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Introducing Lilac Perfume by Air & Weather: Nature’s Resilience Meets Timeless Elegance


You’re probably wondering why I’ve released a typically springtime floral fragrance as we slide into autumn!

There’s something profound about flowers that require adversity to bloom. Lilacs are among nature’s most exquisite examples of this phenomenon—their ethereal blossoms only emerge after enduring winter’s harsh embrace, transforming coldness into beauty with quiet determination. Today, we’re thrilled to unveil our newest creation that captures this remarkable resilience: Air & Weather’s Lilac.


A Tribute to Nature’s Patient Beauty


Lilacs teach us something powerful about transformation. Unlike flowers that bloom easily in perpetual warmth, lilacs demand the full cycle of seasons. They need the cold snap, the dormancy, the patient waiting—only then do they reward us with their intoxicating fragrance and delicate purple clusters that seem to float like dreams against the sky. This inherent strength wrapped in ethereal beauty is exactly what we’ve captured in our latest fragrance.

Lilac opens like stepping into a coastal morning garden, where crisp, invigorating air meets dew-kissed petals in perfect harmony. This bright, energizing introduction immediately lifts the spirit and sets the stage for the olfactory journey ahead.

As the initial freshness settles, the heart of the fragrance reveals itself in all its floral sophistication. Here, the star of the show—ethereal lilac blossoms—takes center stage, but never alone. Instead, it floats within a carefully curated ensemble: a sweet whisper of acacia, the crisp green freshness of lily-of-the-valley, the classic romance of garden roses, and the sultry depth of jasmine. This isn’t just a floral bouquet; it’s a symphony where each bloom contributes its own unique voice to create something greater than the sum of its parts, a highly realistic scent of dew-kissed lilacs.

The journey concludes with an elegant descent into warmth and comfort. Here, powdery orris lends a sophisticated, almost vintage quality that speaks to timelessness. The base is grounded by the smooth sophistication of cedar wood and the intimate whisper of soft musk, creating a finish that’s both effortlessly wearable and quietly memorable.


More Than Just a Fragrance

What sets Lilac apart is its remarkable versatility and underlying strength. This isn’t a fragrance that demands attention; instead, it invites intimacy. It’s equally at home in a sun-dappled garden party as it is in an evening soirée, adapting its character to complement its wearer

The sophisticated blend speaks to those who appreciate subtlety over showiness, elegance over ostentation. It’s for those who understand that true luxury lies not in making the loudest statement, but in creating the most lasting impression—much like the lilac itself, which blooms briefly but leaves an indelible mark on memory.


When to Wear Lilac

  • Because you feel like it! Seriously…
  • Fresh mornings when the world feels full of possibility;
  • Romantic dinners where every detail matters;
  • Professional settings where you want to feel confident yet approachable;
  • Weekend brunches with friends who appreciate life’s finer moments;
  • Transitional seasons when you crave something both comforting and uplifting;
  • Any time you want to embody quiet strength and natural elegance.

A Fragrance Born of Patience


Like the flower that inspires it, Lilac is the result of patience, careful cultivation, and respect for natural processes. Each bottle represents not just a beautiful scent, but a philosophy—that the most extraordinary beauty often comes from embracing life’s full spectrum, including its challenges.


Available Now


Air & Weather’s Lilac is available now in 30ml and 10 ml bottles, each one hand-filled and carefully packaged. Whether you’re treating yourself to something special or searching for the perfect gift for someone who appreciates life’s beautiful moments, Lilac promises to deliver an experience that’s both memorable and meaningful.

Visit our online shop to discover your new signature scent. Because some beauty—like the resilient bloom of the lilac—is worth waiting for.

Embrace the beauty that comes from resilience. Discover Lilac.

Air & Weather Collaboration with STC

Logo for https://www.surrendertochance.com, a fragrance decant service.

We’re very pleased to announce another collaboration with Surrender to Chance, where you can purchase samples of our fabulous, best-selling Linden fragrance! Surrender to Chance is a well-established fragrance decant website devoted to bringing the best of the perfume counter straight to your mailbox. Go check out their extensive list!

