L'Eau Trois, Diptyque's third fragrance release, is one of my favorite colognes. It launched in 1975 and has notes of myrrh, myrtle, oregano, cistus, pine, laurel, thyme, and rosemary. L'Eau Trois is described by Diptyque as “the resinous scent of aromatic shrubs from the mountainous coastline of Northern Greece.”
I love the smell of myrrh and it is the main attraction in L’Eau Trois. About 10 years ago I bought a necklace from Africa made of tiny lumps of dried myrrh resin. If the necklace is worn around a bare neck or held in a closed hand for a few moments, the myrrh scent is activated by body warmth. Discovering the authentic smell of myrrh was a revelation to this fragrance fiend. The scent is tenacious — the necklace still exudes a sweet, balmy aroma.
The topic of myrrh is fascinating. What most of us think of as ‘myrrh’ does not grow in the "mountainous coastline (region) of Northern Greece"; the myrrh of the Bible (a gift of the Magi) is extracted from trees that grow in Africa and Arabia (genus Commiphora). A northern European plant that is sometimes called ‘myrrh’ is sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata); its leaves and dried seeds are used in salads, desserts and liqueurs. Cistus, a listed ingredient in L’Eau Trois, is a Mediterranean shrub whose leaves and stems are coated with labdanum: a fragrant gum, a perfume fixative, the famed “Balm of Gilead” and — you guessed it — also referred to as “myrrh.” To my nose, L'Eau Trois smells of the “classic” African/Middle Eastern myrrh. Any botanists or cooks out there? Please comment!
L'Eau Trois begins powerfully; it smells like 'fuel.' (Don't light a match!) The industrial opening quickly dissipates and a dry, resinous myrrh (that gets sweeter the longer you wear it), with a hint of pine, emerges. The other herbal/plant notes come and go quickly, but I do not care if they linger or disappear because myrrh is there from start to finish and is ample reason for adoration of this perfume. L’Eau Trois stays close to the skin (especially in cooler months), but the lasting power is very good (over 5 hours). After a liberal dose (about 6-8 sprays) I enjoy the scent all day, but no one else can smell it (if that matters to you). Only those who hug/kiss you or take your blood pressure will notice L’Eau Trois.
L'Eau Trois can be worn by a man or woman. It is available in 50 or 100 ml bottles of Eau de Toilette; see the listing for Diptyque under Perfume Houses for buying information.
Oh, I adore this one! My first Diptyque. I am always trying to find new converts, because I am afraid they'll discontinue it. That resin-incense-herby smell is unique.
Don't EVEN say the word “discontinue”! It's been around 30 years so someone is buying it. Keep preaching though….K
I would not have thought to try this one if you hadn't reviewed it. Thank you Kevin.
You're welcome…I hope you like it, K
This sounds just wonderful, and perfect for hot days. I am a myrrh freak myself, the more the better.
F: Yes, it's a good non-citrusy hot weather scent. K
This sounds like something I must have. I keep checking Ebay for decants, but unfortunately have found none. Anyone want to sell a decant? I've put myself on a perfume budget restriction for a little while, to get my credit cards happy again. How depressing! Anyway, if anyone has a bottle they'd like to share, I'd be happy to give money.
there is no need to worry about anything from diptyque being discontinued–i read on their website that one of the owners said that they have committed to always keeping all the fragrances, that they would never want to do disappoint someone who has been “buying the same candle for 40 years”. i am assuming they believe the same about their personal fragrances!
Good luck Gina…I've never seen a Diptyque scent “on sale.” But Robin recently helped me buy a Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier scent at over half price off. She came across a retail/Internet outlet that was discontinuing some ranges from their stock. If I see such a Diptyque sale I'll let you know, K
Makeupbuddha: Another reason to like Diptyque. K
Thanks Kevin. I'm not looking for a sale, really. Just a sample. I think Diptyque's fragrances are very reasonably priced, and they're one of my favorite lines. I was also hoping for a decant or a shared bottle. Going out of town for 10 days, will hopefully be able to check NST!
does this smell like Feu de Bois candle? I'm desperate to try and find a perfume that's similar but am drawing a total blank so far… any suggestions? Thanks!
Pools: L'Eau Trois has been discontinued (in the U.S. anyway)…but you can probably still find a bottle out there somewhere in Internet land. I don't think L'Eau Trois is very much like Feu de Bois, which is warmer and woodier if my memory serves me.
PS to Pools: March at Perfume Posse just pointed out to me that there IS a Feu de Bois room spray available. Don't be a'feared of wearing a room spray; I've worn the Diptyque Essence of John Galliano room spray for years! HA!
Seriously?? that's excellent news! is a room spray stronger or weaker than an EDT?