L'Artisan Parfumeur
AMBRE EXTREME
Strong Play-Doey amber, but I love that Play-Doh smell! This is it--pure and true. There might be a touch of vanilla after a couple hours, but it is not very sweet at all. Strong peppery notes too. I wore one spray on only one wrist, yet it wafted up to my nose all day long and smelled thick like syrup. Great, persistent sillage, and it lasted +12 hours. I had to get myself a full bottle. It will blend nicely with a lot of my other perfumes by L'Artisan. This is the perfect amber for winter. (Jun 2014)
Strong Play-Doey amber, but I love that Play-Doh smell! This is it--pure and true. There might be a touch of vanilla after a couple hours, but it is not very sweet at all. Strong peppery notes too. I wore one spray on only one wrist, yet it wafted up to my nose all day long and smelled thick like syrup. Great, persistent sillage, and it lasted +12 hours. I had to get myself a full bottle. It will blend nicely with a lot of my other perfumes by L'Artisan. This is the perfect amber for winter. (Jun 2014)
BOIS FARINE
The scent bears a white powderiness similar to that of flour. It's odd in a good way. There is a very gourmand peanut nougat in the opening, but it only lasts a minute or two. The heart of the fragrance smells like a tea latte of smoky black tea with a few dried jasmine flowers, lots of steamed milk, and some powdered sugar. This is a sweet take on iris.
I love to burn palo santo, my absolute favorite wood, and I smell heaps of it in this perfume. Love it. Now I know where the smokiness comes from. I really didn't expect the guaiac note would be so true to the actual wood, but leave it to L'Artisan to craft a fragrance of such remarkable quality. It's my palo santo dream come true. It reminds me of the drydown of Theorema, where the palo santo is so good I didn't think I would ever smell it so good again.
It's not just a woody perfume. It certainly has the white powder that I expected with a name like "Farine." It's a similar powderiness to L'Eau D'Hiver minus the touch of green. Instead of green, Bois Farine is smoky and a tad floral. Both are warm, cozy, and comforting in cold weather.
Bois Farine is a definite winner from L'Artisan. Considering it's not a heavy perfume, sillage and projection are both awfully good with only one spray. One spray drifted up to my nose for several hours. I bought this without testing first--no regrets! This is one of the best woody-iris perfumes out there.
The scent bears a white powderiness similar to that of flour. It's odd in a good way. There is a very gourmand peanut nougat in the opening, but it only lasts a minute or two. The heart of the fragrance smells like a tea latte of smoky black tea with a few dried jasmine flowers, lots of steamed milk, and some powdered sugar. This is a sweet take on iris.
I love to burn palo santo, my absolute favorite wood, and I smell heaps of it in this perfume. Love it. Now I know where the smokiness comes from. I really didn't expect the guaiac note would be so true to the actual wood, but leave it to L'Artisan to craft a fragrance of such remarkable quality. It's my palo santo dream come true. It reminds me of the drydown of Theorema, where the palo santo is so good I didn't think I would ever smell it so good again.
It's not just a woody perfume. It certainly has the white powder that I expected with a name like "Farine." It's a similar powderiness to L'Eau D'Hiver minus the touch of green. Instead of green, Bois Farine is smoky and a tad floral. Both are warm, cozy, and comforting in cold weather.
Bois Farine is a definite winner from L'Artisan. Considering it's not a heavy perfume, sillage and projection are both awfully good with only one spray. One spray drifted up to my nose for several hours. I bought this without testing first--no regrets! This is one of the best woody-iris perfumes out there.
CALIGNA
Beautiful herbs like juniper and sage, crushed pine needles, fragrant woods, and sweet yellow mimosa. Such an uplifting and happy scent. It somehow took me back in memory of time spent with family on a summer vacation in Big Bear. We went for a hike in the mountains. The evergreens were lovely, and the air and dirt were dry. There were lots of wildflowers. This perfume is delicate like the columbines, bouncing on the air, and the sun was shining brightly. Great memories, great perfume. (Oct 2014)
Beautiful herbs like juniper and sage, crushed pine needles, fragrant woods, and sweet yellow mimosa. Such an uplifting and happy scent. It somehow took me back in memory of time spent with family on a summer vacation in Big Bear. We went for a hike in the mountains. The evergreens were lovely, and the air and dirt were dry. There were lots of wildflowers. This perfume is delicate like the columbines, bouncing on the air, and the sun was shining brightly. Great memories, great perfume. (Oct 2014)
DZING!
