If you’re in the market for a new fragrance, or looking to find your signature scent, then you need to know Lucet Montgomery, aka Perfume Boss. I met Lucet in sixth form at St Jago High. She has always been all things glamorous and fashionable, so it’s no surprise to me that she’s ventured into the business of selling fragrances. In addition to her business, she also juggles motherhood and a full-time job, so she is one busy lady! I added yet one more item to her plate this week, but she came through for ya girl. Check out our chat below to find out some of her favourite scents and why she doesn’t like one of the all-time greats, get fragrance recommendations for spring and summer (Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are coming soon!), learn some dos and don’ts, and much more.
Q: So, Perfume Boss, how long have you been selling perfumes and how did you get into this line of business? How does the business work?
I’ve been selling perfumes for the past seven months and it’s been a tremendous experience, especially in the Jamaican context. The majority of my clients like strong fragrances, so introducing the market to new fragrances has been challenging. We are available at www.shopluecity.com. You may purchase online and have the item delivered to your door islandwide. We stock over 50 male and over 50 female fragrance brands currently. The fragrances are already here, so when you order, you are able to receive them the same day. We take special orders occasionally, and those are delivered in three weeks.
Q: You are a trained fragrance specialist. What exactly does that mean?
I am constantly doing workshops put on by representatives of fragrance makers, and as such, I’m trained in how the particular maker would want their brand to be represented to the public, the notes of the fragrance, and the particular audience to which the fragrance is catered. I’ve attended trainings under the following brands: Paco Rabanne, Valentino, Perry Ellis, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jimmy Choo, and Carolina Herrera.
Q: What are some of your top sellers for both men and women?
Top sellers are, thankfully, not only in my opinion, but truthfully in the informal and formal awarded places as well. For women, these are: Scandal by Jean Paul Gaultier, Decadence by Marc Jacobs, Velvet Orchid by Tom Ford, and Donna Aqua by Valentino. For men: Valentino Uomo Intense, Invictus, Bleu de Chanel, Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford, and Dior Sauvage EDP.
Q: What fragrances do you recommend for the current spring season and going into summer (men and women)?
Spring is all about feeling playful and fresh instead of musky and overpowering; hence, I’m recommending the following lighthearted fragrances based on notes of more citrus and patchouli or roses versus amber and wood: women—Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana, Eau des Merveilles by Hermès, and Guilty by Gucci. For men: L’Homme Prada, Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford, and Only the Brave by Diesel.
Q: Some people spritz it on their skin, some their clothes, some mist it in the air and walk through it (my sinus would murder me). Is there a ‘correct’ way to wear fragrance or is it up to the wearer?
In my opinion, it’s best to place perfume/cologne on your “actionable points” such as your joints, as with each movement, the fragrance rises. Place perfume on moist skin right after a shower, and never, ever rub the perfume from one part of the body to another, which is a common and erroneous Jamaican practice. This rubs out the notes of the fragrance (there are three sets of notes: top, middle, and base).
Q: What was the first fragrance you can remember falling in love with?
212 Vip Rose by Carolina Herrera the year it came out 2015. I received it as a parting gift from my now ex-boyfriend—great man, huh? (Lol) Then Flowerbomb by Viktor and Rolf, which I received as a welcome back gift from him same one. (Lol)
Q: Any fragrance regrets/nightmares/fails you care to share?
Yes, and many will disagree. I find Coco Mademoiselle to be quite offensive. It’s way too heavy on the notes to be deemed feminine, but hey, some women are strong. (Lol) I was gifted it by my ex as a birthday present with a gold chain and I have since re-gifted it.
Q: What is your personal fragrance philosophy?
Never engage in procuring cheap perfume, cheap wine, or cheap men. They all give you a swift headache.
Q: Should everyone have a ‘signature scent’? What is your signature fragrance?
Yes, everyone should have a go-to or signature scent which is directly in sync with their body chemistry.
My signature fragrances are Tom Ford Velvet Orchid or Scandal, and on days when I feel exciting, I cannot live without Valentino Uomo Acqua. Though male, it really stands out on me.
Q: What are your top fragrance dos and don’ts?
- Do not wear light fragrances if you sweat a lot. It’s like wearing nothing at all.
- Do, however, find what suits you best and stick to those notes.
- Do not expect an inexpensive fragrance to give more than three to four hours of longevity.
- Do invest in really good fragrances.
See Lucet’s exclusive Mother’s Day picks below:
Quick Questions
Q: What is your philosophy in life?
Fear is not an option. Neither is failure. Keep going!
Q: My website is called Written by Tracey, so of course I have to ask, what was the last thing you wrote?
A chapter in my book to be published next year March on my birthday. It chronicles all the things I’ve essentially experienced in the past 30 years.
Q: And since I firmly believe reading puts the FUN in fundamental, what is the last thing you read?
Advertising for Dummies by Gary Dahl and The One Thing by Gary Keller. The latter is one of my favorites as it teaches me to not get skewed and multi-tab, but to focus on one thing—hence perfumes. Fragrances are the spice of life, the evocation of all memory!
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Written by Tracey 