The sea. The sun. The coast. The wind blows gently and lifts the scent of figs into the air: the inspiration for the new perfume “Italian Summer Fig” from The Body Shop. The nose behind the fragrance is French perfumer Constance Georges-Picot. In an interview with FACES, she talks about why nothing works in her profession without passion.
FACES: How did you come to work in the beauty industry?
Constance Georges-Picot: After I graduated from high school, a famous perfumer offered me a summer internship. Without hesitation, I agreed. That’s where I discovered my passion for perfume. I was immediately fascinated by the raw materials, the different fragrances, the history and the tradition of perfume production. After that summer, I studied at the Institut Superieur International du Parfum, de la Cosmetique et de l’Arome alimentaire (ISIPCA) and then worked in Paris for seven years. In 1997, I was offered the opportunity to work for Cosmo International Fragrances in Florida.
Q: What three skills does a good perfumer need?
CGP: Definitely a good sense of smell. But it takes even more: passion, creativity and a good memory.
F: What challenge do you face every day?
CGP:The fear that my creations might not be understood or might even be rejected.
Q: What does a normal day in your life look like?
CGP: There are no normal days. Inspiration can strike you anywhere and at any time: In the form of a fresh grapefruit, while walking through the city or on the beach, it can be the scent in the air after it has rained, or a food that you discover while cooking.
Q: If you weren’t a perfumer, what else would you do?
CGP: I would be a cook!
Q: How many perfumes do you own?
CGP: I have several perfumes, including some classics and a few of my own creations. I love “L’heure bleue” by Guerlain because it reminds me of my childhood, and Chanel’s “Coco” for its sensuality. It’s important for me to wear my own fragrances so that I can test them on my skin. I also want to find out what emotions my perfumes evoke in other people.
Q: What is your favorite perfume?
CGP: They are the ones that remind me of moments in my life or of an unforgettable journey. My aim is to express these memories in my own creations.
Q: Do you have a favorite smell?
CGP:I love patchouli because it is a real perfume in itself. It is mysterious and sensual at the same time.
Q: How do I find my personal favorite perfume?
CGP: The relationship between people and fragrance is very personal. It is important to take your time when choosing a perfume. The right one is the one that makes you feel as if the fragrance was created exclusively for you.
Q: How do you apply a perfume correctly?
CGP: There are no rules, everyone has different preferences. Some spray on so much that people are guaranteed to notice the scent in order to make a statement. These people wear their perfume like a fashion accessory and want to express their personality with it. Others find their perfume more personal and only spray a little on their neck or behind their ears.
Q: How do you think women and men should smell?
CGP: Whatever everyone wants. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable doing it.
Q: You have created a new summer perfume for The Body Shop called “Italian Summer Fig”. Does it smell exactly as it says?
CGP: In this perfume, the green aspect of the fig is emphasized by vine leaves and Tuscan rose. The fragrance has a lot of depth, created by oakmoss and amber.
Q: What was your inspiration for “Italian Summer Fig”?
CGP: The inspiration was the Italian coast. I remember a small village on the Italian Riviera and the scent that wafted through the air back then. I was surrounded by sun-ripened figs – a unique scent, very sweet with a nutty undertone. The memory of this perfect summer vacation became the main ingredient of the new perfume for me.
Q: Is there a current perfume trend?
CGP: Perfumers want to develop fragrances that have character, depth and dimension.
Q: How are these trends changing?
CGP: Perfume trends develop within a decade. They are influenced by what is going on in the world. These influences will always create the trends and influence the way we wear fragrances. For example, as their social role becomes more prominent, women are beginning to experiment with their perfumes. They use more intense fragrances and rely more on woody notes and leather rather than sweet ingredients.