Hiya Posse! Sorry, it’s taken me a while to notice this beauty. Usually when Les Liquides Imaginaires releases something new I’m all over it. You’d think with this gorgeous blue bottle I’d have noticed it too. It slipped under my radar. The name Abyssis? Liquides Imaginaires has this to say,“Abyssis is the fragrance that embodies the power and mystery of the legendary sea monster. Inspired by Norse sagas from the thirteenth century, Abyssis is a scent that will take you on a journey to the deepest depths of the ocean.” The rest of the blurb is insufferable so I left it out. You’re welcome.
Abyssis by Liquides Imaginaires 2022
Liquides Imaginaires gives these featured accords:
Top: Calypsone, White Pepper Co2, Black Pepper
Heart: Cedarwood, Ambrofix, Sandalwood
Base: Styrax, Cosmone, Sylkolide
I had not heard of perfumer Shyamala Maisondieu before but you may know some of the work she has singed off on. Carner Barcelona Palo Santo, Tom Ford Oud Minerale, Prada Paradox, Aquiline Pink Sugar, and Lancome Idole are just a few. Abyssis is her third of Liquides Imaginaires.
The opening blast is ocean spray and pepper over a sharp, freshly hewn wood. While being a salty aquatic it’s not like the gym men’s dressing room in 1990. Less alone and more nuance. Driftwood, not a cucumber margarita. The heart is still lightly salted wood but it becomes fleshy and maybe not warm but warmer.
Here’s a weird analogy for you. You’ve taken your clean dog to the beach and when you get home, all dry and sand free you put your face on its tummy. There is the softest skin that smells like flesh but also the remnants of being immersed in salt water and running through the sand to dry off. Not EXACTLY that but it’s the feeling the smell evokes for me.
Dry down is a sexy woodsy and resinous wash, still with that lightly salty twang.
Though Abyssis feels aimed at the guys I reckon a woman would rock it beautifully. Longevity is excellent and projection moderate, low after the first hour or so but still hums away. A little goes a long way.
I bought my decant from Surrender To Chance. Yes, they are my friends.
Also, I wrote about their Peau de Bete here.
Have you rediscover aquatics yet? Does Abyssis sound like it might be a good place to start?
Portia xx
This is a probably not for me. Still, if it popped up in a shop I’d have a go. I love the smells of dog belly and paws after a walk — leaf mould, grass, plus corn chips. But we don’t do the beach here any more due to pollution from the local water company. Evil.