• About
  • Login to comment
    • Facebook
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Now Smell This

a blog about perfume

Menu ▼
  • Perfume Reviews
  • New Perfumes
  • Perfumers
  • Perfume Houses
  • Shop for perfume
  • Resources

Iris fragrances: a few more to consider

Posted by Robin on 23 September 2005 43 Comments

With apologies to those who hate iris and so have been bored stiff by the iris-fest this week, here are a few more iris fragrances worth considering:

Frederic Malle Iris Poudre: Created by Pierre Bourdon, and featuring notes of bergamot, rosewood, ylang ylang, carnation, magnolia, jasmine, lily of the valley, violet, rose, aldehydes, iris, musk, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, and ebony. Iris Poudre starts as a sweet, velvety, and very lady-like floral blend; as it dries down, it takes on darker, more interesting undertones. It is powdery but not overwhelmingly so.

It is a beautiful fragrance, very elegant and grown-up and sophisticated, and just miles away from the earthy, outdoorsy iris scents featured here earlier this week. I tried Iris Poudre briefly last year, and it struck me as so ill-suited to my personality that I felt almost like an imposter wearing it. I have been meaning to give it another try and hopefully will manage that soon.

Côté Bastide Iris: This is a summery Eau de Toilette splash. It starts as a light, fresh floral with citrus top notes, and dries down to a soft floral blend with a subdued iris note. Like many from this line, it is better appreciated as a refreshing pick-me-up than anything else, as it is neither complex nor long lasting. $72 for 500 ml at beautyhabit.

Dior Homme, which Marlen reviewed last week, is nicely done, but like Marlen I found it a bit too sweet for my taste. It is worth trying, especially if you like a dash of cocoa in your fragrance. I did not find it at all too masculine to wear.

Also check out Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile and Miller Harris Terre d'Iris.

Did I miss something wonderful? Please comment.

Note: the lovely illustration is courtesy of Laura from Laurelines.

Filed Under: perfume talk
Tagged With: cote bastide, frederic malle, iris, pierre bourdon

Advertisement


43 Comments

Leave a comment, or read more about commenting at Now Smell This. Here's our privacy policy, and a handy emoticon chart.

  1. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 10:14 am

    I enjoyed the Iris Week so much, R.! I know what you mean about Iris Poudre, I felt like an impostor myself, I don't know why, it should have suited me rather well I thought…oh well, there are many Malle's I do like, which like me in return :-) What is your favorite from the line?

    Log in to Reply
  2. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 10:30 am

    Iris Poudre is one of those scents that I love the idea OF. I'd really like to be the kind of woman this perfume 'fitted'. But, like you R, I feel like an imposter wearing it. It sits on me like a designer outfit that needs someone taller and thinner to carry it off! But for the right woman, it's signature scent material.

    Log in to Reply
  3. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 10:43 am

    I cannot be bored by iris! It is one of my favourite notes. I love Iris Poudre, because it has richness and powderiness that marks my beloved classical compositions. For me, it conjures a feeling of touching an iris petal.

    I now need to try CB Iris, although I can almost imagine what it is like.

    Log in to Reply
  4. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 10:59 am

    Hi! As a newcomer who's been lurking for a bit, I wanted to say that I really enjoy your blog in general–and I've enjoyed iris week in particular, partially becuase I haven't tried many of these fragrances. Your wonderful review moved me to try a sample of Bois d'Iris that I hadn't gotten to yet–and I loved it, even without spraying (must get more atomizers–but it lasted well on me even dabbed, unlike Divine Bergamote, which I absolutely must spray). Now, to catch up on the others you described: I generally really like SL and FM but I haven't tried the iris in either (oh dear, poor CC). Thanks again!

    Log in to Reply
  5. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 11:01 am

    Love iris too – so I can never be bored. Besides your reviews are always great to read – even perfumes i dislike! ;)

    Iris Poudre is great – possibly my fav from Chez Malle.

    CB Iris is OK – I like the shower mousse – which they have now discontinued. :(

    Dior Homme is pleasant – not buying it.

    The others are good too.

    I really love Bois d'Argent by Dior and may splurge one day – when my ship comes in with pots of money.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    xoxo

    Log in to Reply
  6. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 11:39 am

    Did Laureanne paint that? It is absolutely beautiful!

    No, I never get bored with iris, or with anything that you review for that matter. :)

    Love and hugs!

    Log in to Reply
  7. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 11:41 am

    M, Parfum de Therese is my favorite. It is just a brilliant composition. But it isn't an everyday kind of fragrance so I probably reach for En Passant & Eau d'Hiver more often.

    Log in to Reply
  8. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 11:42 am

    Yes, I would have to be taller, thinner, and have much better clothes & accessories than I do!

    Log in to Reply
  9. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 11:42 am

    V, you probably know — is this much, much cheaper in France? It comes in a vat-sized bottle but to my mind is still overpriced for what it is.

    Log in to Reply
  10. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 11:44 am

    Hello & welcome! So glad you like Bois d'Iris. Have you tried Hiris yet? It is the easiest of all these to get your hands on.

