Alexandra Balahoutis, botanical perfumer and creator of Strange Invisible Perfumes, stands out for her dedication to an ethical and organic approach to fragrance. Each small-batch scent is created with certified-organic materials using a biodynamic hydrodistillation process. This natural approach was taken a step further when Balahoutis created a line of 12 perfumes designed to channel the unique dispositions of the signs of the zodiac to ensure that each scent is truly reflective of the wearer.
My signature scent is the Cancer eau de parfum, aptly described as “the levelheaded bohemian” with notes of mandarin, pathchouli, lily of the valley, Tahitian vanilla, amber and leather. The fragrance opens with strong earthy notes, with the sweeter elements of mandarin and vanilla presenting themselves as the scent dries down. With the highly personal quality, these scents would make great gifts year-round or the perfect signature scent (Strange Invisible Perfumes of the Zodiac, $125). –Angela Bobo
(May 2015)