Tag: balsm

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Memo Paris Tiger’s Nest Perfume Review

May 10, 2019

Memo Paris Tiger’s Nest is inspired by a sacred Buddhist monastery in Bhutan nested in the Himalayas. So even though the design on the bottle wants you to believe this is a perfume about tigers, it’s not really that. This isn’t some feral musk composition but instead a meditative incense perfume.

Tiger’s Nest opens with a radiance that I find unexpected. It’s a liturgical frankincense with fizzy, champagne-like aldehydes. In addition, it’s spicy with both warm/cool spices (i.e. clove, cardamom). The heart is frankincense and balsamic incense resins. It wears rather linear or at… Continue reading

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Ormonde Jayne Tsarina Perfume Review

October 24, 2018

Ormonde Jayne Tsarina

Ormonde Jayne Tsarina is supposed to be the brand’s “opulent” fragrance, the brand itself describes it as a “powerhouse” with imagery of brocade, furs and jewels. I found this interesting because I’d never use the word “powerhouse” to describe a Ormonde Jayne perfume despite many of my descriptions/review of Ormonde Jayne perfumes that come across as “powerhouse”. White Gold, a jasmine soliflore, smells like jewels and wealth. Ta’if, a warm rose, is a perfume that never ceases to gain me a few compliments. The… Continue reading | 2 Comments

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Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles EDP Perfume Review

January 18, 2013

Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles

Fille en Aiguilles is the best pine fragrance ever made.

Fille en Aiguilles opens with spiced apple cider, snow on pine trees and a flickering fire. This is an atmosphere; Fille en Aiguilles is a place. It’s a picturesque chalet in the mountains and you’re by the fire looking out the window, watching water droplets roll down fir branches and icicles morph into longer, glistening shapes. You feel the steam of warm apple cider hit your cheeks before you take a sip. The… Continue reading | 18 Comments

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Roxana Illuminated Perfume Hedera Helix Review

February 24, 2012

Roxana Illuminated Perfumes Hydra Helix

Roxana Illuminated Perfume is a line of artisanal perfumes that are hand-crafted using natural ingredients in a base of organic grape and grain alcohol. Inspired by English ivy, Hedera Helix is described as “Spiraling into a sweet pasture of verdant ivy, on a mossy bed of flowers.” And it is. Hedera Helix is a wonderfully complex chypre with layers.

Hedera Helix is a green. If Hedera Helix were a color, it’d be a deep emerald green, like the shade of ivy. Hedera Helix is… Continue reading | 6 Comments

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DSH Perfumes Vanille Botanique EDP Natural Perfume Review

January 10, 2012

DSH Perfumes Vanille Botanique

DSH Perfumes Vanille Botanique is the most decadent vanilla themed perfume that has ever touched my skin. It’s so rich and luxurious that I almost feel guilty wearing it because it’s one of the most self-indulgent, lavish perfumes ever created. And that’s why I love it.

Vanille Botanique smells so good the opening is a rich vanilla complimented by old-fashioned mosses and a hint of retro florals. But, trust me, this is all about the vanilla. The vanilla in this is sweet, balsamic, rich… Continue reading | 14 Comments