    Log in to Reply
  11. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 11:45 am

    Thank you N! I do hope that same ship visits me soon too, LOL — and then we will buy the whole Dior trio :-)

    Log in to Reply
  12. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 11:46 am

    Oops…I meant the CB.

    Log in to Reply
  13. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 11:48 am

    Yes, isn't it gorgeous? Hugs, and have a great weekend R!!

    Log in to Reply
  14. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 12:05 pm

    Thanks for all the delightful iris reviews, R. I'd like to add a good word for Santa Maria Novella Iris, a lovely scent that I've been wearing a lot lately. Have you smelled this one?

    Log in to Reply
  15. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 12:22 pm

    LOL – let us keep praying for that ship! ;)

    xoxo

    Log in to Reply
  16. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 12:22 pm

    I have loved iris week. I've learned a lot, as I do each time I come here. My opinions: CB Iris is a lovely summer splash-on in this hot part of the world. It has quite a bit of citrus in it. Miller Harris Terre d'Hiris is really pretty. I almost bought it and yet I didn't because I'm not a wholehearted iris fan. I had high hopes for Iris Nobile, but the drydown was soapy and headache-inducing. Asfour is what I'd hoped Iris Nobile would be. I need to retry Iris Poudre since I've experienced an extensive personality modification as far as perfumes go of late ;D. I still don't like scents that scream powder, though a bit of powder is great.

    I'm glad both Robins like my little iris illustrations 'D.

    Log in to Reply
  17. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 12:23 pm

    Hi R – PBI – yes CBs must be more affordable here in France.

    Most distributors make a killing. Look at IdPF.

    Log in to Reply
  18. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 12:25 pm

    oops IPdF! :)

    Log in to Reply
  19. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 12:27 pm

    N, I tried it very briefly but my memory is so bad — does it smell heavily of violet? I remember it as a very powdery violet (??)

    Log in to Reply
  20. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 12:28 pm

    L, Drat, I can't believe I forgot to mention the As4, which as you know, I love. Thank you again for the lovely irises :-)

    Log in to Reply
  21. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 1:10 pm

    R, Thanks for all these brilliant iris-fragrance-reviews :) As you already know I can´t decide what to think of FM Iris Poudré, I think it´s best to make a break & try it after a few weeks again. At the moment it just doesn´t suit my mood ;)

    I do like Miller Harris Terre d´Iris, it´s probably one my favourite iris fragrance, but I´m not sure if I need to own it. In my opinion it´s more of a summer fragrance so it can wait until next year!

    Do you know if As4 is already available?

    Log in to Reply
  22. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 1:12 pm

    Yay! Mine too, love it, but agree, it is not for everyday. Another one that worked for me was Musc Ravageur, again, not everyday. And next summer I am definitely getting Bigarade Concentree.

    Log in to Reply
  23. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 1:15 pm

    Yes, it is definitely less expensive, although the exchange rate offsets the favourable difference a bit.

    Log in to Reply
  24. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 1:25 pm

    Per the Colette newsletter, the As4 (all 300 bottles, that is) goes on sale September 26.

    Log in to Reply
  25. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 1:42 pm

    Haven't tried it yet, but your review made me want to, so I will soon. . .

    Log in to Reply
  26. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 2:18 pm

    I think you remember it quite well — it is indeed violety and softly powdery (though not a powder avalanche like Teint de Neige).

    Log in to Reply
  27. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 3:26 pm

    Can't get enough of iris myself, so am glad you've been covering it. Also wanted to say that Laura's iris painting is just stunning. *Gorgeously* captures their luminosity.

    Log in to Reply
  28. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 4:31 pm

    Glad to know I have a few brain cells left :-)

    Log in to Reply
  29. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 4:32 pm

    Her work is amazing!

    Log in to Reply
  30. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 4:45 pm

    Thank you, Ivanova ;D.

    Log in to Reply
  31. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 6:06 pm

    Hey, that is a perfect timing! :)

    Log in to Reply
  32. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 6:16 pm

    Somebody's having a birthday ;D.

    Log in to Reply
  33. Anonymous says:
    23 September 2005 at 7:33 pm

    Yes it is, they ought to send you a free bottle!

    Log in to Reply
  34. Anonymous says:
    24 September 2005 at 11:12 am

    I've been lovin' Iris Week. The flowers have always had a special place in my garden but I was unfamiliar with all of the juices mentioned, except Iris Nobile. Now I am the proud owner of Hiris…dances around happily.

    I'm off to hunt down decant of the other iris perfumes mentioned here.

    Gee…I love this blog!

    Laura's paintings are sooooo beautiful. Thank you!

    Log in to Reply
  35. Anonymous says:
    24 September 2005 at 3:58 pm

    So glad Hiris has found another fan, it is such a special fragrance. It is one of few that would literally bring me to tears if they ever discontinued it. And so glad you like the blog :-)

    Log in to Reply
  36. Anonymous says:
    24 September 2005 at 4:01 pm

    And I'm so glad you like the paintings! (I love Hiris, too.)