Air & Weather x Surrender to Chance

We’re excited to share that Surrender to Chance now carries decants of our Ralegh Gold fragrance. For over a decade, STC has been a trusted pioneer in the perfume decant industry, making it easier than ever to discover your next signature scent.

Never tried a decant service? Here’s how it works: instead of committing to a full bottle sight unseen, you can sample premium fragrances delivered right to your door. It’s the perfect way to explore new scents and find what truly speaks to you before making a larger investment.

This partnership means you can now experience Ralegh Gold risk-free, discovering whether this distinctive fragrance deserves a place in your collection.

What Perfume Should I Wear?

What Perfume Should I Wear? Image depicts a collection of fragrance bottles. Photo credit: William Bout.

What Perfume Should I Wear? A Guide to Finding Your Signature Scent

The answer is simple: whatever delights your senses!

Beyond the Fragrance Counter Questions

Have you ever approached a perfume counter only to be asked what scents you already wear? It can feel counterintuitive—if you love what you have, why seek something similar when you’re hunting for new olfactory territory?

Here’s the secret: that question is merely a starting point. The fragrance consultant isn’t steering you toward a replica but using your preferences to decode your scent language.

The Art of Fragrance Discovery

Every fragrance enthusiast brings their biases and favorite notes to the table. But here’s the truth: one floral is not like another. Tuberose or pink pepper might create a completely different effect depending on how a perfumer wields them. The journey of fragrance is about exploration, not limitation.

My First Takes on Fragrance

I can easily recall when I knew very little about perfume.  It was mysterious magic to me that came inside pretty bottles sitting out on dresser tops. Fragrances worn by grown-ups always heralded a special event.  And the women in my family were Keepers of the Same Bottles Forever because they didn’t wear fragrance daily.  It felt as if the Djinn of Special Occasions lurked inside each.

My great-aunt, a pioneering newspaper woman with a closet prepared for anything (quail hunting with Clark Gable one day, Hollywood galas the next), maintained an impressive collection, much of it acquired as on-the-job swag. Meanwhile, my other great-aunts would gift my 10 year old self with beautiful stationery sets accompanied by precious trial sizes of Chanel Cristalle—my first introduction to fine perfumery.

Learning the Language of Scent

Later, exploring perfume counters, I discovered I could identify fragrances by name but couldn’t distinguish individual notes. The packaging might claim “citrus with floral heart notes and woody base,” but those descriptions barely scratch the surface of a fragrance’s complexity.

Today’s fragrance enthusiasts have incredible resources. Websites like Fragrantica offer comprehensive databases that analyze fragrance components, helping you to identify what notes you love along with those you’ve yet to experience.

The Chemistry of Surprise

As a perfumer, I’ve learned that a single molecule tweaked this way or thataway can transform a composition entirely. Don’t dismiss a fragrance simply because the pyramid mentions a note you think you dislike. Like Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham—try it!  The experience might offer a marvelous surprise for you!

Perfume as Personal Expression

So what perfume should you wear? Trust your mood. Approach fragrance as you would clothing—different days and seasons call for different expressions of style and color. Some mornings demand the confidence of amber and spice; others call for the freshness of citrus or the romance of florals.

Your fragrance should make you feel good. There are no rules—only the delight of discovering whatever scent speaks to you in the moment!

The Enchanting Linden Tree:  Nature’s Fleeting Perfume

There’s something magical about the enchanting linden tree that captivates the senses. For a brief, precious window—merely two weeks between mid-June and mid-July in the United States—these magnificent trees release their signature fragrance. If you’ve ever been walking through a park and suddenly encountered a sweet, honeyed scent wafting through the air, carried gently on a summer breeze, you’ve likely discovered linden in bloom. Look for their distinctive heart-shaped leaves and delicate, pale yellow flower clusters:

Air & Weather's photo of blooming linden blossoms.

A Global Presence

Linden trees (genus Tilia) grace landscapes worldwide with their elegant presence. You’ll find them stretching their leafy canopies across North America, throughout Europe—from the Netherlands to Germany, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom—and extending into Scandinavia and across Asia, including Japan, China, and Mongolia.

