The best-smelling people always seem to be wearing a perfume that you can't buy—it's some mysterious personal mix of oils. But mixing your own scent as an adult can seem a little like advanced cooking (think serving soufflé at a dinner party), or, maybe wearing later-in-life braces. It could go very very wrong. But don’t be discouraged!

We've found a “secret” blend that requires absolutely no background in chemistry. Named for the street address where founder Sophia Matthias first concocted it, 1509is pure fragrance oil that comes in two deliciously personal scents: Man and Woman (though the'yre both definitely unisex). With a base of clean, warm amber, the top note of each concoction is revealed by a preserved plant stem in the little glass bottle: baby’s breath for Woman and sage for Man. A generous dab on the wrists or inner-elbows leaves you smelling sweet, balmy, and slightly smoky. Added bonus? It leaves your skin hydrated—not slick; you don’t have to worry about it getting on your clothes—and the presentation is so elaborate it looks like it was packaged by a wood nympth on speed. The 210-ml 'Collectors' bottle comes with a porcupine quill for application. It makes the whole scenting experience incredibly ritualistic. Suitable for all seasons, 1509 is certainly better than anything we could have cooked up ourvelves.

Photos by Elizabeth Brockway.