Imaginary Authors Guide: 11 Scents, 11 Stories. Which One Is You?
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Imaginary Authors is a niche perfume house from Portland, Oregon, founded by Josh Meyer. Each scent is built around a story, and the lineup runs from sweet gourmands to smoky woods. Start with A Whiff of Waffle Cone for sweet, Cape Heartache for fresh woods, or A City on Fire for smoke.
Imaginary Authors treats perfume like a book. Every bottle comes with a short tale, and the notes read like a setting, not just a list.
We carry 11 of their scents. Here is a quick look at each one, so you can find your favorite fast.
Cape Heartache
Imaginary Authors Cape HeartacheDouglas fir, pine resin, western hemlock, vanilla leaf, strawberryShop nowThis is a walk through a misty Pacific Northwest forest. Green fir and pine lead, with a soft touch of strawberry and vanilla leaf.
It is one of the brand's best sellers and a great first pick if you love woody scents.
A Whiff of Waffle Cone
Imaginary Authors A Whiff of Waffle ConeVanilla, salted caramel, Saigon cinnamon, heavy cream, sandalwoodShop nowMade with Portland ice cream shop Salt & Straw, this one smells like a fresh waffle cone. It is sweet, warm and cozy.
Yesterday Haze
Imaginary Authors Yesterday HazeFig, iris, cream, tonka, tree barkShop nowCreamy fig meets soft iris and woody bark. It feels like a slow, hazy afternoon in an orchard.
Memoirs of a Trespasser
Imaginary Authors Memoirs of a TrespasserMadagascar vanilla, guaiacwood, myrrh, benzoin, oak barrelsShop nowA warm vanilla with smoky wood and resin. The oak barrel note gives it a bourbon-like mood that fits cool nights.
Falling into the Sea
Imaginary Authors Falling into the SeaLemon, bergamot, grapefruit, lychee, tropical flowersShop nowBright citrus and juicy lychee over warm sand. This is the one to reach for on hot, sunny days.
First Peach of the Season
Imaginary Authors First Peach of the SeasonYellow peach, bitter orange, Chantilly cream, jasmine, honeydew melonShop nowRipe peach topped with whipped cream. It is fruity, soft and a little playful.
Fox in the Flowerbed
Imaginary Authors Fox in the FlowerbedJasmine, tulips, frankincense, wildflower honey, pink peppercornsShop nowAn airy floral inspired by mountain meadows. Honey and pink pepper keep the flowers from feeling too sweet.
The Language of Glaciers
Imaginary Authors The Language of GlaciersWhite pine, lilac, cashmere, juniper, forget me notShop nowCool pine and juniper with soft lilac. It smells crisp and clean, like fresh snow in the mountains.
Slow Explosions
Imaginary Authors Slow ExplosionsSaffron, rose absolute, leather, apple, benzoinShop nowIt starts with fruity spice and slowly turns into dark leather and rich rose. A bold pick for evenings out.
Every Storm a Serenade
Imaginary Authors Every Storm a SerenadeDanish spruce, eucalyptus, vetiver, calone, ambergrisShop nowFresh eucalyptus and spruce meet a salty sea breeze. It is calm, cool and easy to wear.
A City on Fire
Imaginary Authors A City on FireCade oil, spikenard, cardamom, dark berries, labdanumShop nowThe smokiest scent in the lineup. Think burnt match and dark berries, made for night.
Which one is right for you?
- Want sweet and cozy: A Whiff of Waffle Cone
- Want a forest walk: Cape Heartache
- Want warm vanilla and wood: Memoirs of a Trespasser
- Want fresh citrus for summer: Falling into the Sea
- Want fruity and creamy: First Peach of the Season or Yesterday Haze
- Want clean and cool: The Language of Glaciers or Every Storm a Serenade
- Want soft florals: Fox in the Flowerbed
- Want bold and dark: Slow Explosions or A City on Fire
FAQ
Is Imaginary Authors a niche brand?
Yes. It is an independent niche house based in Portland, Oregon, founded by Josh Meyer.
What is the best Imaginary Authors perfume?
Cape Heartache and A Whiff of Waffle Cone are two of the brand's best sellers. The best one for you depends on whether you like woody or sweet scents.
What does A Whiff of Waffle Cone smell like?
It smells like a fresh waffle cone, with vanilla, salted caramel, cinnamon and cream. It was made with Portland ice cream shop Salt & Straw.


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