Leather and gourmand, such an odd combination that could have be an easy failure, but this absolutely works. It smells like predominantly leather the whole time. I don't find it too animalic compared to some other perfumes I have smelled that really smell like farm animal poop. This does not. I just smell soft, black leather, melted plastic, and a bit of saffron. As it evolves, it becomes sweeter and creamier, though never too sweet. I do smell a touch of caramel and candied apples, salty toffee...but sadly no cotton candy. Maybe if I could spray rather than dab? In the final drydown some 6 hours later, there is a lot of musk.
Final verdict--it does not necessarily remind me of a circus. That is something Coney Island would do better, but I still love the perfume. It's very pleasant considering I struggle with wearing leather notes. It smells very sophisticated but has a fun element to it that is irresistible.
(Jun. 2014)
Leather and gourmand, such an odd combination that could have be an easy failure, but this absolutely works. It smells like predominantly leather the whole time. I don't find it too animalic compared to some other perfumes I have smelled that really smell like farm animal poop. This does not. I just smell soft, black leather, melted plastic, and a bit of saffron. As it evolves, it becomes sweeter and creamier, though never too sweet. I do smell a touch of caramel and candied apples, salty toffee...but sadly no cotton candy. Maybe if I could spray rather than dab? In the final drydown some 6 hours later, there is a lot of musk.
Final verdict--it does not necessarily remind me of a circus. That is something Coney Island would do better, but I still love the perfume. It's very pleasant considering I struggle with wearing leather notes. It smells very sophisticated but has a fun element to it that is irresistible.
(Jun. 2014)
SAFRAN TROUBLANT
Saffron--glorious threads of orange saffron! Probably my favorite spice. Safran Troublant smells exactly like pure saffron right out of the spice jar, but over time it becomes creamier with the added richness of vanilla and just the right touch of rose. I smell saffron all the way into the drydown.
After trying so many foodie scents like Loukhoum, Gourmandises, and Sweet Oriental Dream, I badly wanted a perfume that was not so sickeningly sweet. The sugar was too much to bear. And Ford's Noir de Noir is beautiful, but it's so dark and rich that I think of it as an evening or special occasion fragrance. It's also quite foodie with a sumptuous, creamy, French vanilla note.
Safran Troublant is the answer to my lengthy query as to whether I would ever find a true saffron perfume with just the right amount of rose that is not sweet like candy or covered in barrels of powdered sugar. To think--I almost passed on sampling this because I assumed it would be like all the others.
While many people describe this perfume as gourmand (indeed it is, since saffron is obviously edible and plentiful here), I guess I fail to want to eat this perfume and will instead satisfy any cravings for Turkish Delight with the likes of Loukhoum.
Safran Troublant is not as strong of a perfume as I'd like, but it does last, and I do feel it was worth the price. It's great for casual wear; a breathtaking interpretation of saffron; a beautifully crafted perfume; simple but unique. (Jul 2012)
Saffron--glorious threads of orange saffron! Probably my favorite spice. Safran Troublant smells exactly like pure saffron right out of the spice jar, but over time it becomes creamier with the added richness of vanilla and just the right touch of rose. I smell saffron all the way into the drydown.
After trying so many foodie scents like Loukhoum, Gourmandises, and Sweet Oriental Dream, I badly wanted a perfume that was not so sickeningly sweet. The sugar was too much to bear. And Ford's Noir de Noir is beautiful, but it's so dark and rich that I think of it as an evening or special occasion fragrance. It's also quite foodie with a sumptuous, creamy, French vanilla note.
Safran Troublant is the answer to my lengthy query as to whether I would ever find a true saffron perfume with just the right amount of rose that is not sweet like candy or covered in barrels of powdered sugar. To think--I almost passed on sampling this because I assumed it would be like all the others.
While many people describe this perfume as gourmand (indeed it is, since saffron is obviously edible and plentiful here), I guess I fail to want to eat this perfume and will instead satisfy any cravings for Turkish Delight with the likes of Loukhoum.
Safran Troublant is not as strong of a perfume as I'd like, but it does last, and I do feel it was worth the price. It's great for casual wear; a breathtaking interpretation of saffron; a beautifully crafted perfume; simple but unique. (Jul 2012)
SEVILLE A L'AUBE
I thought I wrote a review for this two years ago, but I guess it was only written in my mind.
Seville a l'Aube is an unforgettable beauty. It starts out zesty, like lemon peel and orange leaves. The scent of orange blossoms blend seamlessly with the sweet beeswax to curb the tanginess.
The perfume's base is heavily anchored with incense. When I first wore it, without knowing the notes ahead of time, I thought it was my imagination until my dad said, "You smell like a hippy"--a comment he had only ever made after smelling Revlon's Ciara on me.
As beautiful of a sunny orange flower perfume Seville a l'Aube is, it always reminds me of a dark place underground, like catacombs or secret passages to medieval castles. Something about it is like a dark fairytale. (Jan. 2015)
I thought I wrote a review for this two years ago, but I guess it was only written in my mind.
