It has been snowing since late last night, and we now have several inches of accumulation. It is that time of year when it seems like winter is taking just a bit too long in departing, and I am ready for a little denial; hence, today's subject: Folavril by Annick Goutal. It was her first fragrance release (launched in 1981), and the name, April Fool, is the perfect way to announce the coming of spring. I'm just doing it a little bit early. The notes include mango, jasmine, boronia flower and tomato leaf.
Annick Goutal's Folavril opens on a burst of sweet mango and what smells to me rather like apricot or peach jam. It would probably smell like yet another insipid fruity floral (although if I remember correctly, it is classified as an aldehydic floral) were it not for the tomato leaves, which undercut the sweetness with their bitter, peppery-spicy green edge. The combination smells playful, in keeping with the name, and it has a nice bite to it — Folavril perfectly manages to evoke the warmth of the tropics without calling to mind suntan oil or a frozen cocktail.
The tomato leaf fades to a mere whisper, but the fruity jam lingers on and adds some depth to the florals in the heart, which rest on a light base of pale musky woods. For a time, it maintains the lightheartedness of the opening, but eventually it turns clean and soapy, and then, well, I can never decide. On a good day, it is perfect (and happily, today is a good day: it smells just like spring) but there have been times when I've worn it and found the dry down too soapy and ladylike to suit me. On those days, I have a feeling it needs to be layered with something, but I'm not sure just what. Suggestions?
Annick Goutal Folavril is an Eau de Toilette, the lasting power is about average, or perhaps just under average. It is available in 50 and 100 ml bottles. For buying information, see the listing for Annick Goutal under Perfume Houses.
Tomorrow: more Annick Goutal
I used to wear this all the time. Glad you reminded me of it! It seems like it would be *so* not me. Mango plus soapiness and you'd think I'd be making the sign of the cross and running for my life. But, no. I find it enormously comforting and cheerful. Reminds me of a bright, clear day in the tropics. I think the tomato leaves save it for me. Wonder how it would be layered w/ CB's Memory of Kindness.
*wails* When will this winter be over? Although I must admit I actually enjoyed walking to the post office this morning, with the snow falling softly and all that…:-)
I can't figure out Folavril. It is so strange on me, almost unwearable.
It seems like it would be *so* not me too, LOL…but I like many of the AG fruity florals. And it is enormously comforting! Great layering suggestion, will have to try that although my Memory of Kindness is sadly almost gone
Today's snow is actually a huge improvement over yesterday's bitter winds. But a warm sunny day would suit me even better
Folavril is one of the best Goutals, I think. The mango note is perfectly blended here. It's so bright and cheery!
Elle beat me to it- I was going to write that you should layer it with MoK on those too-powdery days. I think that would do it.
I love AG..
Add me to your list of all of us SICK of this weather. Gack — *still* snowing!!! I too reached for an AG today — Petite Cherie — in an attempt at the same sort of denial!
It is a great line. I was really glad to see Aedes pick them up recently; I think they get too little attention from the niche fans because they are in a sort of odd place in between niche & mainstream — in my mind, at least, maybe that isn't how others see them.
Very bright and cheerful! I like Chevrefeuille for the same reasons.
M, it is just that sort of day. Hope you're getting less snow than we are — it is still coming down here.
How appropriate that you're posting about Annick Goutal, as I just came home from a special presentation of this line at my local dept. store!
I have many favorites and this is one of them – it is such a clean springy scent, but very odd Looking forward to your next post on AG – I think there's something for everyone in this line : )
Hey, did they say there would be a new AG in time for Mother's Day? I keep hearing that rumor.
It is a kind of odd scent I guess! But agree, there is something for everyone.
Hey babe–The weather is gorgeous out here! Yuck, yuck!
I love Folavril! It is, besides Songes, my favorite AG.
Why not layer it with Chevrefeuille?
Hugs! Stay warm!
Sadly, for some reason this ends up smelling like Tide laundry detergent on me. But the first 5 minutes are great.
No doubt it is, R — I envy you!
I keep falling in and out of love with Songes. Today, at least, I like Folavril better, but Chevrefeuille tops them both
Oh dear! It isn't *that* clean on me, but as I said, some days it is soapier than I'd like.
They were mostly pushing Songes because it's the latest in the line (I'm personally not fond of it). The representative did hint at something coming out in May, but said that it would be related to the Hadrien fragrances, so not entirely new I guess.
I keep holding out hope that they'll bring back some of the ltd edition soliflores such as Des Lys, or Neroli. I would also love it if they created a Lilac fragrance – perfect for a May release!
Oh, another Hadrien flanker, darn! Was hoping for a pretty new floral — and yes, lilac would be perfect! But Neroli is out as a limited edition again. They seem to be re-releasing the LE soliflores on a regular basis. Actually, Neroli is one of the only AGs I've never tried, simply because I haven't seen it anywhere. Tempting to buy it unsniffed, since I love Neroli — is it wonderful?
I found the Neroli heavenly – the lovely Miss March sent me a sample vial and I fell madly in love. It received poor reviews on MUA, and I wasn't initially impressed with the way it smelled on contact with my skin.
But within a few minutes it gently bloomed and scented the air “around” me if that makes any sense. I dabbed this on and I just know it would be even lovlier sprayed. It is very natural smelling to me. Good news that they are re-releasing! If it doesn't make its way to stores in my area, perhaps I can purchase online. Well worth trying if you like orange blossom!
Thanks, sounds like I might be best off smelling before buying, at least. Am going to look for it this weekend
Folavril dries down to a mostly tomato vine and mango perfume on me. It is not my favorite, so I gave it to my friend, and it smells more soapy on her. Isn't it weird how no two people will smell alike when wearing the same perfume? I think Amarige from Givenchy is one of the only ones that I know of that smells the same on all of us when we wear it.
Interesting, would think Amarige would vary as much as anything else.