Strange Invisible Perfumes
“The act of smelling something, anything, is remarkably like the act of thinking. Immediately at the moment of perception, you can feel the mind going to work, sending the odor around from place to place, setting off complex repertories through the brain, polling one center after another for signs of recognition, for old memories and old connection”
I first heard of this company when I got the House of Citrine newsletter, listing Strange Invisible’s Rose with the Broken Neck perfume. The combination of palo santo, cognac and vetiver really appealed to me, so I continued to their website. I saw the address on Abbot Kinney and thought I’d stop in.
The store was amazing. So simple and so clean. I would post pictures, but I was told not to take pictures in the store. They are all about quality. None of their perfumes contain any synthetic ingredients. In fact, they use exclusive organic, biodynamic and wildcrafted botanicals. For a carrier, they use esprit de Cognac. I’m not familiar with it, but the woman working there assured me it was the traditional alcohol for perfumes, and that Strange Invisible locally sources the cleanest esprit de Cognac. The whole process is environmentally friendly, including sustainably sourced paper labels milled with biofuel. Their factory and storefront both take advantage of Green Power for a Green LA, meaning their electricity comes from aeolian, hydroelectric and other renewable sources.
Shaun, the attendant, was extremely knowledgable and helpful. While I wasn’t ready to drop a half a g on a bottle of perfume that’s clearly worth it, she took the time to explain the different lines, scents and products to me. I told her what I like and she helped me chose my favorite scent, Black Rosette, “Hydro-distilled rose, black tea, leather & spearmint.”
Along with the extraordinary perfumes, Strange Invisible carries their own body wash and lotion. The lotions are avocado and almond oil based. They do not come in the same fragrances as the perfume, however Shaun told me they pair nicely. Farther back in the store, there’s a section of beauty based products that are not made by SI. One caught my eye, May Lindstrom, because they’re in Miron Glass!
I have never heard of that brand before, but just from reading the ingredients of what was stocked, I would definitely give it a try. I would’ve eaten the face cleanser. First two ingredients, clay. Third ingredient, sea salt. Fourth and 5th: Vitamin C and Baking Soda, and from then on was all herbs, including the last ingredient Theobroma Cacao! They also sell these very interesting beeswax candles. They’re unscented, which in this case means they have no scent added. The natural beeswax in these candles definitely carries it’s own unique scent, which was quite pleasing.
Long story short, Strange Invisible is a real alchemical hidden gem. Even if you’re not ready to buy any perfume, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Strange Invisible
1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291