (in a tropical way). Okay, I am not particularly sure how ancient smells like to you, but I could imagine a forest-like environment and felt like I was somewhere deep in the woods AFTER a rain. I had the idea of rain as it has a tinge of wet scent in between that reminds me of it. I could picture myself lying flat on the ground and closing my eyes as I feel the closeness of nature!

2) Ancient Singapore - Singapore Stone

OMG. This scent is absolutely... Interesting. I took more than five minutes to ensure I was smelling it right.  I have no idea how the team was able to imitate the smell of something wet (but yet not entirely wet) so well! Although it was labelled as "Singapore Stone" and I am not sure how a stone smells like, but I can ascertain that this scent does remind me of something wet after a rain. A tinge of muskiness and yet not too overwhelming. Oh gosh, I just love how all these scents are starting to trigger my senses and imagination!

3) Road to Merdeka - 8 cents meal

I was amused by the title of this scent - 8 cents meal. I was expecting to smell a tinge of roti prata in it (I guess I was influenced by the picture illustration HAHAHA)

My first impression when I took my first whiff - It started out smelling like almonds, but with a tinge of sweetness in them. As I continued on with my third and fourth whiffs, I discovered that the almond scent was not as strong anymore - but it does, interestingly, smell like how it was named - a food! (One of my colleagues smelled it and told me that it reminds him of Nasi Briyani.. How interesting!)

4) Colonial Singapore - Sri Mariamman Indian Temple

OK, I LOVE this scent. It smells a bit like floral + baby powder that blends in nicely with the nice aroma of india temple oil. It smells hauntingly beautiful. I could totally picture myself exploring an indian temple which is really intriguing.

5) Colonial Singapore - Rich Lavish Cloths

This smells kinda' exotic and requires some getting used to. I pictured a rich Caucasian lady as she struts down a poshed hallway. I felt that the scent is.. rich. And yes, I think I came across the scent somewhere before... ....

6) Play Colonial Singapore - Near the Mosque

A pleasant scent that strikes a familiarity when I took my first whiff. Now, where did I smell this before? I would say it's close to a car freshener (it has a fresh, fruity scent) smell that I came across. Totally not dull, but an uplifting scent that I don't mind wearing on myself during sunny days! Haha. I am sure this scent will be able to appeal to many, too. It's not too overwhelming.

7) Syonan to Fear

Now, do note that I did NOT filter this picture at all! The red-color effect was due to my finger blocking the flash, which I did it on purpose to create "Fear" - just like how the name goes. HAHAHA. To be honest, I'm kinda' fearful of opening the bottle.

*2 minutes later*

Okay, I have just opened the bottle to take my first whiff.
You are probably NOT going to believe this, but I can really smell FEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How did this happen?!?! This is totally NOT a pleasant scent.  It smells like fart at some point even. LOL. In fact, it creates the effect of panic, adrenaline rush, impatience, etc. It's a mood-changing scent, I would say. No, I am not going to register this in my mind. BUT it's totally something that people should smell to experience it for themselves in order to understand what I meant.

Now, let me move on to the next scent. I need something pleasant.

 8) Independent Singapore - Green Singapore

My first impression: SMELLS LIKE FRESH GREEN APPLES, DEFINITELY! I could imagine myself drawing the window curtains on an early morning while I sniff in the fresh air from nature.
The birds are chirping cheerily and the gentleness of wind blowing against my cheeks... Ahhh... This is hypnotic.

 9) Independent Singapore - Where Children can play

This smells similar to the Green Singapore upon my first whiff, but there are more to it afterwards. It smells sunny, bright and cheerful - a day when children are all eager coming out to play. I could picture young kids laughing as they gather around to play with their friends.

 10) Road to Merdaka - Home Food

Contrary to its name, I thought it smells like fruit cake that contains cinnamon and spices. It is, however, interesting how the scent indeed smells like food and not just any other scent, Damn, its actually 4am in the wee morning now as I am taking a whiff at this. Must I feel hungry now? *wails*

11) Archaeology - Hotel de l' Europe

I can't believe I am addicted to smelling all these different scents! I did this review within one shot and my nose is still, surprisingly, in good shape. This smells like a kind of shower gel to me. I'm imagining myself having a bubble bath now... in a hotel room. LOL.

12) Colonial Singapore - Masons

The last scent of the day. I was caught by surprise when I took my first sniff. I was reminded of ancient ointment but the scent somehow transitioned into an oddly pleasant smell- like a soap bar. With my eyes closed, I could picture myself traveling back to the olden times on a sunny morning. It's an odd but pleasant scent.