    Log in to Reply
  37. Anonymous says:
    25 September 2005 at 7:09 am

    Robin West, I thought I'd thanked you for that comment re my painting but it must have gotten lost in cyberspace, so thank you now! Hope you are dandy and I'm sure you are ;D

    xoxo,

    L

    Log in to Reply
  38. Anonymous says:
    25 September 2005 at 12:40 pm

    Hi R! I love the new look of your blog. It is soothing and lovely!

    xoxo

    Log in to Reply
  39. Anonymous says:
    25 September 2005 at 1:50 pm

    Thanks N!

    Log in to Reply
  40. Anonymous says:
    25 September 2005 at 6:59 pm

    My two favorite iris fragrances must be HERMES HIRIS and PRADA IRIS. The latter, one of the four parfums by Prada, sold only at the boutiques, is a subtle masterpiece of iris beurre and root, with merely a whisper of sweetness in the top notes. Similar to Hermes, but seemlessly blended and not quite as doughy, because it is a parfum, it lasts forever. I had the opportunity to test this while in Ginza this past winter and am looking forward to visiting the boutique and testing it again when I return in January.

    Log in to Reply
  41. Anonymous says:
    26 September 2005 at 11:11 am

    M, I wish I could have snagged a sample of the Prada Iris, I tried it very briefly at the Prada boutique in NY and didn't think it was worth the cost, but I always do better trying something at home. You cannot imagine how uninterested in the scents they are at Prada…once when I was there, they were hidden among some clothing items and the SAs knew nothing about them. On a later visit, I didn't see them at all, and asked an SA who brought the testers out of a storage closet!

    Log in to Reply
  42. Anonymous says:
    26 September 2005 at 7:04 pm

    Oh my gosh, Robin! In Tokyo they are all over the store and the SA's are very knowledgable…Hmmmm….Maybe we should go to the NYC boutique and convinve the SA's that the scents have been discontinued and are being sold at 50% off in other stores! LOL!

    Log in to Reply
  43. Anonymous says:
    26 September 2005 at 7:31 pm

    M, the second time I went, when the SA went to get them out of the closet (!) I asked how much they were, and he said “I think they are around $50″…ha, sure. Unfortunately he checked on the price before I had a chance to snap up several bottles of each.

    Log in to Reply

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Advertisement


Luckyscent

Search

Browse by…

Topic

Perfume talk New fragrances
Shopping Books :: News
Body products Home fragrance
Polls Another subject

Date

December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
Prior months

Author

Robin Jessica
Angela Kevin
Erin Guest Author

Tag

Celebrity perfumes
Cheap thrills
Collector bottles
Perfumista tip series
Video
The complete tag index

From NST at Twitter

  • Headline of the day: "Gwyneth Paltrow’s vagina-scented candle almost burns down home of woman who won it in a quiz" https://t.co/F6bvZtoSXl,
  • "Jo Loves adopts refillable technology for Fragrance Paintbrush" (cosmeticsbusiness) https://t.co/sn2tZ1cguT,
  • @robini71 And my favorite honeysuckle is also limited edition -- Goutal Le Chevrefeuille. They do bring it back eve… https://t.co/MFGwHJK0Ji,

Recent reviews

Atelier Cologne Love Osmanthus
Moschino Toy Boy
Arquiste Misfit
Diptyque Eau Capitale
Zoologist Bee
Parfum d’Empire Immortelle Corse
Comme des Garcons Series 10 Clash
Frédéric Malle Rose & Cuir
L’Artisan Parfumeur Le Chant de Camargue
Yves Saint Laurent Grain de Poudre
Régime des Fleurs Chloë Sevigny Little Flower
Chanel 1957
Gallivant Los Angeles
Amouage Portrayal Woman

Blogroll

Bois de Jasmin
Grain de Musc
Perfume Posse
The Non-Blonde
More blogs...

Perfumista lists

100 fragrances every perfumista should try
And 25 more fragrances every perfumista should smell
50 masculine fragrances every perfumista should try
26 vintage fragrances every perfumista should try
25 rose fragrances every perfumista should try
11 Cheap Perfumes Beauty Outsiders Love

Favorite posts

The Great Perfume Reduction Plan
Why I Love Old School Chypres
New to perfume and want to learn more?
How to make fragrance last through the day
Fragrance concentrations: sorting it all out
On reformulations, or why your favorite perfume doesn’t smell like it used to
How to get fragrance samples
Perfume for Life: How Long Will Your Fragrance Collection Last?

Upcoming

List of upcoming Friday projects

TBA April ~ freebiemeet

Back to Top

Home
About Now Smell This :: Privacy Policy

Shop for Perfume Online
Perfume Shopping in New York
Perfume Shopping in London
Perfume Reviews
New Perfumes
General Perfume Articles
The Monday Mail

Glossary of Perfume Terms
Perfume FAQ
Perfume Links
Perfume Books
Fragrance Awards

Noses ~ Perfumers A-E :: F-K :: L-S :: T-Z

Perfume Houses A-B :: C :: D-E :: F-G
H-J :: K-L :: M :: N-O :: P :: Q-R :: S
T :: U-Z

Copyright © 2005-2021 Now Smell This. All rights reserved.