I’m not wild about citrus fragrances. I don’t dislike them but I do find myself not going out of my way to try them. So, when I had heard that Jul et Mad Terasse à St-Germain was the”citrus” from the line, my immediate response was “Oh, I can wait on this one”. The reviews started popping up on some of my favorite blogs and seemed that most bloggers were falling in love with the other two, Amour de Palazzo and Stilettos on Lex. However, after reading a few reviews, it looked like my pre-conceived notions of Terasse a St – Germain were wrong.
Terassee à St – Germain does open with citrus but I wouldn’t call it a citrus fragrance. It surprises me with its sourness from citrus peels, garden-fresh rhubarb and tart linden blossoms. It’s a bitter, “green” citrus. Unexpectedly, Terasse à St – Germain becomes earthy with a damp patchouli and cottage garden florals like freesia, wisteria and roses. Its cool dampness reminds me of concrete benches in a city park. I even get that “concrete” mineralness with wet moss. Powdery florals emerge. This reminds me of me wearing a pretty French perfume and sitting at a park all dolled up. And it reminds me of late spring at Washington Park Aboretum in Seattle. The base is surprisingly “sultry” with deep woods and musk. I never thought such a bitter scent would dry-down to such a sexy a base!
Out of the initial trio launched by Jul et Mad, Terassee a St – Germain may be my favorite. It’s filled with unexpected contrasts. And it does remind me of happy memories. I met my husband when we were young and completely broke. Parks were free and often where we’d end up on our dates. We’d sit around talking for hours and hours, so happy with each other’s company. This perfume captures the outdoors with a mix of a young woman all dressed up and perfumed with rose, falling in love with a young man all dressed up and perfumed in patchouli. Our 10 year wedding anniversary is this year and I’m happy to wear any scent that reminds me of him. (Yes, you guys can gag. I totally would if I were talking about someone other than myself).
Notes listed include grapefruit, tangerine, rhubarb, freesia, lotus flower, blue rose, musk, sandalwood and Indonesian patchouli. Launch date 2012. PERFUMER – Dorothee Piot
Try Terassee a St – Germain if you like patchouli florals. Or if you like perfumes like Tauer Zeta, Juliette has a Gun Vengeance Extreme, Parfums DelRae Debut and/or Tom Ford White Patchouli. I consider it unisex – a good mix of masculine and feminine.
Projection is average. Longevity is above average. It is an extrait, so it’s concentrated.
The 1.7 oz retails for $280 at Beautyhabit.Samples are also available for purchase. An obvious complaint with this line is the price (which is subjective). All I can say is that I personally don’t own a perfume in this price range.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A damp, patchouli floral. It reminds me of young love.
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That’s a lovely story. It makes me want to try this perfume. Happy Anniversary!!
The anniversary is this August but that’s only an “official” date 🙂
Hi Victoria, I love the idea of ‘wet concrete’. I’ve been thinking about these stone/cold mineral notes a lot recently (after I smelt wet limestone in Clinique’s Wrappings). I wish I had some left so I could see if I can pick up that sensation! Thank you for mention.
I love a good “cold mineral” notes in perfume.
I miss Wrappings. It was wonderful.