Palimpsest is a new fruity-floral perfume by Aftelier that “captures the feeling of being in the Garden of Eden at midnight: lush, wild florals, forbidden fruit, and majestic creatures in hiding.” And I can see that. When wearing Palimpsest, I was brought to mind of Gauguin’s paintings inspired by Polynesia. Palimpsest is bright and tropical without smelling like other perfumes in the “tropical fruity-floral” genre.

Palimpsest opens as bubblegum-ish florals and dewy, fresh fruit. It’s sticky fruits and humid honeysuckle. Really the best way I can describe Palimpsest at this stage is like Juicy Fruit gum and steamy, tropical ylang-ylangs. With wear, it reminds me of peaches and mangoes in a white floral custard. It’s a creamy, lactonic fruity-floral. What surprises me about Palimpsest is that the fruits linger all the way into the dry-down. It’s like sweet banana chips and suede with a boozy vanilla-scented sugar.

Palimpsest is one of those sophisticated fruity-florals, more complex than the commercial stuff. It has layers and reminds me of a few unrelated scent memories. From Juicy Fruit in the bottom of my grandmother’s leather purse to tiki cocktails consumed on tropical island vacations to Southern peach orchards…

Notes listed include gamma dodecalatone, phenyl acetic acid, yuzu, jasmine, peach, ylang-ylang, firetree, vanilla and ambergris. Launched 2014. PERFUMER – Mandy Aftel

Give Palimpsest a try if you like fruity florals. Or perfumes like Huitieme Art Manguier Métisse, Sarah Horowitz Perfect Nectar, Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Fraiche Passiflore, Smell Bent Fuzzy Teacup and/or Fresh Fig Apricot.

Projection and longevity are average which is above average for a natural perfume!

The EDP retails for $180 at Aftelier. Samples are also available for purchase.

Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Peach and mango in a tropical floral custard. A bright and sophisticated fruity-floral.

Want more reviews? Try…

Chemist in the Bottle

Colognoisseur

Fête à Fête

Australian Perfume Junkies

Now Smell This

*Disclaimer – Sample provided by Aftelier. I am not financially compensated for my reviews. My opinions are my own. Product pic from Aftelier. June Haver pic from Silver Screen Collection.