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The latest fragrance to join Byredo's olfactory collection is a mix of conflicting scent moods. Warm, with a touch of sweetness and a hint of dark wood, Ben Gorham, the genius behind Byredo's creations, wanted this fragrance to represent the times we are in and all the highs and lows it brings. With notes of bright bergamot, soothing papyrus, violet leaves, and earthy yerba mate, the perfume is the perfect metaphor for our times, combining comfort, a little languor, and a hint of spice.

It is no secret that this year has been tumultuous, to say the least. With stress at an all-time high, I have come to look at life's bright spots much differently than I used to. A year ago, having a great weekend filled with friends and activities was something bright. Now, putting on real pants instead of pajamas feels like an accomplishment worth tweeting about. That's where fragrance comes in. Like many of us, I don't keep up my beauty routine the way I did before the pandemic. To avoid feeling tired and lazy throughout the day, I try to feel a little more stylish with a dab of fragrance in the morning. I'm a big fan of Byredo, and when I heard that the brand was coming out with a perfume to honor this chaotic year, I knew it would be a standout. Mixed Emotions" I see, that's so me.

I have to admit, when I first smelled the fragrance, this perfume was not for me. The initial scent was intense and reminded me of cigarettes. After a few minutes, however, the scent turned warm and familiar. Perhaps it was the tea-like aroma that reminded me of my morning rituals. The juxtaposition of unpleasant and pleasant feelings brought back many memories of "normal" life. Over the past few weeks of using this scent, the bottle has been placed by the bedside instead of in the perfume cabinet. A light spritz before going to bed and another when I wake up. Even when everything feels uncertain, I have this little bottle of memory juice to help remind me that even if things don't feel (or smell) good at first, they may bring me the unexpected pleasure I need down the road.