These remarkable trees are renowned for their longevity, with documented specimens dating back to over 2,000 years old!  Prized as exceptional shade trees, lindens combine practical benefits with aesthetic charm, making them beloved fixtures in parks, boulevards, and gardens around the world.

A Tree by Many Names

Interestingly, what Americans call “linden” is known as “lime” in the United Kingdom—though this has nothing to do with the little green citrus fruit. This linguistic variation stems from the Middle English “linde,” which connects to Germanic and Dutch terms like “lindo” or “Linde.” The scientific name Tilia comes from Latin, while “basswood” serves as yet another common name in North America. Whatever you call them, these are all references to the same beloved tree.

The Signature Scent

Among the various linden species, Tilia cordata (Little-leaf linden) produces the most intoxicating fragrance. Beekeepers particularly treasure linden for the distinctive, richly-flavored honey their flowers produce. The scent itself can be described as a complex blend of honey, vanilla, and subtle floral notes—a warm, sweet perfume that manages to be both delicate and pronounced.

Historical Significance

Lindens hold a special place in European landscape design and cultural history. In Paris, they were planted outside the military hospital Les Invalides in the late 1600s to provide a calming, shaded environment for recovering soldiers. Louis XIV featured an avenue of lindens in the gardens of Versailles, and they still grace the pathways of the Tuileries Gardens. Berlin likewise boasts a famous boulevard lined with these magnificent trees.

Wellness and Cultural Lore

Linden has long been valued for its medicinal properties. The blossoms make a soothing tea renowned for relieving headaches and insomnia with their gentle sedative effect. A warm bath infused with fresh linden flowers serves as a traditional remedy for anxiety.  Visit this post for my recipe inspired by Proust’s madeleine, which was famously dunked into a literary cup of linden tea in his epic tome, Recherche du Temps Perdu/Remembrances of Things Past.

In folklore, linden trees symbolize love, justice, good fortune, peace, and healing. Historically, they served as designated meeting places for important community events—from weddings to dispute settlements. Of course, the tree’s June blooming period coincides with the traditional wedding season, while its calming properties may explain their association with judicial proceedings—perhaps the flowers’ tranquilizing effect fostered more agreeable negotiations.

Capturing the Essence

Air & Weather’s Linden fragrance bottles this ephemeral scent for year-round enjoyment. This light, uplifting, and serene perfume is available in three formats: a 10 ml travel spray, a 10 ml roll-on perfume oil, and a 30 ml spray.

If you’d like to sample before committing, 3 ml spray vials and 1 ml perfume oil samples are available with $5.00 redeemable toward a 10 ml bottle purchase or $10.00 toward a 30 ml bottle when purchased within two months of purchase.

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Sources:  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerichtslinde

https://www.fowa.org.uk/blog/celebrating-westonbirts-2000-year-old-lime-by-katrina-podlewska-communications-manager

p. 588, The London Encyclopaedia, Thomas Tegg, London, 1829. 

Elsevier’s Dictionary of Plant Lore by D.C. Watts, 2007

How Perfume Affects the Brain

How Perfume Affects the Brain

Most perfumers rarely delve into explaining the function of scent, but I’ll do so here so you can feel a bit more informed.  Much of this information comes from my ancient college days, where I was required to perform lab dissections, one being a human brain.  What I can tell you is that the scent of formaldehyde is probably the singular thing that put me off pursuing medical forensic science.  They say its “odor adaptive,” that you become accustomed to the smell…but for me?  Umm, no thanks. 

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Olfactory Bulb

The olfactory bulb has 2 structures:  the main bulb and the accessory bulb. The main bulb connects to the amygdala (fight-or-flight structure, that part of the brain that spurs the question “Should I dodge the department store perfume spritzer or check out what they’re offering?”).  Also, you should know because I’ve actually seen it up close:  the human olfactory bulb, in all its entirety, is little more than a skinny white flap as big as a fork tine.

Its gateway to the amygdala is through the piriform cortex (the juncture of the frontal and temporal lobes.) The piriform cortex collects information from the primary olfactory cortex and the accessory olfactory bulb, which are situated on the back (dorsal posterior) of the main olfactory bulb.

