Contemporary disco divas are stylish, yet I have an obsession with '70s beauty rooted in a Laurel Canyon aesthetic—this is how I'm…
I’m uncertain whether my current longing to escape to California’s 1960s and 1970s counterculture hub, Laurel Canyon, is a consequence of immersing myself in Fleetwood Mac's vinyl or a form of punishment for postponing my viewing of the musical drama miniseries Daisy Jones & The Six. Regardless, every part of me craves that retreat. The folk-rock movement that emerged from Los Angeles and beyond showcased a host of legendary artists like The Doors, Joni Mitchell, and the Eagles, who left their mark by taking the stage. But the influence of Laurel Canyon extended far beyond music; it acted as a vibrant center of bohemian ideals, unique architecture, significant counterculture movements, and striking beauty trends that celebrated natural features and nature-inspired aesthetics. I delved into this concept by highlighting notable beauty moments from the icons of that time and curating a selection of contemporary beauty products that embody that era, starting with beautifully blended fragrances reminiscent of enchanting past notes, culminating in must-have makeup items for radiant, sun-kissed skin and rosy cheeks.
**Fragrance**
**Thin Wild Mercury**
**Laurel Canyon, 1966 Eau de Parfum**
**Scent Type:** Aromatic floral | **Notes:** Sweet orange, herbal terpenes, grapefruit, Italian cannabis, petitgrain, clove, jasmine sambac, ambergris, birch tar, patchouli
When I think of distinctive, aromatic scents perfect for spring and summer, I lean toward grounding combinations that marry luminous, woody elements with herbal, slightly bitter undertones for a refreshing twist. Thin Wild Mercury's popular Laurel Canyon, 1966 encapsulates warmth and intrigue in a nostalgic blend of sweet orange, Italian cannabis, clove, and patchouli, with a hint of grapefruit.
**Customer Review:** "From the beginning of its dry-down, this is one of the most atmospheric fragrances I've ever encountered. It evokes the sensation of driving through California with the windows down, capturing pine, warm wood, and the scent of cannabis wafting on the breeze alongside a distant fresh sea air—all set against a spicy background. It settles to reveal a musky palo santo scent very swiftly."
**Régime des Fleurs**
**Rock River Melody Eau de Parfum**
**Scent Type:** Aromatic green | **Notes:** Hedera ivy, galbanum, bergamot, green sap, narcissus, rose, sandalwood, cedar, amber, musk
Wearing Rock River Melody transports me to a tranquil creek where I can read surrounded by towering trees and rolling hills adorned with wildflowers. Régime des Fleurs' bold interpretation of an aromatic green fragrance conjures ivy, cedar trunks, fresh green sap, and smooth stones from riverbeds by blending traditional masculine cologne notes with unexpected elements of petrichor and fresh florals.
**Customer Review:** "Warm, fresh, yet classic—like a hike in new leather boots or a horseback ride from a dusty prairie into a pine-filled oasis by a creek: tall lush grass, a cool breeze, stones warmed by the sun. I wore this for the first time a couple of days ago and I can’t wait to spray it again."
**Heretic**
**Smudge Eau de Parfum**
**Scent Type:** Amber woods | **Notes:** Atlas cedar, frankincense, Sichuan pepper, clary sage, juniper, tonka bean, Canadian balsam, labdanum, patchouli, sandalwood, styrax
The fresh, sappy juniper aroma in Heretic's Smudge makes this a go-to when I seek grounding, while its enchanting fusion of subtly balsamic sandalwood, glowing frankincense, and welcoming clary sage, illuminated by Sichuan pepper, feels like an evening spent under the stars. Celebrating the ancient tradition of using smoke to cleanse and rejuvenate, this captivating scent is a reflection on tranquility.
**Customer Review:** "When first sprayed, it reminds me of the crackle of a campfire. As it evolves, a blend of wood and dried flowers mingles with the flames. The gradual decline of this aroma recalls being close to someone dear while enjoying the comforting atmosphere around a campfire in the fall, complemented by the sounds of crunching leaves and laughter."
**Diptyque**
**Tempo Eau de Parfum**
**Scent Type:** Aromatic spices | **Notes:** Patchouli, maté, clary sage, violet
Initially, I didn’t think this fragrance captured the vibrant energy of Laurel Canyon during the late 1960s and '70s, but after continued use of Tempo, I’m more convinced it encapsulates that era. I can hear tambourines ringing in recording studios and visualize curls of cigarette smoke encircling the bottle, with a nuanced blend of three patchouli extracts layered with maté, clary sage, and powdery violet
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Contemporary disco divas are stylish, yet I have an obsession with '70s beauty rooted in a Laurel Canyon aesthetic—this is how I'm…
Simply refer to me as Rhiannon.
