Continuing with the jasmine fest, here are a few more worthy of consideration...
Jasmin Eau de Parfum by L'Orientaliste took me by surprise — I don't know much about this line, but now I'd like to try more. Jasmin is a sort of middle-of-the-road soliflore, not so heavy and rich as Serge Lutens A La Nuit or Bruno Acampora Jasmin, nor so light and summery as the Chantecaille under consideration yesterday. The base is woody and warm and has a nice earthy finish, and a hint of spice in the dry down gives it a sultry feel after an hour or so. It is not a terribly complex fragrance, and I wouldn't call it a powerhouse in terms of lasting power, but it is very nicely done and reasonably priced at $56 for 50 ml. If you've tried anything else by L'Orientaliste, do comment.
The top notes of Montale's Jasmin Full smell like jasmine fruit candy. That fades to a white floral blend over a dry woody-musky base. It is pretty enough, but fails to captivate me — worn next to the L'Orientaliste, the flowers smell awfully clean, and while it lasts for ages, the far dry down verges on bland. Others have liked this one much better than I did; you can read positive reviews at Perfume Posse and Perfume Smellin' Things. The notes include jasmine, honeysuckle and orange blossom, and it is $95 for 50 ml.
I have a perfumista friend who calls Pink Jasmine by Fresh her "jeans" fragrance, and that is apt: this is a very casual, very "pink" fruity floral with lots of sparkling citrus and a bit of clean jasmine blended with light florals, and while it is foody and sweet, it wears well in the heat of summer. I can't say I'm enthralled personally, but I can understand why someone who likes sweet more than I do would be charmed. The notes include red orange, freesia, spring lilac, magnolia, peony, fresh jasmine, tiare flower, precious woods, velvety peach skin, and marsh mallow, and the lasting power and sillage are both good. Fresh Pink Jasmine is $75 for 100 ml Eau de Parfum.
Have a favorite jasmine that I've missed?
The L'Orientaliste Jasmin sounds really nice. SL a la Nuit is pretty much my perfect jasmine fragrance, but it does pack a punch.
I have a sample of L'Orientaliste Patchouli, that Autumn at La Creme gave me (what happened to her, anyway? The storefront has been empty the last two times I've driven by!) – anyway, the patchouli is a lovely warm blend of patch and amber and I think it's just yummy. I think my sample will last me a long time, though.
I don't know what is going at La Creme, I'll have to see if I can find out. Thanks for the info about the L'Orientaliste Patchouli — it isn't my favorite note, but might be worth a try anyway. I am really liking the Jasmin — but it can't beat ALN
I must try that L'Orientaliste!
I will have to try this one, as I'm liking jasmine more and more these days. I have sampled the L'Orientaliste Sandalwood, and I thought of it in exactly the terms you used here – not very complex, but nicely done and moderately priced. I've always meant to sample the rest of the line, but never have. I guess now's the time!
Totally agree with your review of Pink Jasmine by Fresh — it's a perfect scent to wear around the office, but by no means an epic interpretation of the noble flower.
In a related vein, to those who love jasmine, I have to highly recomend Lush's Flying Fox Shower Gel. To me, it smells exactly like the Hawaiian variety of of the flower called pikaki. IMHO, this would be a great body wash to combine with the reviewed scents. Am totally addicted to the stuff and had to share this find with fellow jasmine fans.
I checked out NST directly after Googling L'Orientaliste and I'm glad to see your review! This line has been getting some love on the MUA board, esp. the Musc. I'm not familiar with L'O. at all but as I've been in a jasmine frame of mind this summer, I'll have to get a sample – thanks for the review, as always.
I think you would like it M, although I know you love the Montale so perhaps we'll be opposites on this as well
I actually have a sample of the Sandalwood somewhere and have to dig that out, especially as it is another favorite note.
Thanks for the rec! I will have to look for the Lush next time I'm in a store then — I do love their products but don't get there very often.
I seem to be in a jasmine frame of mind this summer too, and luckily, it isn't too hot today so wearing 4 of them at once wasn't as deadly as it might have been. Will look for the Musc!
!!! Correct me if i'm wrong!.. but i have noticed that the public americans have really bad taste in perfumes!!!!,
I'm still not so sure why do they love Jasmine fragrances that much and also Gardinya !!!.. i mean jasmine can be really heavy and unpleasant, And theres nothing unique about it…. The body shops musk smell much better.
And for them it's like the only good perfume in the world is Angel…While they really have good perfume companys.
Ah, to each his own. A rich, slightly indolic jasmine is very nearly heaven to me, but I do understand that others find the smell at least mildly unpleasant.
what a timely topic for me! I have been reveling in jasmine for a couple of months now, and I usually eschew all florals–I'm strictly a woodsy gal. It all started with Lush's Flying Fox shower gel, which I also recommend. A small company on Orcas Island, WA called Island Thyme makes a truly delicious jasmine flower body lotion, all natural, using jasmine absolute. Great consistency and lasting power. Next, I obtained samples of Keiko Mecheri's Jasmine (lovely, but not much lasting power) and Demeter's Jasmine, which is much much sweeter and perhaps more appropriate as a body splash than perfume.
Thanks, now I'll really have to try the Flying Fox! Have not tried either the KM or the Demeter, so still have a ways to go