Tauer Perfumes – Cologne du Maghreb – This isn’t a new release. Instead, it’s a 2021 reissue of a 2011 perfume. However, I’d never tried it before. The citrus/herbal opening combination of clementine, lemon, lavender, and petitgrain is refreshing and fizzy. The overriding impression is of a cooling glass of lemonade on a warm sunny day. Rose, geranium, and vetiver add a green touch. After half an hour, the fizz starts to fade, and the scent becomes more powdery and woody. Sherbet-like, still, it remains light and fresh. There are many notes here, and it undoubtedly adds depth to what is usually a genre of scent that disappears in 60 seconds.
According to Tauer, there is ambergris in the base of Cologne du Maghreb. If there is, it is a minuscule amount, as I mostly pick up cedarwood (almost pencil shaving-like) and a touch of green vetiver. Even though Cologne du Maghreb lasts longer than your average 4711 Cologne, it’s not a potent performer. After 2-3 hours, it’s all but gone. Therefore constant reapplication is required to experience that fresh hit. Cologne du Maghreb is nothing new. Though it’s still well-executed, but overpriced for mine.
Heeley Paris – Zeste de Gingembre – Zeste de Gingembre is a 2020 release, that went under my radar till now. I’m glad I got to try it. If the Tauer is lemonade, this Heeley is fizzy ginger ale. I can pick up all five of the official listed notes. The lime and orange peel in the opening brings the zing and tartness. Ginger is listed in the mid but appears almost straight away. And as the name suggests, it feels spicy and zesty. Ginger is one of my favourite fresher notes in perfumery, as it’s such a revitalising ingredient. Perfect for a summer day. The ginger in this perfume does have a fizzy vibe, but it also brings to mind the culinary effect of the scent of grated ginger root when cooking.
Of course, Heeley never creates a run-of-the-mill type of scent. And the injection of spicy cardamom with its cooling and warming properties lifts the ginger without it becoming too sharp. Peppery notes add to the spicy depth of Zeste de Gingembre. Overall, an enjoyable 3-4 hour ride that feels natural, like all of the Heeley line, but remains easy to wear.
Have you tried these two scents? Do you enjoy Heeley’s line of fresh fragrances? Samples purchased by me. Bottle images courtesy of Google.