I'm so obsessed with this fragrance enhancer, I wear it on its own

“Non-perfume perfume” may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s a real thing—and my latest fragrance obsession. It all started with Molecule 01, which consists of a single note, Iso E Super (which isn’t even really a “note,” but rather a synthetic molecule with a woody aroma). The beauty of Iso E Super is that it smells different on everyone because it reacts with your unique skin chemistry, and it’s often included in perfumes to give them a sense of waftiness (if that makes sense). I fell for the enigmatic scent so hard that I even concocted my own blend with a IES fragrance oil from Etsy and grain alcohol (take that Molecule 01!). This might sound crazy, but it’s a winner.

Then I read about D.S. & Durga’s “I Don’t Know What” in Allure and had to get my hands on a sample pronto. With Iso E Super as a main note and Ambrox (another synthetic fave of mine) as a base note, I knew it would be a match in heaven.

Before I go any further, even more intriguing than the blend of notes is the fact that “I Don’t Know What” is billed as a fragrance enhancer that adds an extra level of complexity to any other scent you may wear. I tried it with Le Labo’s Santal 33 (my Fall/Winter signature scent) and it definitely made a noticeable difference. IDKW diffused Santal’s earthiness and added a light, almost powdery element that I really enjoyed.

But truth be told, I like IDKW on its own even more. The ambiguous Iso E Super and Ambrox aromas are mixed with bergamot and vetiver, and the result is a fresh, zesty, effervescent, totally unique unisex scent that I’m really digging—so much so that I’m considering splurging on a full-size bottle (and there happens to be a space for it on my perfume tray.)