I’m not the Naturals Police nor do I want to be. I could care less whether a perfume is 100% natural or not (unless they are marketing it as such, charging a ton, and it isn’t, that’s a different story). Concerning the perfumes that I enjoy and wear, I don’t care about what goes in it. I’m about results and not the process. Now saying this, I’ve tried many perfumes and I do have a feel for what is believably natural (or mostly natural) or not. What I’m surprised by is when I talk to those interested in perfume is that they are easily influenced by some shredded recycled brown packing paper and rustic labels. I’ve heard people say they only wear naturals and then I ask which are their favorite brands and they say, “L’Occitane and Jo Malone London“. This leaves me internally debating if I should mention that those are not 100% natural but that makes me feel like I’m the Naturals Police and that makes me uncomfortable.
Where I’m going with this is that I’ve heard people say in person and on-line for years that Sonoma Scent Studio “smells amazing for a naturals line”. Somehow Sonoma Scent Studio was lumped in with brands like L’Occitane, Jo Malone London and Kiehl’s even though the line has never marketed itself as natural or said it was natural. I think people mean this as a compliment. They are saying that the line smells “3-D” and actually smells like its namesake. Well, Sonoma Scent Studio has launched a new collection of 100% natural perfumes. I don’t know it if was more about demand (people upset to find that their favorite incense was not 100% natural) or about wanting a challenge (you have to think differently when you restrict your palette), but the line now has three perfumes that are being marketed as natural.
Spiced Citrus Vetiver opens almost like a hard candy. It’s a ginger-orange that is sweet and tart. Spiced Citrus Vetiver starts to remind me of a fizzy ginger beer with a wedge of juicy blood orange. It gets spicier like something that would cure a sore throat. It reminds me of yujacha, a fruity-floral Korean yuzu tea you drink when you have respiratory issues, with a dash of subtle cinnamon. The dry-down is that sandalwood one often picks up in Sonoma Scent Studio (and one of the many reasons why the line is great). It’s a warm sandalwood-vetiver.
Notes listed include blood orange, bergamot, ginger, cinnamon bark, clove bud, jasmine sambac, osmanthus, Sri Lankan vetiver, Indonesian vetiver, Virginian cedar, Indian Mysore sandalwood and vanilla. Launched 2013. PERFUMER – Laurie Erikson
Give Spiced CItrus Vetiver a try if you like juicy citrus or vetiver perfumes. Or if you like Chantecaille Vetyver, CdG Vettiveru, Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien, Diptyque L’eau de Tarocco, Ramon Monegal Entre Naranjos and/or Jo Malone London Vetyver. Spiced Citrus Vetiver is one of those perfectly unisex vetivers. It’s a good eau de cologne substitute or a “daily” perfume. It works in every season.
After my long intro, you do not have to be a fan of all-naturals to enjoy Spice Citrus Vetiver. It’s rather 3-D and realistic. It’s very well done.
Projection and longevity are below average. It wears more like an EDT on my skin.
The 34 ml bottle retails for $125 at Sonoma Scent Studio. Other sizes and samples are available for purchase.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Juicy blood orange, ginger beer and vetiver. It’s a full-bodied citrus vetiver. I think it’s a must try for anyone that likes vetiver. Or anyone that likes some ctirus with some “heft”.
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I’m not a fan of almost anything all-natural (I think it’s a hype more than real benefits) so for me it’s rather a negative characteristic for a perfume since usually it means a lower quality of the scent. The more impressed I get when an all-natural perfume proves to be nice despite of being all-natural. Spiced Citrus Vetiver is one of those perfumes and I have a purse spray of it (that I’ve purchased) to prove that. I like it as my sleep scent – it’s deep and calming.
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I guess this is why I talk about that some in this post. To me, it doesn’t mean that a perfume is “better” either. What I’m saying (or tried to say) with this one is that it is a great perfume compared to all of the perfumes that I’ve tried. Compared to all-naturals, it’s outstanding. I can see many people that like vetiver or citrus liking this one just as much or more than the department store/high end offerings.
I can see why you purchased a small bottle. For me, it’s “mind clearing”. It brings me some sort of clarity…like fresh air.
Thanks so much for the review, Victoria! I don’t believe that all-natural perfumes are superior either, but I wanted to try making some all-naturals for a number of reasons. I do receive some requests for all-natural scents, and I live in an area where all-natural products are popular. I also thought it would be a fun challenge to make some scents with a palette restricted to naturals. I’m glad you liked the citrus vetiver!
After trying Spiced Citrus Vetiver, I’m happy that you are working with naturals (which I know can be challenging to work with).
I also imagine living where you do that you are often inspired by the natural beauty and draw inspiration from it. I can see how it would inspire natural compositions.
Thanks for sharing!
Not the Naturals Police – Lol Victoria. I don’t mind naturals because I am also happy to reapply. I rotate between naturals over a week with the other ‘fumes that I waft. This one though is outstanding and very enjoyable in winter or summer. I will wear this today.
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I just want people to wear what they like!
It’s pretty clear that I do wear naturals and like quite a few from reading my blog. But, I don’t only wear naturals. Nor do I brag about wearing naturals…especially questionable “naturals”. I just wear what I like.
This is a great one. And I agree, excellent for any time of the year.