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Of course, nothing beats smelling them physically .. So here's your chance if you are interested in experiencing them for yourselves.

From 17 April to 18 May 2015, the National Museum will put on display 12 unique smells in SINGAPURA:700, an exhibition which showcases an olfactory translation of Singapore history.

These signature scents will be displayed at different locations in all the galleries at the Museum. They range from a musky Ancient Singapore to a spicy Colonial Singapore. Visitors can also take a whiff of Independent Singapore, a refreshing fruity scent that captures the energy of a nation gearing to surge forward and grow. There is also Fear, an unpleasant smell to represent uncertain times, which can evoke negative emotions.

Create your own Singapore Scent on 3rd May  

Each participant will get the chance to learn the techniques of perfume making and how to mix different ingredients to create your unique Scent of the Nation. Tickets for this 2 May event will be on sale on SISTIC from 10 April.  

Each participant gets to keep a 75ml bottle of perfume they create.   

And this is how the bottle looks like! Gorgeous.

Mrs Prachi was very kind to send me a bottle as well! I love how the perfume in it smells - Simply classy. Not to mention that the design is so attractive - with small shiny 'diamonds' near the bottle cap. 

Before the workshop, participants will have a chance to join the museum-volunteers on a guided tour to smell your way through Singapore's history and experience her transformation from a humble fishing village to the pride of an empire, before becoming an independent nation-state as she is today.  

I strongly suggest you all to attend with your friends as it will be such a entertaining activity! (Can foster bonding as well at the same time. Heh)

About the Master Perfumer: Mrs Prachi Saini Garg  

Prachi quit a successful career as a multi-media artist to start a perfumery in Singapore to help people express themselves through scents. At her workshops, clients can create beautiful, ugly, artistic or even commercial smells. Some people have found their signature scent and others have even tried to launch their own brands with her help. Je t’aime provides all the raw ingredients while the creative process is left to the client’s imagination. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Prachi for extending the opportunity for me to review the exquisite scents! It has definitely been my MOST interactive blog post so far, as I truly enjoyed the process of smelling the scents and being transported by my imagination to different eras. while typing this blog entry at the same time.

[Event] The Scent Lab by Singapore Polytechnic

This entry is going to be a very interesting one!! 

So I was invited by Singapore Polytechnic to their exclusive Scent Lab workshop; and I was REALLY looking forward to it in excitement.

I have always been fascinated with scents, perfumes, fragrances and stuff like that, so it was somehow a dream come true for me! 

Here's the very first sight that greeted me when I arrived at the place which is located at T11B.

Trust me, I was completely in awe.

It's not difficult to see why, isn't it?

Like seriously?! I couldn't believe my eyes that I was actually standing inside a school.

Everything just looks so darn professional!

Let me give you a virtual tour of the place - I have taken tons of pictures.

I know the main point of this post isn't about its interior design, but I have to say that I really love how the place is designed in such a futuristic manner.

The display of different famous perfume brands - I felt as though I was standing in some high-end retail store that only rich people are allowed. HAHAHA.

Can you recognize some of the bottles? Do you happen to be using any of them?

Aren't perfume bottles beautiful?! I would have been a huge perfume bottle collector if my house is big enough to display them like this! Haha.

I particularly LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this section.

Unfortunately, I did not really have time to explore them individually. 

Some knowledge about Room Scents and Aromatherapy: - I am a fan of Aromatherapy!

It is extremely helpful when it comes to uplifting emotions.

Look at these transparent display cases in the shape of globes! I was really speechless, lah. 

Beautiful is too much of an understatement.

While browsing through the different display sets, I spotted this particular pair of perfume - Romance II! Do you know that they are actually SP's very own creation (and they are retailing in selective stores around Singapore as well - I have seen them!)

 I remembered I was given a set of the Romance II series by SP around two years ago, and I loved it.

In case you are wondering why there are two bottles, its actually a couple  set! Cool, right?! The female version has a floral scent, and the one for men smells, well... ...masculine.

Another close-up shot: - I didn't do any editing to the picture at all and its all taken under raw lighting! 

So romantic-looking. *stares at the picture dreamily*

Wow, I realized I have not even begun to blog about the main highlight of the event and I posted so many photos already!

So here, finally I'm going to start blogging about the workshop!

