[unpaid/sample/ad/affiliate] I’d never come across the term ‘garrigue’ until now and a bit of searching finds that it translates as wild Mediterranean coastal vegetation. Rather than describing one particular plant variant, the word embodies the mix as a whole. Used in wine terms, and fragrance, of course, it represents aromas that are given from the – often herbal – carpet of wild plants, such as thyme and lavender. We can leave the most literal translation of ‘scrubland’ out of things :-).
I find this a very soothing fragrance – it’s surprisingly calming with some clean, powdery notes behind the orange blossom that make me think of soft, laundered sheets. The initial spritz is where the herbs lie and they’re nicely wrapped in neroli and bergamot – enough to take the sharp edges away – and become fuller as the fragrance settles.
While it’s orange blossom that is the star, don’t think – as we probably all do – of the Jo Malone version (it’s my benchmark for any orange blossom fragrance) because the blossom isn’t nearly as present in this. White musk and sandalwood lie at the base but it’s so beautifully blended that no one thing dominates. I find it very nurturing and peaceful. Weirdly, the inspiration is the town of Grasse, which, while I am sure smells absolutely lovely (many bitter orange trees apparently), seems an uninspired choice, given how many fragrances emanate from there. When I think of Grasse, I think of roses – and that’s years of featuring Dior, I think! Anyway, this is a considered purchase at £110 HERE (or £75 for 50ml HERE) but it feels exactly the right thing for the mood of the moment. Non affiliate link is HERE.
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4 comments
Oh golly this sounds so lovely. Grasse is ‘lavender’ to me, on account of the region’s harvests…..would you detect any in this at all? I love it. But orange flower is my number one, so your description is really selling this to me.
I’ve been casting about for an autumn scent, unwilling to go down the amber route for a change. I’d never have found this, thank you.
I really do like it – no, I really don’t pick up any lavender but then, my nose isn’t the most sensitive – to me, orange flower is more of a wrapper for the other notes.. a clever blend that settles down to something very wearable but you can enjoy the changing nature – after a couple of hours there is much less of the herb/plant aspect and more of the woods and orange. Lovely.
I too associate Grasse with lavender, I have actually been there to the Fragonard factory there and bought a mini Soleil fragrance, I really enjoyed the tour. You must go to Grasse someday, Jane! x
I want to!