Monday 9 September 2024

VENUS by Sense 'N'

A bottle of Venus perfume from Sense 'N'
The link between music and perfume is one that is constantly referenced in today’s fragrances but, to be honest, those creative and academic similarities have been around since the very first scent was put in the very first bottle. Whether it’s the cross-over in terms of words like “notes” and “chords” or the naming of the “perfumer’s organ”, the intertwining of these two creative industries is clear to see. It’s not surprising then that some people have a foot in both camps, and strive to forge closer bonds between them. Leonie Sherif is the latest to try her hand, and her Venus perfume promises to “unlock the energy within”.

Leonie Sherif is a singer songwriter based in the UK who has launched her Sense ‘N’ brand with the declaration that “scent and sound has the power to transport us to different worlds, awakening our senses and immersing us into a realm of imagination and wonder”. It’s always been said that a scent memory has the power to instantly return you to a specific place and time, but it’s relatively recent that this has been expanded out to include other areas. Music has always been a hook for me, Sarah McCartney once told me that clothing does it for her.

Linking perfume to music is a trend that has seen many companies commence battle for a piece of the pie. Just a few examples include Choreograph’s Inbetween, Jusbox’s Black Powder, and the whole l’Orchestre collection. With the return of vinyl records, it’s also encouraged people to sit down with a recommended album or, if you’re on the go, a digital playlist. Taking these moments for yourself help to form a connection with the fragrance, but it also encourages a little bit of much-needed “me” time. Having said all of this, the perfume still needs to stand on its own merits.

The box for the perfume Venus by Sense 'N'
For the creation of Venus, Leonie wanted to create “a unisex scent which unlocks the feminine energy within”. It’s one of the few times that I’ve ever seen a direct reference to “femininity” within the term “unisex”, because the messaging is usually more masculine-focused, and so it definitely encourages you to try this perfume if just for that brave statement. Leonie goes on to share that she wanted Venus to elicit “a range of emotions and textures which take you on a unique sensory journey” . As you can see, there are some very bold goals to fit into the bottle. The question is, did she manage to achieve it?

The fragrance opens with a sharp pairing of pink pepper and bergamot before quickly being joined by a note of sour cherry. This cherry quality carries throughout the perfume thanks to similar almond and marzipan touches, but its heart is dressed up with softly spiced rose and jasmine - and this floral combo is very subtly blended so as to provide a support rather than be overpowering. The development of Venus sees a sweetly sensual quality coming through thanks to cedarwood and labdanum, but it’s the final touch of whiskyed ambrette, watery cyclamen and vetiver that aims to steer this gently back to more unisex territory. Venus is an interesting fragrance that definitely challenges expectations.

Venus is available from the Sense ‘N’ website at sensenbysherif.com priced at £225 for 100ml, £115 for 50ml, £70 for 30ml and £25 for 10ml. There is currently a 25% reduction on those prices. [Sample provided by Leonie Sherif]
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