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Entries in Fragrance (86)

Tuesday
Jun292021

Hiram Green Vetiver

I was so pleased to learn about Vetiver, the latest creation from natural perfumer Hiram Green. Evoking the spirit of Hollywood's golden era, the fragrance represents something that a sophisticated, urbane leading man might wear. The image of a dapper, witty Cary Grant immediately came to my mind.


Spicy, woody, and a touch smoky, the unisex scent starts off with citrus and sweet ginger, but soon features vetiver, its star ingredient. Two varietals from Haiti and Java were used, which is a clever move in my book; the blend adds an intoxicating but not overwhelming result. Cedarwood and ambrette seed give it a gentle finish, which makes this perfume all the more special.

A spritz of Vetiver and I suddenly feel like Lauren Bacall or Katherine Hepburn in a sleek silk gown. I'm already a vetiver lover in general, so I could be a bit biased; nevertheless, this might be one of my favorites from his entire line.

Available in a 50ml EDP bottle (€155, free sample included) at hiramgreen.com. Free worldwide shipping on purchases over €40. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Monday
Jul202020

Hiram Green Vivacious

Hiram Green's latest creation, Vivacious, is a much-needed breath of fresh air during these stressful times. The violet-themed fragrance sends a jubilant energy to anyone who wears it, which is such an endearing quality to possess. Who wouldn't want that? 

Bergamot, spicy carnation, orris, and amber complete the profile. I liked how the amber didn't overwhelm the composition. Wearing this, I can imagine myself swanning around with violet posies, bringing out my romantic side.  

Available in a 50ml bottle (€155) and as a 1ml sample (€5.40) at hiramgreen.com. U.S. customers can purchase at luckyscent.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Wednesday
Oct302019

Hiram Green Voyage 2019

Hiram Green's new Voyage 2019 perfume is a smooth, lighter version of its 2015 predecessor. It's still beguiling as ever, but the limited edition natural fragrance is reformulated with a more delicate update.  

As before, the Oriental scent opens with a very subtle citrus note. The biggest difference is the addition of the lotus flower, which I really like. Its gentle and sweet personality gives way to a warm pas de deux of vanilla and amber. 

If you enjoyed the original formula, I think you'll love the 2019 version. And, like all of his creations, this one also has great lasting power. Only 280 bottles were created so make your holiday shopping plans soon!

Available in a 50ml bottle (€155) and 1ml sample (€5.40) at HiramGreen.com

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

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Wednesday
Dec122018

Hiram Green Hyde 

If Hyde represents the grand adventures I'll soon embark on, then I'll leap in without hesitation. Smoky and intoxicating, this new unisex fragrance by Hiram Green will seduce anyone who's up for the unexpected.

Hyde is easily one of my favorite natural perfumes of the season. It's bold and spicy but not overwhelming. The leather-themed scent offers up opening notes of lemon and bergamot, which then melds with oakmoss, birch tar, labdanum and cassie flower. Vanilla lends a faint sweetness to mellow out the smokiness. And, it has an impressively long-lasting power. I can still smell it the day after. 

Hyde is available in a 50ml bottle (€144) and 1ml sample (€5) at hiramgreen.com. San Francisco shoppers can also find Hiram's perfumes at Tigerlily

 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

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Thursday
Jun072018

Aftel Archive of Curious Scents

Last Saturday I was invited to visit Mandy Aftel's amazing little Aftel Archive of Curious Scents in Berkeley. A labor of love between Mandy and her husband Foster, this museum took them three years to build and complete. 

Photo credit: Joel Bernstein

This beautiful archive is a special opportunity to see, touch, and smell Mandy's personal collection of antique perfume essences, raw materials, and rare perfumery books. It has taken her thirty years to collect these precious treasures, so we're extremely lucky that she has decided to share them with the public. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and generosity on this topic are boundless.  

Photo credit: Joel BernsteinThere are a lot of fabulous discoveries: an ambergris display; an interactive breakdown of her Curious perfume notes; a custom-built perfume organ that contains over 200 botanical absolutes. You'll get to taste some chocolate that's flavored with your choice of Chef's Essences. As a parting gift you'll also get to choose three letterpress scent strips to take home.

If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, I highly suggest you visit this lovely museum. If you're a perfume lover, this is definitely a must-see. 

Image credit: Joel Bernstein

The Aftel Archive of Curious Scents is open each Saturday from 10am-6pm. Admission is $20 for a 1-hour visit. Tickets and more info are available at www.aftelier.com.

