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A few weeks ago, Gwyneth Paltrow came to New York to launch Goop’s first-ever fragrance, called Edition 01 Winter. It is, of course, a so-called natural product, as all of Paltrow’s forays into beauty have been so far. And as the fragrance name suggests, it’s the first of likely many more.
I have a conflicted personal relationship with Goop. Like many millions of people across the land, I hate-read the Goop newsletter, the Goop gift guide, and Goop-laden interviews with Gwyneth Paltrow. I genuinely don’t like the fear-mongering tone she takes about mainstream beauty products. But in the deepest recesses of my soul, I admire her personal style and wish I had the balls to name my children after delicious fruits.
I wanted to hate her new fragrance. I mean, just read this description:
A scent of cypress smoke, snow, sensual quiet. This is a scent composed entirely of rare, all-natural elements imbued with the power to entrance, heal, and transform. The olfactory fingerprint of each individual plant, where it was grown and how it grew gives this perfume its character, its mystery, and its beauty. It is pure, alive—the real thing.
What does snow even smell like?? I would describe this scent as fancy pine needles meets church incense. As a fragrance that you wear, it’s not my thing. But as a candle? It’s goddamn magical.
Imagine Gwyneth lounging on a couch in one of her perfect cookbook sweaters after having snuck one of her beloved cigs, and you have this scent. It’s smoky and musky and spicy. She managed to capture the essence of a cozy winter afternoon in front of a fireplace without it reading the least bit Christmas-y, meaning I will still be burning it in the depths of the January doldrums. (If you’re in the market for a true festive holiday candle, please get Nest’s version.)
Anyway, consider me entranced.