I have now been home for something over a week and alas I don’t have a huge amount to say about the rest of the trip bar it was wonderful to see friends and it’s hard to see us age.
Plus, I caught something at the end of the very short trip: either mild food poisoning or a vague gut bug. So, I’ve not been the happiest bunny this past week. Finally, feeling more on even keel Friday.
Anyway, did I do anything perfume related? Well, of course, yes, but it was a bit irritating and vague.
I did get to Liberty on my first day up country. The weather was glorious, so I walked. Not hugely long but around a half hour stroll in the sunshine.
At Liberty, I made a beeline for the Frederic Malle counter based on Tom’s post on the new one, Contre-Jour. Now, a new Malle remains cause for excitement. And I read Tom’s comments with interest.
Liberty was busy, as was the Malle concession, so I just grabbed a blotter and sprayed – and then went for a little stroll around before smelling it.
Very taken aback once I did. The twitches from the get-go. As Tom noted, only three notes are listed: everlasting flower (immortelle), ‘punk’ rose and sandalwood. I should be fine with all three.
But in this combo, I got sour and strong, but with a very soft undercurrent of sweet (which I would guess is the sandalwood or something that didn’t make the list). A very definite no and I was glad I hadn’t sprayed it on skin.
The nose for this is Annick Menardo and I had thought she’d done something else for Malle, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. And it’s unclear whether she was brought on by Malle before he sold the brand … or not. She did do Dior Hypnotic Poison which I love. But, this is not for me.
Anyway, my other perfume experience was in a discounter in West London with a very dear friend who I originally met through perfume ages ago. An interesting discounter in that it had a combo of a quite decent selection of solid brands plus stuff from the Middle East plus dupes. In normal circumstances I would have loved it but I was already starting to feel out of sorts.
In any case it had a load of Clinique Aromatics Elixir and again in normal times I think I would have bought around three cheap backups.
The friend did give me a travel size of Maison Crivelli Cuir InfraRouge. Portia has written about a number of Crivellis but not this one.
As noted, cuir. This is listed as a fruity leather and that’s what I get.
The marketing noise is the perfume ‘captures the essence of electronic music parties, with their pulsating, fluorescent neon lights, raspberry cocktails, upbeat playlists and leather chairs’. Yeah, ok, but actually yes. It does have the feel of Danceteria in NYC in the 1980s.
Notes: bergamot, cinnamon, raspberry, cedarwood, orris, osmanthus, leather accord, oud accord, patchouli, vanilla CO2, and tonka bean. So, this is a slightly sweet, fruity leather. The raspberry accord is very good: big, true to fruit and juicy. It is very dominant in the opening.
As it develops, this is more balanced leather/fruit. It is interesting and well done – and if leather is your thing very worth a sniff.
The fruit recedes in the drydown, and you get a very smooth, suave leather.
It’s an extrait de parfum so big and dense and pricey. 50ml is 200 euros.
So, there I am – and very ready for spring!
Pics: mine, pexels, wiki parfums
Glad you’re feeling better! It’s difficult when you’re on the edge of ick. The Crivelli line sounds interesting… and it’s one I haven’t explored.
I am glad you’re feeling better and enjoyed reading about how you found the Malle. I am still on the fence about it but applaud them for doing something that not everyone is going to like.
Our local Cos Bar got rid of the Malles (sadface) so my attempt to sniff the new one was a fail. The fruity leather sounds delightful, though! Glad you are feeling a bit better, stomach drama is the worst.
Whatever the ill was it appears to have receded thank goodness. I’m starting to think it’s going to get harder to find Malle.
And you’d think it would be the reverse, with them now being owned by Godzilla
Cinnamon,
Thanks for sharing about the rest of your London trip and your scent sniffing. I’m glad at least one of the fragrances was a success. I’m still thinking about that marvelous tea, wondering if I can plan to go to something like that too.
There’s a solar system tea at a hotel I’m now curious about. When one digs all kinds or strange and wonderful things pop up.
The Crivelli sounds pretty but grown up. As for Malle, now it’s part of ELC group, I shall no longer be buying.
The raspberry aspect is really so good — and surprising. As to Malle, I don’t know. But, I’m not encouraged.
LOVE those Maison Crivelli travel sizes Cinnamon. So sensible.
Bummer about the new Malle.
Was the sunshine restorative on your walk? Something I really love is a wander through soft sunlight.
Portia xx
Be very interested to hear your thoughts on this if you try it. It’s growing on me — that interesting interplay of leather and fruit.
The sun was restorative — very apt descriptive. Shame we then went back to colder and grey. Mother Nature promises warmer weather soon…
I’m sincerely tempted to try the Malle.
Enjoy the shoulder season, I love when it’s spring and autumn. It’s baby bear season for me.