Houbigant Quelques Fleurs is one of those perfumes that I have history with. It was one of those perfumes that I wore before I even knew I loved perfume; we have some great memories together. Houbigant has launched a flanker to the L’Original. When someone is making a flanker to a perfume launched in the 1910’s, I’m going to assume it shares few similarities (if any at all). For the sake of this review, I’m going to focus on Jardin Secret and not L’Original. I just don’t think it’s fair to compare a new perfume to something with such a history (both historically and personally for me).
Quelques Fleurs Jardin opens with a green, bitter neroli, dazzling aldehydes and a note that reminds me of almond blossoms (not in the note list). The neroli is mixed with a honeyed, soft, floral note and a peppery Earl Grey tea. At this stage, it’s a “yellow” floral with a peppery narcissus and lemon-y magnolia. It wears as a gorgeous bouquet. Fleurs Jardin brings out all those nuances of flowers – citrus, powder, honey, musk. As it dries down, it’s a powdery iris. This sounds “old fashioned” but it is one of those modern irises with modern woods and white musk. Overall, I’d describe the base as a powdery-floral.
I’m very pleased with this perfume. I don’t want a Quelques Fleurs clone. If I did, I’d wear that. My favorite type of perfumes are those that are “classic” but modern. That’s perfumes like Chanel No. 5 L’Eau , Molinard Habanita L’Esprit or Oscar de la Renta Esprit d’Oscar. I like perfumes that are classic but not too overwhelming. There’s a time and a place for “period pieces” but for the most part, my daily life isn’t equipped for me to walk around smelling like oakmoss and mink furs. This why I’m drawn to “Nouveau Classics”. I’m attracted to their elegance but also their ease of wear. I love the L’Original but it often feels overpowering and it doesn’t fit with my life right now. Fleurs Jardin does.
Notes listed include bergamot, mandarin, orange, neroli, magnolia, narcissus, rose, orange blossom, jasmine, orris, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, ambrette, white musk and musk. Launched in 2017. PERFUMER – Luca Maffei
Give Jardin Secret a try if you like floral perfumes, powdery florals or iris. Or perfumes like Oscar de la Renta Esprit d’Oscar, modern Chanels (including Les Exclusifs) and/or even perfumes like Hermès Eau de Narcisse Bleu.
Projection is average. Longevity is above average. But, it’s an extrait and that’s what I expect.
The 3.4 oz retails for $190 at Nordstrom.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A flower garden fantasy. As someone that loves florals and Nouveau Classics, I’m loving this perfume. It play up everything I love about flowers all in one perfume – powder, honey, citrus, greens and musk.
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*Disclaimer – Sample provided by PR. I am not financially compensated for my reviews. My opinions are my own. Product pic from the brand. April Ashley pic from fanpix.net. She was a model in the 1960’s. It’s worth reading her biography which her covers her life as a model as trans women and all that she has accomplished in her life. Post contains an affiliate link. Thanks!
This sounds like something I would really like. Thanks for the heads up!
🙂
This reminds me I need to try this!
Tangential, but I’m thinking about it–my aunt loves to go to estate sales and auctions, and she bought a box full of vintage perfumes at auction for me last year. A lot of it I can’t identify, but there’s some great stuff in there too, including a nearly-full bottle of Houbigant Musk. The sprayer is broken, so it just sort of leaks out the top rather than spray evenly, but it smells great. Score!
What a great find! Also, happy it all went to someone that can appreciate it all 🙂
This sounds great! I’m a sucker for a great yellow floral, especially with honey and green aspects. I also embarrassingly realize I have never actually tried Quelques Fleures.
Also, I’m feeling the picks for your current mood. I’ve adored those Sam Edelman booties for a couple months and am loving that trend. But I think the heels a little too high for me. I’m a wuss. I’m super tempted to blind buy that Caron as well as Yatagan, Pour un Homme, and 3rd Man. I feel like I’ll love all of those. I’m seeing another gap in not having tried Caron masculines.
I love the L’Orignal but my issue is A. it’s a powerhouse so I must be in the mood for it. B. I wore it during a certain part of my life that wasn’t bad but also I felt I’ve “outgrown” it. Having something new but within that theme of pretty, classic florals is really nice.
Aren’t those gorgeous? I haven’t bought them and probably won’t. I walk so much that flats are the most sensible choice. And I feel like these wouldn’t be *terrible* BUT I’d wear that heel down and it’d look pretty awful after a few wears of my extreme abuse. But, they are so pretty and I’m really digging this opulence trend.
I think these are worth snatching up because the prices are good and I always worry about them being discountinued or reformulated.