The Stink List: Aretha Choi
Smells like the ABCC11 gene and a little feral.
Every week we ask those with a fantastic sense of smell to share their favorite odors or where and when they go au naturel. This week, Aretha Choi will be sharing what she’s currently whiffing up.
Aretha Choi (aka Young Objects) is a New Yorker and artist who makes paper pulp sculptures out of recycled materials. She has a soft spot for bad horror movies and loves a very cold dry martini.
For the body
Right now I am rotating between 3 different scents. I'll pick whatever feels like me for the day or the occasion and season. Generally I like smoky, musty, woody, medicinal scents with a hint of animalic thrown in there. Hinoki Leather from Pleuvoir: It's usually my go to. I bought it while in Korea this April and I feel like it's the best reflection of my current vibe. Serge Lutens La Couche du Diable: When I want something warm and am feeling a little feral lol. I guess the name says it all. Amber Oil - Nemat: A super simple (not fancy) amber oil that I love. I like this because it's a skin scent that is subtle but also brings out my natural smell.
I don't wear deodorant. Apparently, my Korean ABCC11 gene has blessed me with not smelling when I sweat. Usually I don't use soap on my body when I take a bath or shower or wash my face. All H20. I will use a korean seshin soap if I want to exfoliate though. Seshin is a special soap that is often used in Korean bath houses to help remove dead skin with exfoliating gloves. Doesn't have much of a smell but will sure leave your skin smooth.
For the mouth
Love a charcoal toothpaste because I like seeing my teeth black and it makes brushing a bit more entertaining. I like a basic Cool Mint Listerine. Spearmint Altoids or Listerine Breath Strips if I need something heavy duty.
For the hands
Caswell Massey’s Sandlewood lotion and evolvetogether Monaco hand lotion are my favorite hand creams right now. I love that they smell good and aren't oily. For sanitizer, Goe hand refresher
For the home
It probably depends on the season and what I'm doing (working on my sculptures, writing, hosting at my apartment, taking a long shower). The one candle I'll probably burn in any of these moments is the Diptique Oud candle. If I'm wanting something a bit more fresh I'll burn the Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato candle. Hands down my favorite incense right now is Agaric Fly Uhuru Sasa, although I'll always have basic sandalwood coils on hand.
Meyer's Iowa Pine Dish Soap. I refuse to use any other Meyer's dish soap scents. It must be that one. For detergent, anything environmentally friendly and scentless. I personally prefer my clothing to be neutral. I feel like your perfume, sweat, and shampoo all add up to make a scent that is yours and there is something nice about that. I am also okay with my clothes smelling a bit like they have been worn. BUT if I have something stanky I'll just put a few drops of lavender oil or eucalyptus oil in the wash.
For everything else
Palo santo and Hibi Incense Matches in ambergris, although that seems counterintuitive given what it is lol.
Thanks Aretha! If you think you know someone who’d enjoy The Stink please share and subscribe here!
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Tate & Aviva