Here I found myself in the lab where students from Diploma in Perfumery and Cosmetic Science would usually have their practical lessons:

(I really love, love, love the environment here! I would be a happy student if I am one now. Haha)

I took a seat at the front table together with four other participants - and was thrilled to see all the equipment that was neatly lined up on the table in front of us.

YES YES YES, we would soon be able to create our very own perfume and bring it home by the end of the workshop!

*rubs hands in glee*

Here's a bottle of "Splash"- given to me by SP before the start of the workshop. Yes, don't be fooled by its professional-looking packaging. I was told that it isn't for sale and is EXCLUSIVE as part of its 60th Anniversary. (Yes, can you believe that Singapore Polytechnic will be turning 60 soon?!)

I'm so honored to own a bottle of this, not to mention that I LOVE the smell too. 

Thank you, SP!

We were provided lab coats and were told to wear it during the workshop. I feel like a professional perfumer already. *laughs loudly*

Of course, what's a blogger without some selfies?

I am so proud of this logo that is sewn on the lab coat:

And we were advised to wear the provided goggles as well. 

And let the adventure begin!

Here's Ms.Jessie, one of the lecturers, kick-starting the workshop.

Here's Mr Koji Santoku, a former Senior Perfumer from Takasago International (a major international producer of flavors and fragrances headquatered in Japan)! Despite having huge achievements tied to his name, he is really humble. 

Fun, fun, fun! We were given various scented paper strips and had to make a guess what the smell was. We would then label them accordingly.

Well, not all were easy to guess though! I particularly loved the strips that smell like fruits.

(We were taught to bend the scented area upwards so that the smell would not be contaminated)

After a short while, we were taught to smell our own sleeves to "refresh" our noses (it's a really useful tip!!) so there wouldn't be a "jam" in our noses from all the overpowering smell.

The more floral scents provided were rose and jasmine, etc.

After gaining a basic understanding and knowledge of how perfume fragrances work, its now showtime for us - Creating our own perfume!!!!! OMG.

Never in my life would I thought I would have a chance like this; and I have ALWAYS wanted to know how perfume fragrances work.

Do you know that there are 3 different components that make up a perfume fragrance?

They are namely the top notes, middles notes and base notes.

The first sniff that you thought is a scent you like? That is probably the top note, which will wear off after a short while. You may or may not like the middle and base notes thereafter.

I would say that perfume fragrances are very subjective.

It actually takes time before you can decide if the smell is something of your favor.

We were provided different "ingredients" to mix and play around with using small sample bottles. 

After sniffing them individually and having a rough idea what kind of scent direction I was going for, I got down to work.

Urgh, how I wish my readers can smell them too just by reading this entry. LOL.

With a fruit-floral scent idea in mind, I attempted to create it.

I started off with the Apple (it smells 100% like FRESH apples) as my base note an

d slowly added in other "ingredients". I was actually quite afraid of making a wrong move that would result in a foul smell. LOL.

As CK One has a sweet smell, I decided to mix it with my Apple base so that the Apple can smell "sweeter". I added approximately 2 drops of jasmine (just to create a tinge of floral scent), 3 drops of Lilial to "neutralise" the smell and Bergamot to create that tiny "uplifting" fragrance.

#tryingtoactlikeaprofessional

It took me 3 sample bottles to get to the final smell I wanted.

It certainly wasn't an easy task creating a satisfying perfume fragrance!

And here - The final product is born! 

Here's the SGCOMPLAINQUEEN's very own fragrance.

It has a strong tinge of fresh apple scent!

The empty bottles that were used to hold our own created perfume - I love how the words "Singapore Polytechnic" are printed on them! #loyalSPfan

A random photo of yours truly while in the midst of working on my perfume:

And here's me proudly holding my masterpiece:

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Singapore Polytechnic for the 

invitation to this workshop that has proven to be a real eye-opener! 

The new knowledge gained after the workshop was priceless - and it sure was an unforgettable experience for me.

Not to mention I had a ball of fun experimenting with the different fragrances as well, enabling me to understand better how perfume actually work.

I feel that the courses that Singapore Polytechnic offers are getting more and more exciting!

If you are one who has great interest in this area, you will be glad to know that SP actually has the course "Diploma in Perfumery & Cosmetic Science (DPCS)" that specializes in it!

Seriously, I would have given it a consideration if I were given the chance to choose my courses again.

If you are interested to find out more, do check out this link:

http://www.sp.edu.sg/wps/portal/vp-spws/schcls.cse.ftdip.perfumeryandcosmeticsci