I remember when Ormonde Jayne launched with three fragrances in 2002. I think I’m correct in listing those as Ormonde Woman (just called Ormonde back then), Frangipani and Champaca. And I recall sitting at work trying to think through which one I would buy – because there was so much positive hype around the brand that I ‘knew’ at least one of the perfumes would work for me. I vaguely recall I ended up buying Frangipani and thinking it was beautiful, but then somehow not enough to keep it. I don’t remember where it went. Maybe it was traded away on Makeup Alley for something I liked more. I also ended up later buying a bottle of Ormonde Woman and again I don’t know where that ended up. The point being that while I did and do think Ormonde Jayne fragrances are beautiful and very well done I have yet to meet one that I wanted to keep.
When I recently bought a sample of the new Tauer (see last week’s post) I threw in one of the new Ormonde Jayne Evernia because you just never know. This is from the Signature Collection and was released this year.
It’s supposed to be a riff on oakmoss, that so very important note in perfumery.
Notes include oakmoss, cashmeran, orris root, pink pepper, rose, black currant, jasmine and freesia.
On me, this opens with a mossy, loamy smell which is quite striking. But, that lasts for about 2 minutes. Then, I get this weird aquatic pepperminty thing which is seriously not good on me. Like slightly nauseating and get this off me. I persevered – because I felt I should. As things warmed up a bit I got some rose and maybe a bit of black currant. That sort of helped to mitigate the aquatic/peppermint thing, but not a lot. It does get a bit resiny, but I still can’t get past the water/mint thing.
(Note next morning: This is tenacious and it is really not good on me. Generic men’s cologne smell which didn’t go away even after shower.)
So, alas, another OJ that doesn’t do it for me.
I’m thinking the next couple of weeks should be fairly quiet work-wise. One weekly note I tend to do had a disclaimer on Friday stating readers would next see it in early January. I love European clients who actually think they should have time off during the holidays.
I lit the Diptyque Biscuit candle for the season. It is soft and sweet and very pleasant. Not big and loud but very mouth-watering and enjoyable. Am liking it a lot.
So, have you tried the new OJ? Positive/negative if yes? Are you looking at a busy or quiet Xmas if you celebrate (things will be quiet-ish here)? Best wishes for the season — as I won’t be writing again till the 27th.
A perfume pal had an OJ sample set so we could try them at one go. There was a fairly common note I didn’t care for in the dry down. Jaynerade? Did buy the Note-free Tiare at a discounted price and it’s been nice if not a Bub candidate.
Maybe pink pepper? I recall her perfumes being among the first to have this note (before it became ubiquitous).
I’ve yet to find The One in OJayne, though I’ve tried a lot of them. For oakmoss (which I love) my go-to is Liz Zorn/Soihvole appropriately named Oakmoss. Lush, green-grey, slightly acid/sweet. Perfect oakmoss.
xoxoxo
It makes sense to me that Liz Zorn would do a wonderful oak moss fragrance. The green-grey — that’s not there at all in the OJ.
I’ve been searching for my favourite OJ for years and after sampling more or less 15 different perfumes, I’ve concluded that OJ Woman would be the right one for me…and I still didn’t buy it. I just didn’t fall in love with it to justify the price. Meanwhile I’ve discovered that OJ Man is even better but I’m still not convinced…
I haven’t tried Evernia.
My holidays should be quiet – some time with friends and family, walking and reading books, learning.
Wishing you happy holidays and a wonderful Christmas time.
A quiet holiday period sounds wonderful to me. Here, it will be reading, cooking, dog walking, being vague.
Ormonde Jane Woman with lemon sprayed on top. Too much money to need to do this.
Lemon on top? How does that alter the fragrance? In any case, yes, too much money to have to faff with the perfume to love it.
Hey Cinnamon,
Ormonde Jayne is funny for me. I fall madly in love, buy a bottle or travel in a split, wear it for a short while and then don’t. I do very occasionally pick up Sampaquita but the others sit ignored.
I’m going to try and get them all on my skin this week.
Portia xx
I really really wanted to adore OJ Woman. I do think it’s a great perfume. But almost just isn’t all the way.
My favorite and the only bottle I own gifted from my sister, is OJ Rose Gold. I adore it. I think OJ perfumes are well-done; however, for the price point not loves for me.
Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating!
Not sampled that. Indeed, pricey. With so many things now you really have to love it to drop the dosh.
I do like some OJs. I have travel sizes of Ta’if, Tiare & Frangipani. I did have a full bottle of Tolu, since sold on.
I like the three travel sprays, Ta’if felt like my rose for some time, then I received a bottle of Lyric Woman & Ta’if lost its place.
Like you OJ is nice but ????
Reading your review I’ll sample 4160Tuesdays Oakmossy rather than OJ Evernia.
Happy holidays to all
Tolu is another one I really wanted to love. Sigh. One of the wonderful things about 4160 Tuesdays is if it takes your fancy there’s no thinking about sampling — it’s just cost-effective and easy.
Like you, I bought several OJs and then traded them away or sold them as they just weren’t a big love for me. I eventually stopped even testing them as none are wonderful to me.
I’m enjoying my Biscuit candle, as well as Cire Trudon Bayonne (smells of chocolate and spice).
We are going on a road trip north and will be gone for about 10 days, some of it visiting family. Crossing fingers that part remains peaceful and stress-free. Happy holidays to you!
Will have to look at the CT Bayonne. I continue to nurture the dream of a 5-star hotel in Paris for Xmas next year. Road trips are great as long as you’re not doing all the driving.