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Oh-So-Organic Perfume!
by Danielle De Feo
Natural perfumes have caused a stir of late, with perfumers from Hilde Soliani to L’Artisan Parfumeur (both available from our friends at LuckyScent (www.luckyscent.com) giving the concept a try. This week, my top picks from two new brands to make you smell deliciously different, and planet-friendly!
1. Honoré des Près (www.honoredespres.com/)
The brainchild of “nose” par excellence Olivia Giacobetti, this brand is fresh, fun, imaginative and in love (with the planet). Conceptualized around the life and times of a fictional girl named Honoré, the brand advertises itself as “Truly Organic, Terribly French”. My picks for Spring: Nu Green comes highly recommended from our friends at London boutique Les Senteurs (http://www.lessenteurs.com). Its combination of minty, grassy opening notes, anise-scented tarragon and a warm, dry cedar base make a fresh de-stresser that’s a hit with Brit It-Girls. Sexy Angellic melts a warm, waxy almond with angelica and a sprig of powdery herbal flower stems. Be warned: these delightful fragrances are addictive to be sure, but somewhat lack staying power. Try spraying on a scarf or shirt collar to make them stick around.
2. Pooja: perfumes by Evan Healy (www.evanhealy.com)
Pooja means worship in several Indian languages. Mistress of all things organic, Evan Healy has now tried her hand at fragrance with a range of attars/ittrs (perfume oils) that respect the earth, and your skin. If “perfume oil” sounds heavy, adjust your expectations: these are long-lasting, and warm, and yes, they can be perceived by those around you, but no more so than a robust standard fragrance; you certainly won’t be mistaken for a teenager who raided a head shop. Try the Saffron essence, which starts off like an Indian saffron-scented dessert but then develops into a soft pairing of saffron and sandalwood that lingers.
On the flip side is Vetiver Ginger Lily, a unisex oil that stands tradition on its head, opening with a powerful vetiver like a musty wooden closet before morphing into a citrus-laced, slightly floral scent that packs a musky woody punch. Good for those seeking something truly original. Perfume-mavens take note: Evan Healy gives Yosh Han a serious run for her money at a fraction of the price.