Fragrance is a huge part of my identity. I don't really wear makeup and I never do much with my hair, but I would feel naked without perfume. There's something so poetic about it, isn't there? The idea that a perfumer can capture a moment, or a story, and put it in a bottle—as an actress, I find that really cool.
When I played Joan of Arc in The Silence of Joan, I wore Chanel No.19. It still conjures her strength for me, so I wear it when I'm playing a dominant character. But personally, I prefer something feminine that leaves a bit of a trace behind. I like it when people tell me that they can smell my perfume after I leave a room, or when I pull out a scarf from the previous winter and it still holds that scent.
More than any other sense, smell just has this power to transport you. Think about when you're on the street and a person walks past wearing the same perfume or cologne of someone you've known in your life. It's a flashback, straight away. My mother's perfume was Clarins Eau Dynamisante, which reminds me of her, while I used to wear something by Cacharel, as most French girls do. And I had this teacher—I don't know which particular perfume she wore, but when she walked into the classroom, it would have such an impact. Maybe she wore a bit too much of it, but that was part of her persona.
Other scents can be transporting, too, like the smell of Nivea sunscreen, which makes me think of summer. And basil—I love basil—that's also the scent of summer. Winter is the smell of fireplaces and coffee first thing in the morning. Home is Diptyque's Musc candle. And if friendship were a scent, it would be tea. I have this coconut green tea from Golden Moon, and whenever friends come to visit, they're always like, "Can we please have that tea?" It has the most amazing smell, so delicate that you barely notice the coconut in there.
Love would be a different type of scent, more like skin—that good, faintly sweaty aroma. There's something quite chemical that happens when people meet and are attracted, and scent is probably part of that. When I first smelled Love Story, I thought it really captured the feeling of just discovering someone new. It's a seduction, but subtle—fresh and floral, not overpowering or aggressive.
Poésy's Favorite Fragrances:
Chloé Love Story Eau de Parfum, $105; neimanmarcus.com.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"The bottle is reminiscent of the locks that lovers put on the Pont des Arts bridge, in Paris."
Diptyque Musc Candle, $60; diptyqueparis.com.
"I put these candles everywhere. They remind me of home."
Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo, $13.50; aveda.com.
"Aveda makes amazing shampoos that have an essential oil type of scent—fresh and aromatic, not sugary."
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Dish Soap in Geranium, $4; mrsmeyers.com.
"I bring back Meyer's cleaning products whenever I visit America. I like the basil, and geranium, and lavender. I am completely obsessed! Someone needs to tell them to open a store in France."
Golden Moon Coconut Pouchong Tea, $8; goldenmoontea.com.
"Everyone who smells this likes it. I buy massive bags at a time."
You should also check out:
Perfume Promiscuity: Why Signature Scents Are a Thing of the Past
Hermès Perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena On Why a Signature Fragrance is Like True Love
-
Princess Eugenie Posts Sweet Birthday Message to Husband Jack Brooksbank
"Always making joy wherever you are."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Bindi Irwin Opens Up About Her Decision to Go Public With Endometriosis Diagnosis
"My fear was not knowing what would happen when I stepped off into that world of sharing my journey."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Kate Middleton is Expected to Stay Away From "Public Duties for Some Time"
The Princess of Wales will be able to attend events "when she feels able to," reports say.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Why Beauty Experts Are Calling Out Youthforia's New Foundation
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Bella Hadid's Ôrebella Fragrances Are Here—This Is What a Beauty Editor Really Thinks
I'd take a shower in Ôrebella's floral scent.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
L'Objet's Newest Fragrance Will Transport You to the Mediterranean
L'Objet's new perfume is inspired by orange groves and the sea.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 11 Best Magnetic Lashes of 2023
Go ahead and kiss your messy lash glue goodbye.
By Hana Hong Published
-
Beauty Advent Calendars Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
The gift that keeps on giving.
By Julia Marzovilla Last updated