Fragrance

Orange blossom, neroli and the history of California scent, plus how to choose and wear a fragrance.

Red rose with green leaves
Fragrance

How to find a rose perfume that doesn't smell old-fashioned

By JP Beall

A rose perfume reads as dated or fresh because of the materials around the rose, not the rose itself. What powder is made of, how...

Three bottles of cologne sitting on top of a table
Fragrance

Perfume discovery sets are the smarter way to give scent

By JP Beall

A discovery set lets the person who will wear a perfume choose it. Why that matters, what sizes sets come in, how to test one...

Glass perfume bottle
Fragrance

Eau de parfum vs eau de toilette, and which one lasts longer

By JP Beall

Eau de parfum carries more perfume concentrate than eau de toilette and usually lasts longer. The published percentages disagree, though, and the materials in the...

Orange Blossom Perfume in Southern California: A Fragrance of the Gilded Age
Fragrance

Orange Blossom Perfume in Southern California: A Fragrance of the Gilded Age

John P Beall
By John P Beall

In the Gilded Age, orange blossom perfume was Southern California's signature scent—sold as a fragrance postcard from hotel gift shops to Eastern travelers. OCB revives...

Limited Edition California Fragrance
Fragrance

Limited Edition California Fragrance

JP w/ Old CA
By JP w/ Old CA

A limited edition fragrance capturing the essence of California's citrus belt. Handcrafted in small batches by OCB—available while supplies last.

What Orange Blossom Really Smells Like
Fragrance

What Orange Blossom Really Smells Like

JP w/ Old CA
By JP w/ Old CA

Orange blossom can't be captured as an essential oil — so what does it really smell like? We explain the difference between neroli and true...