I Discovered Scent Nirvana in the Catskills, and Now Everyone Can't Stop Commenting on How Divine I Fragrance.

      It's no exaggeration to say that fragrance has the power to transport us. Scent is one of our most potent senses, capable of reviving deeply buried memories or conjuring images of sunlit beaches, flourishing gardens, or lively evenings at classic jazz clubs. (In fact, there's a fragrance for every occasion.) However, fragrances do more than just lift our spirits; they can also yield significant healing benefits when combined in the right way. Courtney Somer, the founder of Lake and Skye, understands this firsthand, having explored the holistic healing properties of scent after facing various health challenges. Similarly, I found solace from the sleepless buzz of Manhattan amidst the serene Catskill Mountains, aided by a few transformative scents.

      A 2024 article from Harvard Medicine suggests that it only takes an instant for a scent from years past to trigger memories or elicit physical responses. “Smell can quickly evoke emotional reactions alongside memories, and our emotional states significantly influence our physical health,” writes Brown University neuroscientist Rachel Herz, PhD.

      Certain fragrance elements can spark memories while others inspire daydreams. Although I don’t reside in Upstate New York (which I regret), my recent visit to Accord feels just a breath away when I wear the following three scents—each reminiscent of fresh mountain air rather than just perfume. While wearing these fragrances in New York, I noticed that others found them just as captivating as I did. Although I'd escaped the perpetual Midtown chaos, endless tasks, and the throngs of busy people, I didn't mind being stopped repeatedly with the question, "What fragrance are you wearing?"

      **Three Enchanting Fragrances That Draw Compliments**

      **The Signature**

      Lake and Skye 11 11 Azure Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Water accord, hyacinth, oakmoss

      Diving into this crisp aquatic scent evokes images of clear blue water, summertime hydrangeas, fresh linens, and lush mountain vistas. This marine version of the brand’s flagship scent, 11 11 Eau de Parfum, quickly became my summer must-have. Each refreshing spray releases a burst of vibrant greens and rare flowers (a hyacinth-bergamot blend is quite unique) and settles into a sophisticated, woody-sweet aroma. "It’s a captivating, skin-tingling scent that garners compliments," Somer shares. "We created it as the ultimate wearable good-luck charm, designed to inspire strength and confidence in all your endeavors." While I'm still navigating the manifestation aspect, I can vouch for this fragrance’s magnetic quality. At least one person will lean over and inquire about my scent, whether it's a colleague on the train, a coworker, or even someone at the coffee shop. Despite its watery essence, the floral and musky undertones make it appealing year-round, making it an excellent option for anyone in search of a signature fragrance. “The essence of 11 11 Azure embodies freedom, renewal, and possibility. It captures the sensation of standing at the ocean's edge—powerful, anchored, and limitless at once,” Somer adds. It acts almost as a gateway: one moment I'm in my tiny NYC apartment, and with a spray, I’m amidst the flora and fauna.

      **You’ll Also Like**

      Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day Eau de Toilette

      Key notes: Aquatic accord, red seaweed essence, coriander

      SKYLAR Salt Air Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Sea salt, driftwood, seaweed

      **The Summer Spritz**

      Lake and Skye 333 Sheer Fig + Salt Hair & Body Mist

      Key notes: Grapefruit blossom, salted fig, sandalwood

      Clearly, I gravitate towards scents inspired by the sea. Although my mountainous retreat wasn’t on the coast, this fragrance strongly recalls the upscale wooden cabin where I stayed at the breathtaking Inness retreat. Unlike the eau de parfum previously mentioned, this pale blue bottle contains a hair-and-body mist, allowing for more generous application without overwhelming strength. Its fragrance profile combines clary sage, earthy sandalwood, light grapefruit blossom, along with fig and sea salt. “The salted fig at its core gives it an indulgent, amusing quality, while the breezy, sun-drenched notes surrounding it create a sense of lightness and flow,” reflects Somer. “It's uplifting yet grounding, akin to a deep breath that brings you back to the present moment.” The distinction between this mist and its more concentrated counterpart is not just in its lighter application but also in the nourishing components included in its formulation. Glycerin is a standout ingredient here, softening your skin and hair with just a few sprays. Moreover, choosing body mists over perfumes is not only beneficial for your skin—Somer asserts that the act itself serves as a form of self-care. “It’s meant to be a daily routine—set an intention, spritz, and step into your