SCENT | Lurk Perfume Oils

I have to say one of the biggest turn-offs in my book is when you're introduced to someone's perfume or cologne before you even shake their hand. My personal opinion is that scents should be subtle, and in a way, reserved for those who get close to you. That said, I've never been a big perfume person, partly because of my tomboy leanings and partly because some of the big label perfumes are compiled of many undisclosed chemicals. Luckily there's at least one brand doing it right: Lurk.

Lurk makes five hand-blended perfume oils ($55 each) with a base of organic jojoba without the addition of water, alcohol, chemical preservatives, stabilizers or additives. I tried them out today with co-founder Kristi Head (who also photographed the images on the sacks that come with each fragrance), and noticed that with notes that range from black pepper to tuberose to jasmine to petitgrain, the aromas are intriguing, yet still familiar. Best of all, Lurk perfume oils are unisex, so they make a great Valentine's Day gift for whoever your valentine is (a gift that you can then steal for yourself).