Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share with you the latest trends and tips on everything related to fragrances. Today, we have a special treat for you: a comprehensive guide to one of the most popular indie perfumes in the market, Unknown Pleasures by Kerosene.
Unknown Pleasures is a gourmand perfume that reflects perfumer John Pegg’s memories of walking down the chilly streets of London, listening to Joy Division, while sipping on a warm cup of London Fog[^1^]. The fragrance opens up with the smooth flavor of Earl Grey tea with honey and a zing of lemon. The drydown softens into cozy vanilla, dreamy tonka bean and the signature waffle cone base. Sure to make any gourmand lover smile.
What Makes Unknown Pleasures So Unique?
Unknown Pleasures is not your typical gourmand perfume. It is not overly sweet or cloying, but rather balanced and sophisticated. It has a distinctive British vibe, with its references to Earl Grey tea, London Fog and Joy Division. It is also inspired by the iconic album cover of Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division, which features a series of white lines representing radio waves from a pulsar[^2^]. The perfume bottle mimics this design, with a black matte finish and white lines engraved on it.
Unknown Pleasures is also unique because it is made by an indie perfume house, Kerosene. Kerosene is a niche brand founded by John Pegg, a self-taught perfumer who started out as a YouTube reviewer. He creates his fragrances in his basement in Michigan, using high-quality ingredients and original concepts. He has a loyal fan base who appreciate his artistic vision and personal touch.
The Story Behind Unknown Pleasures
John Pegg has always been fascinated by music and how it can evoke emotions and memories. He grew up listening to rock bands like Joy Division, The Cure and The Smiths. He wanted to create a perfume that captured the mood and atmosphere of his favorite songs. He chose Unknown Pleasures as his inspiration because it was one of the first albums he ever bought and because he loved the minimalist design of the cover.
He started working on the perfume in 2012, experimenting with different notes and combinations. He wanted to create a contrast between the dark and cold feeling of the album and the warm and cozy feeling of a London Fog drink. He also wanted to add a playful twist with the waffle cone note, which he thought would make people smile. He launched Unknown Pleasures in 2013, and it quickly became one of his best-selling fragrances.
The Ingredients of Unknown Pleasures
Unknown Pleasures is an oriental-vanilla fragrance that belongs to the gourmand category. Gourmand perfumes are those that feature edible notes, such as chocolate, caramel, vanilla or fruits. They are often sweet and delicious, appealing to our sense of taste as well as smell. Unknown Pleasures is a gourmand perfume that has a citrusy opening, a creamy heart and a woody base.
The top notes of Unknown Pleasures are Earl Grey tea, lemon and bergamot. Earl Grey tea is a type of black tea flavored with bergamot oil, which gives it a distinctive citrusy aroma. Lemon and bergamot are also citrus fruits that add freshness and brightness to the fragrance. These notes create a refreshing and invigorating start that mimics the sensation of drinking a hot cup of tea.
The heart notes of Unknown Pleasures are honey, tonka bean and caramel. Honey is a sweet and sticky substance produced by bees from nectar. It adds richness and depth to the fragrance, as well as a hint of floralcy. Tonka bean is a seed from a tropical tree that has a warm and spicy aroma similar to vanilla, almond and cinnamon. It adds creaminess and smoothness to the fragrance, as well as a touch of exoticism. Caramel is a confection made from sugar that has been heated until it turns brown and gooey. It adds sweetness and decadence to the fragrance, as well as a mouthwatering appeal.
The base notes of Unknown Pleasures are vanilla, waffle cone and woodsy notes. Vanilla is one of the most popular notes in perfumery, known for its sweet and comforting aroma. It adds softness and coziness to the fragrance, as well as longevity. Waffle cone is an unexpected note that adds fun and whimsy to the fragrance. It is reminiscent of ice cream cones that have been baked until they are crispy and golden. It adds crunchiness and texture to the fragrance, as well as a delicious contrast to the other notes. Woodsy notes are a generic term that refers to various types of woods, such as cedar, sandalwood or patchouli. They add depth and complexity to the fragrance, as well as a masculine edge.
The Sillage and Longevity of Unknown Pleasures
Sillage is a French word that means the trail of scent that a perfume leaves behind. It is also known as projection or diffusion. It indicates how far and how long a perfume can be smelled by others. Longevity is the duration of time that a perfume lasts on the skin. It is also known as staying power or persistence. It indicates how long a perfume can be smelled by the wearer.
Unknown Pleasures has a moderate sillage and longevity, meaning that it is not too strong or too weak, but rather balanced and pleasant. It can be smelled by others within an arm’s length, but not across the room. It can last for about 6 to 8 hours on the skin, depending on the skin type, weather and application. It is suitable for both day and night wear, as well as for different seasons and occasions.