Seville a l'Aube is an unforgettable beauty. It starts out zesty, like lemon peel and orange leaves. The scent of orange blossoms blend seamlessly with the sweet beeswax to curb the tanginess.
The perfume's base is heavily anchored with incense. When I first wore it, without knowing the notes ahead of time, I thought it was my imagination until my dad said, "You smell like a hippy"--a comment he had only ever made after smelling Revlon's Ciara on me.
As beautiful of a sunny orange flower perfume Seville a l'Aube is, it always reminds me of a dark place underground, like catacombs or secret passages to medieval castles. Something about it is like a dark fairytale. (Jan. 2015)
TEA FOR TWO
As soon as I heard this was relaunched, I ordered it blindly. It is just as wonderful as I had hoped! I can't compare to the first release, but the current Tea For Two is plenty strong, not watered down, so I would like to think it smells the same as ever.
It is just as one could ever hope for based on the description and the notes--smoky black tea (like Russian tea) coupled with warm spices of ginger and cinnamon. It is not listed in the notes, but I swear I smell palo santo, and I believe this is where the perfume derives its creaminess, smokiness, and the bit of "peppermint" I sense. Palo santo often smells like peppermint to people. Tea for Two reminds me so much of Bois Farine if you were to add spices, another L'Artisan that contains a lot of palo santo.
On the whole, this is a gorgeous perfume. It is a modern spicy perfume, not too heavy nor too light, and the spices are well-balanced so as not to leave those around you wondering why you smell like a cinnamon Yankee Candle.
While I don't view Tea For Two as a masterpiece, despite its cult following, it is an undoubted crowd-pleaser as it is sure to satisfy the most discerning tea and spice lover. (Feb 2015)
As soon as I heard this was relaunched, I ordered it blindly. It is just as wonderful as I had hoped! I can't compare to the first release, but the current Tea For Two is plenty strong, not watered down, so I would like to think it smells the same as ever.
It is just as one could ever hope for based on the description and the notes--smoky black tea (like Russian tea) coupled with warm spices of ginger and cinnamon. It is not listed in the notes, but I swear I smell palo santo, and I believe this is where the perfume derives its creaminess, smokiness, and the bit of "peppermint" I sense. Palo santo often smells like peppermint to people. Tea for Two reminds me so much of Bois Farine if you were to add spices, another L'Artisan that contains a lot of palo santo.
On the whole, this is a gorgeous perfume. It is a modern spicy perfume, not too heavy nor too light, and the spices are well-balanced so as not to leave those around you wondering why you smell like a cinnamon Yankee Candle.
While I don't view Tea For Two as a masterpiece, despite its cult following, it is an undoubted crowd-pleaser as it is sure to satisfy the most discerning tea and spice lover. (Feb 2015)
THE POUR UN ETE
I can not even imagine a more perfect jasmine green tea fragrance. The jasmine is so fresh and intense. There is a beautiful green tea note, but I noticed that there was something else I was smelling that was much more intensely green than the usual green tea, and it was a tad bitter. Familiar too. Now that I see macha in the notes, I understand completely.
It's certainly a tea for hot weather. Makes me think of India or Thailand--somewhere hot and exotic.
I love wearing this perfume in humid or rainy weather. It's like a steaming cup of jasmine tea. This is by far the best jasmine tea perfume, and it is also one of the best jasmines I have ever smelled in perfumery. Lasts all day on me, although not a sillage monster (but I wouldn't want it to be). This is wonderful! (Mar 2013)
I can not even imagine a more perfect jasmine green tea fragrance. The jasmine is so fresh and intense. There is a beautiful green tea note, but I noticed that there was something else I was smelling that was much more intensely green than the usual green tea, and it was a tad bitter. Familiar too. Now that I see macha in the notes, I understand completely.
It's certainly a tea for hot weather. Makes me think of India or Thailand--somewhere hot and exotic.
I love wearing this perfume in humid or rainy weather. It's like a steaming cup of jasmine tea. This is by far the best jasmine tea perfume, and it is also one of the best jasmines I have ever smelled in perfumery. Lasts all day on me, although not a sillage monster (but I wouldn't want it to be). This is wonderful! (Mar 2013)
TIMBUKTU
Timbuktu is a dry, green, bright, gently smoky perfume. It makes me think of a sacred jungle ritual with chanting, dancing, and incense. And green snakes. Timbuktu is light and clean despite the incense; suitable to wear every day. Fruit and spice do not stand out to me, but they may be subtle. Not a personal favorite but beautiful nevertheless. (Feb. 2013)
Timbuktu is a dry, green, bright, gently smoky perfume. It makes me think of a sacred jungle ritual with chanting, dancing, and incense. And green snakes. Timbuktu is light and clean despite the incense; suitable to wear every day. Fruit and spice do not stand out to me, but they may be subtle. Not a personal favorite but beautiful nevertheless. (Feb. 2013)
TRAVERSEE DU BOSPHORE
I have literally waited years to review this fascinating perfume. It's an odd one, much like their own Dzing!.
