Style Over Substance – Atelier des Ors – Villa Primerose and Blue Madeleine

Far too many brands these days put all their stock into presentation and hackneyed storylines, neglecting the most important thing: the actual perfume. Frustratingly, some of the worst offenders (Kilian, Xerjoff) are among the most popular brands. My post today focuses on the house of Atelier des Ors. The French house has been around for … Continue reading Style Over Substance – Atelier des Ors – Villa Primerose and Blue Madeleine →

First Impressions – Parfum d’Empire – Un Bel Amour D’été 

It is a perfume for gardenia lovers and lovers of white florals. First Impressions - Parfum d'Empire - Un Bel Amour D’été - One of the best modern noses, Marc Antoine Corticchiato of Parfum d'Empire fame is back with a new perfume. I own one fragrance from the house, Cuir Ottoman, but several others hover … Continue reading First Impressions – Parfum d’Empire – Un Bel Amour D’été  →

Book Review – 1001 Perfumes – The Guide – Daniel Barros

Sunday mornings are always a good time for relaxing and reading a good book. And what better way to do it than with a new perfume book? 1001 Perfumes, The Guide by Daniel Barros is a well-written book for all fragrance enthusiasts.  Barros divides the guide into several sections. The opening chapters feature numerous essays, … Continue reading Book Review – 1001 Perfumes – The Guide – Daniel Barros →

First Impressions – Chanel – Comète

Another iris for Chanel? It's always an event when Chanel releases a new perfume. And it's even more of an event when that release forms part of their higher-end Les Exclusifs collection. Indeed, it's been some time since their last offering, the smouldering amber Le Lion, hit the shelves. Undoubtedly, that perfume was a departure … Continue reading First Impressions – Chanel – Comète →

First Impressions – Zoologist -Rabbit

This year, I'm committed to trying perfumes that are a little out of my comfort zone. So, I seized the opportunity to procure a sample of Zoologist's latest, Rabbit. It's a gourmand scent, and I don't usually gravitate towards this style of perfume. But the marketing material promised a gourmand-leaning scent with green characteristics. I was … Continue reading First Impressions – Zoologist -Rabbit →

Snowflake Season – Zoologist – Penguin & Imaginary Authors – The Language Of Glaciers

'Tis the season for snowflake trees! In late May and into June, my garden's snowflake trees (euphorbia leucocephala from the same genus as the poinsettia) bloom. It's the only way I'll ever get to see "snow" in winter in my part of the world. They have no scent, but their white flowers attract butterflies and … Continue reading Snowflake Season – Zoologist – Penguin & Imaginary Authors – The Language Of Glaciers →

Fantasy Florals – Hibiscus

Fragrant flowers form the core of perfumery. The scented delights of rose, jasmine, violet, and lavender are integral ingredients in the perfumer's palette. Not all flowers are created equally, though. For instance, very few flowers have the powerful scented punch of a graceful gardenia. The other day, I was walking around the neighbourhood and spotted … Continue reading Fantasy Florals – Hibiscus →

First Impressions – Marc-Antoine Barrois – Tilia

I don't have any linden trees near me, but this golden penda closely represents the scent of Tilia. In April, I wrote about the French ceramics house Astier de Villate and their lovely linden scent, Grand Chalet First Impressions – Astier de Villatte – Grand Chalet. Now comes another linden-focused perfume from the dynamic duo … Continue reading First Impressions – Marc-Antoine Barrois – Tilia →