Unknown Pleasures by Kerosene – Illustration by The Perfume Magpie
I love fragrances evoke my creativity and imagination. It could be the scent itself, it could be the design of the bottle, or it could be the name of the perfume. Kerosene fragrances, created by John Pegg, definitely stir up something inside me. I must admit that they are not always easy to wear but certainly touch the artistic side of me.
The inwardness of your you by Michael Lightsey
When I received and opened the black sample box, in an instant, I fell for the name Unknown Pleasures. Who wouldn’t? It’s really thought provoking name; negative and positive, fear and anticipation, ecstasy out of chaos, something that is almost ethereal…
When I put it on my skin, I was met by an unexpected pleasure rather than unknown pleasure. I was expecting slightly darkish, dreamy kind of scent, but instead, what I smelt on my wrist was a sunny & cozy café. It was delicious and rich, positively edible.
Unknown Pleasures starts off with tangy and bitter citrus notes; it reminded me of a bitter marmalade with a dash of whisky. There is a slight smokiness, kind of burnt coffee. I assume it’s the Earl Grey tea. It is like walking into a heaving tea room where people are already enjoying their tea & coffee with honey & orange slices. Then, shortly after, a rich, mouth-watering caramel sauce starts to emerge and a hint of vanilla, whispering in the background throughout, starts announcing its full-bodied presence. It’s creamy and luxurious. I am not the world biggest fan of gourmand fragrances, but I adore the way John laces all the notes together and creates this delicious perfume.
On the Hose of Kerosene website, John notes;
“You’re walking down a cold street in Manchester, listening to Joy Division, sipping on a warm cup of London Fog. This fragrance opens with the smooth sweetness of honey with Earl Grey tea, with a zing of lemon. It dries down to a cozy vanilla, soft tonka bean, and waffle cone base sure to make any gourmand lover smile. “
Image borrowed from Flickr
I’m having a slight problem with the image he portrays… No offence to my friends from the Manchester area, but I can’t associate Manchester with somewhat posh Earl Grey tea; It’s more like lager or hard liquor. But never mind. Everyone experiences things differently. We all see things in an individual way.
I must say that Kerosene fragrances are very individualistic.
The Notes: Earl Grey tea, lemon, bergamot, honeycomb, tonka bean, caramel, vanilla and waffle cone.
Unknown Pleasures is a Unisex perfume and is available in 100 ml Eau de Parfum, $140.
House of Kerosene Website: http://www.houseofkerosene.com/
Disclosure: Review is based on a sample I received from CaFleureBon. Read their review on Unknown Pleasures.
Kerosene – Unknown Pleasures
The Perfume Magpie 
I’ve never tried any of the Kerosene perfume but this sounds yummy! I love vanilla fragrances. I’m thinking about getting a sample. Any other Kerosene line you recommend?
Personally, I like Copper Skies, Pretty Machine and R’oud Elements. I definitely sample them first. Some of the Kerosene fragrances are not usual and easy to love. 🙂
I love your writing Thinking Magpie. So readable and evocative.
Portia xx
Awww, Portia, you’re so sweet! Thank you, I appreciate that. 🙂 Writing is kind of a therapy to me and to let my mind wander. x
Yes, it’s good like that isn’t it. Sometimes I take the reins off and let my mind flow like a torrent. Then I have to come back and clean it up, but I think it’s the best writing I do.
Portia xx
Unknown Pleasures sounds like a really yummy treat! I’ve never really paid it much thought but now I shall add it to my list of things to try! 🙂
It IS yummy! I could just sprinkle it on icecream and eat it. 😀 It’s a calorie booster of perfume world.
This sounds interesting, but I’m a bit gun shy with the Kerosene fragrances as I have found them a little rough around the edges for my liking. Nice review!
Yes, I know what you mean. The word “experimental” comes to my mind with a lot of Kerosene fragrances. But I have a hunch that he’ll come up with something greater in the future! 🙂
Utterly in love with this scent. I have been searching for a departure from my typical clean, pretty, white florals but nothing smelled good on me. UP is an interesting scent, it’s raw and sensual. I normally hate gourmand but this lights my world on fire. It’s safe for all seasons but for me it evokes thoughts of a sexy summer love affair.
I’m normally a big fan of gourmand perfumes either but I really like this one. For me it’s a autumn – winter scent and have never tried it in summer. By the way, I LOVE your description “lights world on fire”!