It smells like apples, nuts, pink rose petals, saffron, and vanilla bean cooking in sugar water. All of these beautiful scents on top of a layer of silky soft black leather.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing the Bosphorus River. The closest I have come to Turkish Delight is whatever they sell at the Armenian market here. But when I look at pictures, this perfume seems to fit. It is heavenly and otherworldly; comforting and distant at the same time. The scent of watery sweetness makes the corners of the mouth turn up in a broad smile, the way they would when taking in views of the waterway where East meets West. It's hard for an American girl like me--a daydreamer and lollygagger--to not get carried away with my imagination when smelling this perfume. Architecture, music, markets, pipe tobacco, ferries shuttling up and down the river...there is so much happening inside this modest little bottle, yet it is completely cohesive at the same time. It all evokes the Turkey of my imagination.
Sillage is beautiful, with soft whisps of a world of fantasies drifting up to my nose all day long. Such an enjoyable perfume to wear. What a work of art. (Jun. 2015)
I have literally waited years to review this fascinating perfume. It's an odd one, much like their own Dzing!.
It smells like apples, nuts, pink rose petals, saffron, and vanilla bean cooking in sugar water. All of these beautiful scents on top of a layer of silky soft black leather.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing the Bosphorus River. The closest I have come to Turkish Delight is whatever they sell at the Armenian market here. But when I look at pictures, this perfume seems to fit. It is heavenly and otherworldly; comforting and distant at the same time. The scent of watery sweetness makes the corners of the mouth turn up in a broad smile, the way they would when taking in views of the waterway where East meets West. It's hard for an American girl like me--a daydreamer and lollygagger--to not get carried away with my imagination when smelling this perfume. Architecture, music, markets, pipe tobacco, ferries shuttling up and down the river...there is so much happening inside this modest little bottle, yet it is completely cohesive at the same time. It all evokes the Turkey of my imagination.
Sillage is beautiful, with soft whisps of a world of fantasies drifting up to my nose all day long. Such an enjoyable perfume to wear. What a work of art. (Jun. 2015)
VANILLE ABSOLUMENT (HAVANA VANILLE)
I have literally waited years to review this fascinating perfume. It's an odd one, much like their own Dzing!.
It smells like apples, nuts, pink rose petals, saffron, and vanilla bean cooking in sugar water. All of these beautiful scents on top of a layer of silky soft black leather.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing the Bosphorus River. The closest I have come to Turkish Delight is whatever they sell at the Armenian market here. But when I look at pictures, this perfume seems to fit. It is heavenly and otherworldly; comforting and distant at the same time. The scent of watery sweetness makes the corners of the mouth turn up in a broad smile, the way they would when taking in views of the waterway where East meets West. It's hard for an American girl like me--a daydreamer and lollygagger--to not get carried away with my imagination when smelling this perfume. Architecture, music, markets, pipe tobacco, ferries shuttling up and down the river...there is so much happening inside this modest little bottle, yet it is completely cohesive at the same time. It all evokes the Turkey of my imagination.
Sillage is beautiful, with soft whisps of a world of fantasies drifting up to my nose all day long. Such an enjoyable perfume to wear. What a work of art. (Jul. 2012)
I have literally waited years to review this fascinating perfume. It's an odd one, much like their own Dzing!.
It smells like apples, nuts, pink rose petals, saffron, and vanilla bean cooking in sugar water. All of these beautiful scents on top of a layer of silky soft black leather.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing the Bosphorus River. The closest I have come to Turkish Delight is whatever they sell at the Armenian market here. But when I look at pictures, this perfume seems to fit. It is heavenly and otherworldly; comforting and distant at the same time. The scent of watery sweetness makes the corners of the mouth turn up in a broad smile, the way they would when taking in views of the waterway where East meets West. It's hard for an American girl like me--a daydreamer and lollygagger--to not get carried away with my imagination when smelling this perfume. Architecture, music, markets, pipe tobacco, ferries shuttling up and down the river...there is so much happening inside this modest little bottle, yet it is completely cohesive at the same time. It all evokes the Turkey of my imagination.
Sillage is beautiful, with soft whisps of a world of fantasies drifting up to my nose all day long. Such an enjoyable perfume to wear. What a work of art. (Jul. 2012)