A Comparison Table of Unknown Pleasures and Other Similar Perfumes
| Perfume | Brand | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Pleasures | Kerosene | Earl Grey tea, lemon, bergamot, honey, tonka bean, caramel, vanilla, waffle cone, woodsy notes | $152 for 100ml EDP[^1^] |
| New Haarlem | Bond No. 9 | Lavender, bergamot, green leaves, coffee, cedarwood, amber, vanilla, tonka bean | $260 for 100ml EDP |
| Feve Delicieuse | Dior | Bergamot, lavender, sour cherry, tonka bean, vanilla, caramel, cocoa, praline, cedarwood | $250 for 125ml EDP |
| Black Phantom | Kilian | Rum, sugar cane, dark chocolate, coffee, caramel, almond, heliotrope, sandalwood | $295 for 50ml EDP |
| Tonka Imperiale | Guerlain | Bergamot, almond, rosemary, jasmine, tonka bean, tobacco, incense, cedarwood | $280 for 75ml EDP |
| Vanille Insensee | Atelier Cologne | Lime, coriander, cedrat, jasmine, vetiver, oakmoss, vanilla, amber | $140 for 100ml EDC |
| Intoxicated | Kilian | Cardamom, coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla | $240 for 50ml EDP |
| Cafe Tuberosa | Atelier Cologne | Bergamot, tangerine, cardamom, tuberose, cacao, vanilla, damask rose, patchouli $140 for 100ml EDC FAQs About Unknown Pleasures PerfumeWhere can I buy Unknown Pleasures perfume?You can buy Unknown Pleasures perfume directly from the Kerosene website[^1^], where you can also order samples and discover other fragrances from the brand. You can also find Unknown Pleasures perfume at selected niche perfume retailers online or in-store. However, be aware that Unknown Pleasures perfume is often sold out or hard to find due to its high demand and limited production. How much does Unknown Pleasures perfume cost?Unknown Pleasures perfume costs $152 for a 100ml bottle of eau de parfum concentration[^1^]. This is a relatively affordable price compared to other niche perfumes of similar quality and size. However, it is still more expensive than most mainstream perfumes that you can find at department stores ordrugstores. However, you can also order samples from the Kerosene website for $5 each, which is a great way to try the perfume before buying a full bottle. What are the best occasions to wear Unknown Pleasures perfume?Unknown Pleasures perfume is a versatile fragrance that can be worn for different occasions, depending on your mood and preference. It is a cozy and comforting scent that can be worn for casual or intimate settings, such as a date night, a movie night, or a relaxing day at home. It is also a fun and playful scent that can be worn for festive or social events, such as a birthday party, a concert, or a night out with friends. It is not a formal or professional scent, so it may not be suitable for work or business meetings. What are the best seasons to wear Unknown Pleasures perfume?Unknown Pleasures perfume is a warm and sweet scent that can be worn for any season, but it may shine more in the colder months. It is a perfect scent for autumn and winter, when you want to feel cozy and indulgent. It can also be worn in spring and summer, when you want to feel cheerful and lively. However, you may want to apply it lightly or sparingly, as it may become too strong or overwhelming in the heat or humidity. What are the best ways to apply Unknown Pleasures perfume?Unknown Pleasures perfume is an eau de parfum concentration, which means it has a high percentage of fragrance oils and alcohol. It is more potent and long-lasting than an eau de toilette or an eau de cologne concentration. Therefore, you do not need to apply too much of it to enjoy its scent. Here are some tips on how to apply Unknown Pleasures perfume:
What are some compliments that people have given about Unknown Pleasures perfume?Unknown Pleasures perfume is a unique and memorable scent that often attracts compliments from others. Here are some examples of compliments that people have given about Unknown Pleasures perfume:
What are some perfumes that layer well with Unknown Pleasures perfume?Layering perfumes is a technique of applying two or more perfumes on top of each other to create a new and customized scent. It can be a fun and creative way to experiment with different combinations and discover new possibilities. However, layering perfumes can also be tricky and risky, as not all perfumes blend well together. Here are some tips on how to layer perfumes with Unknown Pleasures perfume:
What are some alternatives to Unknown Pleasures perfume?If you like Unknown Pleasures perfume, but you want to try something different or similar, here are some alternatives to Unknown Pleasures perfume that you may enjoy:
ConclusionWe hope you enjoyed this ultimate guide to Unknown Pleasures perfume by Kerosene. We hope you learned more about this indie perfume sensation and why it has become so popular among fragrance lovers. If you are looking for a cozy, fun and unique gourmand perfume, you should definitely give Unknown Pleasures a try. You may fall in love with its delicious and nostalgic scent. If you want to learn more about other perfumes and fragrances, be sure to check out our other articles on our blog. We have plenty of reviews, tips and recommendations for you to explore. Thank you for reading and happy sniffing! |