In humans, the olfactory bulb is housed on the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone. (See the graphic below.) The ethmoid bone is one of the bones that make up part of the eye socket, and it has 3 parts:  the cribriform plate, ethmoidal labyrinth and perpendicular plate. The ethmoid sinuses are the air-filled spaces located within the ethmoid bone and are lined with cells that produce mucus that keeps the nasal passages healthy.  

Cool sidebar fact:  birds carry small deposits of magnetite (ferric iron) version of this bone which allows them to sense the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field.  Humans carry some of this ferric iron here, too, but it’s believed to be more of an evolutionary trait.  I’m sure you can think of a couple people who have more directional instincts than others so believe what you will.  You can read more here. 

How the Sense of Smell Functions  

The olfactory bulb detects fragrant molecules via tentacle-like receptors, and this information is conveyed by neural synapses to the olfactory cortex and onward into the limbic system, a catch-all term for a group of structures in your brain that establish emotions and memory.  This structural group includes the aforementioned amygdala (emotion processing center), hippocampus (memory formation), hypothalamus (regulator of body temperature, hunger and thirst), thalamus (conveyor of sensory information to the limbic system and other parts of the brain), the cingulate gyrus (attention, decision-making) and basal ganglia (movement and habit formation.)

Human brains are structured to be primarily visually dominant, with the sense of smell equalling the sense of hearing.  By comparison, a dog’s olfactory bulb is about 40x larger than a human’s and is nasally structured so that scent influences their emotions more immediately than it does with humans.  Whenever dogs inhales, a portion of this inhalation goes straight to their olfactory bulb and cannot be exhaled.  Unlike humans, dogs carry nasal turbinates, a sponge-like mesh covered in scent receptors.  The remainder of their inhalation flows down their pharynx into their lungs.  A dog also has significantly more density to their scent receptors compared to the human nose, roughly 100 to 300 million receptors compared to 5 million for humans. 

If you’ve managed to read this far, then it goes to say that whenever you detect a scent, the brain processes it on several levels:  danger detection (Fire?  Spoiled food?  Sickness?) to hunger cues triggered by cooking scents to memory spurred by association with particular scents (pleasant/unpleasant).

The role of how fragrance affects the brain, as I see it, is to promote mental health and well-being.  If you enjoy a fragrance, it triggers happiness endorphins (the body’s natural stress reliever and mood booster) and increases serotonin (a neurotransmitter/hormone that helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite and digestion.).  Who hasn’t worn fragrance like a wardrobe, changing up scents to suit the mood and occasion?

And who hasn’t worn a beloved fragrance only to find that you can no longer stand to wear it due to certain memories it brings?  

Using Scent as a Tool

You might be interested to know that many film actresses, ranging from Emma Stone to Penélope Cruz to Margot Robbie and Jessica Chastain utilize fragrance to help define their character’s role as well as set parameters that make it easier for them to shed that role and leave behind once filming is done.       

Also, medical researchers have been investigating the role of how fragrance and scents can help Alzheimer’s patients retrieve memories while the patient is in the earliest stages of the disease.  

So go ahead and revel in your appreciation of fragrance!  It offers a healing modality, not just for the senses but also for the mind but also for the body.

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Spilled Milk: A Review by DeannyD

Imagine my surprise and delight to discover this unexpected, lovely review of our Spilled Milk fragrance from a lady named Deanny who runs a wonderful perfume and fashion website, ByDeannyD.com.  Before I get to her review, I want to point out how she creates beautiful graphics on her site and dives into the art of making everything look nice, from table decor suggestions to Amazon finds to practical-minded gift guides. Clearly, she’s thought of everything and has a great sense of humour. (“The Best Christmas Gifts for Him That Won’t End Up in Storage”!!!).  She nails it!  Take a look at her suggestions! Where can I start? That smart desk lamp, insulated whiskey glass, pizza oven and Marshall amp?! 

In addition to the eye-candy layouts she’s created, I’m impressed by her site’s clean-looking format.  It’s a pleasure to click through.  The best part of course, if you’re a fragrance fanatic, are her fragrance reviews.

