Jessica is the fairy godmother of My Daughter Fragrances and makes all my formulating wishes come true! She is originally from western Canada like myself, and now reside in Grasse, France…also know as the perfume capital of the world.
Enjoy our chat about perfume, life beauty and Life in France.
1. You live in the perfume mecca of Grasse, France, do you think french women look and treat beauty different from north American women?
Yes, from what I have seen since living here for almost 5 years, is that in general French women put a lot of time and energy into their personal care. Much more so that the average N American. In my opinion, Canadian women value ‘naturalness’ more in beauty, therefore wear less makeup, more comfortable shoes etc. One doesn’t go out in Lulu Lemon here, unless you’re at the gym. Heels and lingerie are part of being a French female. Also, a little known fact about French women is that they are obsessed with their weight. So it doesn’t come naturally being thin. Breakfast is not a big meal like it is in America, so that helps as well. It’s really only a small snack or coffee and then lunch and dinner.
2. What is your most favourite skincare product or regime?
I am a big fan of scrubs. And my favourite is the Body Shop Vit C Scrub. It’s a micro abrasion actually. I also put like to put a little MSM powder in my facial lotion.
3. You have been called a “ethical perfumer” and also referred to as “having the potential of being a world renowned perfumer” how does that resonate with you?!
I definitely resonate with being en ethical perfumer. I keep things as green as possible in the lab (ie reusing glass pipettes whenever possible rather than always using the disposable plastic ones), I purchase organic raw materials, and I refuse to use the non-biodegradable polycyclic musks. As for having the potential to being a world renowned perfumer? Well, one can dream! Being a independent perfumer is extremely challenging, without a library of existing formulae to refer to for example, like they have at their disposal in the big companies. I am creating always from scratch, and it is a constant learning curve, and I often hit walls in the creative process. There is really a touch of alchemy involved to create a scent the smells good and meets the requirements of stability, safety standards, and commercial viability. It’s an art form, as well, and of course every artist dreams of making it big.
4. What ingredients do you wish beauty product would leave out?
Ironically, I would prefer that they leave out the perfumes. I find it so hard to find a cream or lotion or hair product that I like the smell of. Most of them are way too highly perfumed in my opinion.
5. What do you think consumers would be most shocked about the perfume industry..good or bad.
They might be shocked to know the actual cost of the perfume itself. The juice, in most commercial perfumes, costs pennies, whereas the packaging + marketing (bottle etc) is the main expense.
6. Do you have a favourite place to shop in France?
I like the Provencal markets, for the best produce, cheeses, breads etc., and even good finds on basic clothes. (there are clothing markets too). There are also lots of little boutiques where one can find treasures. Also the brocante markets, which are like flea markets, but filled with all sorts of old French treasures that one would never find in North America.
7. Favorite quote?
I have many, but this one is nice:
“When the soul approaches the mysteries; when it tries to
rally to the great spiritual principles, the perfumes are there”
~Marguerite Maury, The Secret of Life and Youth”
“When the soul approaches the mysteries; when it tries to
rally to the great spiritual principles, the perfumes are there”
~Marguerite Maury, The Secret of Life and Youth”
8. What are your dream raw ingredients?
All the natural flower absolutes, like narcisse, jasmin, rose, orange flower etc.
9. Can you describe how holistic living and your background in aromatherapy spill over into your life of being a trained perfumer?
I am very familiar with the naturals, and I use them at a much higher percentage that is standard. Of course for the first 4 years that I practised perfumery, I used only naturals. Now after having trained in modern perfumery including the synthetics, I still prefer the naturals, but I love what can be achieved by using a mixed media. I see the naturals not as just scent molecules in my palette, but in also knowing their medicinal value, they have greater benefits that the man-made molecules. The naturals are alive for me.
10. What is the one word you would use to describe botox?
Um…. brilliant.
11. Do you have some fav brands and companies that you admire?
I have always been inspired by the story of Coco Chanel and by her fragrance packaging. I also like Lush (believe it or not), all those fruity scents. I like and wear several of the fragrances from Annick Goutal and Jo Malone.
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