Atelier Cologne Clémentine California is perfume inspired by sunny Los Angeles. Los Angeles is one of those places that I love when I’m not there. I actually spend a lot of time thinking about moving there, fantasizing about year-round perfect weather, Art Deco architecture and endless sunshine. But, as soon as I’m there, I want to leave. I can’t really explain this phenomenon. I guess I love the idea of Los Angeles more than actually being there? I truly have a love/hate relationship with one of the U.S.’s best cities. Anyway, to the perfume…
As you’d guess, Clementine California is a citrus perfume. It opens with the peel of mandarins – sweet, sour and pithy. It wears as “orange” – a sweeter orange. I absolutely love this opening, but alas, an opening like this never lasts too long. The heart adds some dry spices and vague greenness. I swear I get some jasmine in there too that makes this perfume seem like it also contains orange blossoms. The opening and heart really do come across as warm and sunny. Honestly, the rest of the fragrance disappoints me. It’s a vague,green vetiver, chemical-y woods and pale musk. It’s one of those bases that I can’t even remember when I’m sniffing it.
I like Clémentine California. If someone were to give me a bottle, I wouldn’t complain. However, I think I can find something similar for less (i.e. Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic and the budget-friendly 4711 Acqua Colonia Blood Orange & Basil). I love to wear citrus perfumes, especially in the summer. But, I rarely spend that much on them since by design they’re made to be sheer and have a bad reputation when it comes to longevity. But, this may be just be my personal philosophy. Price/value is truly subjective.
Notes listed include mandarin orange, clementine, juniper berry, basil, pepper, star anise, sandalwood, cypress and Haitian vetiver. Launched in 2016.
Give Clémentine California a try if you like orange perfumes. Or perfumes like Arquiste L’Etrog Acqua, Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine, Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic, 4711 Acqua Colonia Blood Orange & Basil, Lancôme Ô Oui! and/or Clarins Eau des Jardins.
Projection and longevity are below average; yet, it’s about average for citrus-centric perfumes.
Clementine California comes in a few sizes with the 3.3 oz retailing for $130 at Sephora and Nordstrom.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Sweet oranges and vetiver. It’s a perfectly adequate perfume. I wouldn’t say it’s exceptional or anything. I wouldn’t say it’s the best in the genre from the line (I like perfumes like Orange Sanguine and Pomelo Paradis better). It’s just a citrus perfume that smells nice. You can probably find something that fits the bill for less.
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*Sample obtained by me. Product pic from the brand. Lana Turner from Dr.Macro. Post contains affiliate links. Thanks!
I have a deluxe sample that I do enjoy wearing on hot, humid days. Want to try something fun? Layer over a vanilla for the scent of a dreamsicle. The Clementine California will last longer if used over a base with a better longevity. I’ve also paired it with Clean Skin for less sweetness.
Oh, good ideas! I bet that is wonderful! I still have some of this left and a roll-on of Clean Skin so I’ll give it a try 🙂
Hi Victoria
I love how your review of Clementine California is similar to your feelings on Los Angeles. I grew up close to LA and have the same feelings for the city that you have: it’s great when I’m there, but I’m always VERY happy to drive away from the city at the end of the day (or night, or weekend…). Much like the fragrance, I adore the the city when I first arrive, but by the end of the day – I think you put it best in your review – “I can’t even remember when I’m sniffing it.”
I have a few Atelier Cologne fragrances that I really like, and enough citrus colognes to last a lifetime, so I’ll probably pass on this….but you do make the opening sound tempting!!
School’s back in session for me, so I’m absolutely hating the So Cal weather right now (111 degrees yesterday!!!) – it feels too hot to do anything, let alone teach dance to a bunch of over-heated and dehydrated college students. Hope school is going better for you…..
I think the same can be said about NYC too. I love it so much but I also have this strong desire to flee…all the time. My brain feels better when I take a break from it. I also think this is why so many people have hideaways in the mountains or at least make friends with people that do. LA seems very much the same in this way.
The opening of this is gorgeous. It’s so bright and juicy. The base is a let down for me, but it’s pleasant. It’s just one of those bases that was made to please so much that it isn’t anything at all.
Oh, me too. I had none and then I started stocking up on a few things. Now I’m stocked with citrus!
The West Coast is getting no relief. I couldn’t believe the temps I was reading for SF! School has started. It’s a bit of a shocker going back into it. I feel like I got stupid over the summer even though I had a class. How does this happen so quickly?