I wasn’t aware of her review until I decided to slide under the inner workings of my website to perform a tune-up.  That’s when I spotted a link to her page.  To my surprise, she’s included Spilled Milk in her roster of the 10 Best Milky Perfumes That Smell Like Heaven in a Bottle.  I’m deeply honoured.  

Air & Weather is an independent artisanal perfumery where every fragrance is personally crafted by me. While we haven’t yet expanded to retail locations (the creative process has kept me wonderfully busy!), this exclusivity means something special for you!

When you order from our website, your fragrance comes directly from the hands that created it. Each parcel is thoughtfully prepared and shipped with meticulous attention to detail. I pour the same dedication into packaging and delivery as I do into formulating each unique scent.

This personal connection matters deeply to me. I genuinely value every client and reviewer who experiences Air & Weather fragrances, and I strive to ensure that appreciation shines through in every aspect of your shopping experience.

Thank you Deanny!

Are Perfume and Cologne the Same Thing?

Silhouette of cathedral in Cologne, Germany. Photo credit: Lucas Carl

Are perfume and cologne are the same thing? The confusion between perfume and cologne typically stems from three key distinctions:

Fragrance Concentration

Cologne (Eau de Cologne/EDC) contains the lightest concentration of fragrance materials—typically 2-5% suspended in a carrier like alcohol. For comparison:

  • Eau de Toilette (EDT): 5-15% concentration
  • Eau de Parfum (EDP): 15-20% concentration
  • Parfum: 20-40% concentration

Historical Context

“Cologne” has become synonymous with “fragrance” due to its origins in Cologne (Köln), Germany. Two notable creations helped to shape this association:

  1. Farina Kölnisch Wasser (1709) – Created by Johann Maria Farina and famously worn by Napoleon. Farina named it “Water of Cologne” to honor the city.
  1. 4711 Kölnisch Wasser (circa 1799-1800s) – Developed at 4711 Glockengasse by Mäurer & Wirtz. Originally created as “Aqua Mirabilis” (Miracle Water) medicinal tonic, 4711 is considered one of the first alcohol-based fragrance, containing herbal notes in 86% alcohol.

Both fragrances carry light, refreshing citrus profiles.

Gender Associations

“Cologne” traditionally conveys masculine connotations while “perfume” suggests femininity. This distinction is increasingly outdated.

I experienced this generational divide last autumn when I’d dropped by the tobacconist that inspired RALEGH GOLD to show them the result of my sniffing foray last summer of their tea-like pipe tobaccos.  After sharing samples of the fragrance, an older patron called out to me that he could smell it and loved it but sheepishly added, “You mentioned it was a perfume, not a cologne, so I guess I can’t wear it.” Sure you can!  I happily provided him with a sample…and can tell you that he was super happy. 

If ever an official Oxford fragrance dictionary goes to print to rank definitions, modern fragrance terminology would define “cologne” primarily as materials concentration rather than gender. So if someone asks if perfumes and colognes are the same, you can now explain these nuances and explore what the terms mean to them personally.

Air & Weather Contributes to SPNA

This spring, Air & Weather proudly contributes to the preservation of one of New York’s cherished green spaces with a special donation to the Stuyvesant Square Park Association’s annual Gala.

The luxury fragrance brand has assembled an exquisite gift basket featuring their complete collection of signature scents. Each basket contains four 10 ml/.33 fl. oz vials showcasing the brand’s current fragrance lineup, offering the lucky winner a comprehensive olfactory journey through Air & Weather’s distinctive fragrances.

This coveted prize joins numerous other desirable items in the evening’s Silent Auction, with all proceeds directly supporting vital park improvements. The Stuyvesant Square Park Association continues its mission to maintain and enhance this historic Manhattan oasis through community-driven fundraising efforts like this elegant annual event, which will be held at St. George’s Church adjacent to the park.

Mark your calendar for Friday, May 16, 2025, from 6 PM to 9 PM, for an evening of celebration, community, and opportunity. The night promises to deliver not only chances to win exceptional prizes but also the satisfaction of contributing to the preservation of urban green space.

Will you be the attendee who takes home this fragrance collector’s dream? Only by attending can you find out!

For ticket information and additional event details, visit the Stuyvesant Square Park Association’s instagram.

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