For editorial consideration, a press visit was provided by the brand.

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Friday
Feb022018

Fueguia 1833 Luna Roja

Lately I've been reaching for the Fueguia 1833 Luna Roja to escape the dreariness of winter. The unisex woody fragrance contains fruity notes of plum and rose to balance the oakwood. The plum is what makes this perfume sing. It's the best pick-me-up on a wet, cold day. 

If you haven't tried Fueguia 1833's artisan perfumes before, definitely check out their NYC boutique if you're in the area. The niche perfume company only uses biodegradable ingredients and plant-derived musk for its compositions, making it a sustainable yet luxurious option for discerning fragrance lovers. 

Available in 15ml-100ml ($151-$376) at fueguia.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

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Thursday
Jan042018

Hiram Green Slowdive

Natural perfumer Hiram Green knows how to make us happy during the bleakest days of winter. His latest fragrance, Slowdive, is filled with a beautiful, languorous warmth. It reminds us that the brighter days of spring really aren't that far away. 

Velvety and lush, it opens with orange flower and neroli. Tobacco blossom and beeswax soon follow, with hints of tuberose and dried fruit. This gently seductive perfume features a honeyed resin base, making it extra delicious. For several minutes I felt like I was transported to a field of wildflowers. 

Available in a 1ml sample, 10ml, and 50ml (€5-144) at hiramgreen.com.

 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

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Thursday
Nov162017

Fueguia 1833 Muskara Holiday Collection

Fueguia 1833 has a sumptuous Muskara holiday collection for those seeking luxury gift ideas. 14 special Muskara fragrances were created to celebrate the festive season and each is based on the brand's signature Muskara Phero J perfume. Each composition features only one botanical note, keeping things pure and elegantly simple.

I got to try three fragrances. Muskara Polianthes (tuberose) is sexy, very woody and a bit spicy—basically nothing like an ordinary tuberose. I would even label this as a unisex scent.

Muskara Pelargonium (rose geranium) is true to its botanical profile. It's definitely a floral but it's not overly sweet. In fact, the plant-derived musk helps balance it out. I almost detect a lemongrass note at the dry down. Out of the three, Muskara Apis (honey bee) is my absolute favorite. Its honeyed earthiness makes me want to lick my wrist.

Each exquisite perfume is made with biodegradable plant ingredients and are free of synthetic dyes and preservatives. They're also packaged in a gorgeous wooden gift box that's hand made from fallen tree trunks.

The 2017 Muskara holiday collection ranges from $377 to $922 for 100ml bottles. Available at the Fueguia 1833 NYC boutique (21 Crosby Street) and fueguia.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

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Wednesday
Oct042017

Fueguia 1833 Luz sin Freno

Argentinian niche perfume house Fueguia 1833 just launched their Fall 2017 collection. I'm intrigued by the fact that founder Julian Bedel uses sustainable and biodegradable ingredients. For example, the musk they use in their compositions is of plant origin. These limited edition perfumes are also free of dyes and synthetic preservatives. 

Of the seven new fragrances, I got to check out Luz sin Freno, which is described as a floral citrus blend. I was pleasantly surprised at how unisex this scent is—the warm, punchy spices seem to lift the vibrant lemon  up to a higher octave. It then quickly morphs into a dance with jasmine, showing its feminine side. It's not a predictable composition, which is a very good thing. As for sillage, I can still detect it many hours after initial application. 

Available in 15ml, 30ml and 100ml bottles ($132-$329) at fueguia.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

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Tuesday
Jun272017

Aftelier Curious

Natural perfumer Mandy Aftel just launched Curious, her newest olfactory creation. Named after her Aftel Archive of Curious Scents, the latest Aftelier fragrance offers a special je ne sais quoi to the composition. 

Labeled as a smoky musk perfume, this unique scent reacts differently on each person's skin chemistry. I catch myself sniffing my wrists often as if expecting a new treasure. The light layer of tobacco and smoke shows restraint, adding intrigue without being overwhelming. Sweet hay and creamy Siam wood add wisps of sensuality without being flashy. Dirty orange and orange leaf brightens up and balances out the smoke and musk.

Credit: Joel Bernstein

If you're in the Bay Area, drop by the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents to see how Curious was constructed, note by note. Admission is $20 for a 1-hour visit, open each Saturday 11-6pm. Address: 1518-1/2 Walnut St. Berkeley, CA 94709.

Curious is available as an EDP and liquid perfume ($6-$180) at www.aftelier.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

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