I'm a city-loving, sun-averse individual who doesn't even own a bathing suit, and I can't remember my last visit to a beach. (Oh, wait, there was that weekend in Montauk. In April 2006.) Despite, or perhaps for, this very reason, I find myself testing beach-themed and tropics-themed perfumes more often than you might expect. The latest such fragrance to cross my desk was a sample of Sarah Horowitz Coconut Milk, a recent release from this California-based independent perfumer.
Coconut Milk, the latest addition to Sarah Horowitz's "Perfect" line, includes top notes of coconut and almond, heart notes of orange blossom and gardenia, and base notes of tonka bean, vanilla, and Egyptian musk. It's a fragrance that accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do. Its coconut accord is milky with a hint of green, and it doesn't remind me at all of the suntan lotions of my youth, thank goodness. The coconut, which lasts throughout the fragrance's development on skin, is followed by just a hint of creamy gardenia. There's also a breath of Egyptian musk that reminds me of the oils my college friends used to buy from street vendors, although it's silkier and more polite in this context. The tonka note is almost caramel-like, and the dry down swirls notes of almond and vanilla into the coconut, so that the fragrance ends on a muted gourmand note.
Coconut Milk is smooth and well-blended. It might not be not as sophisticated as Ormonde Jayne's tropical-floral Frangipani Absolute, for example, but it's subtler and (to me) more wearable than the coconut-themed offerings from companies such as Lavanila and Pacifica. If it were a beverage, it would be an "artisanal" piña colada that uses real coconut milk and substitutes orange-flower liqueur for the canned pineapple juice. If we ever designated a "California school" of perfumery, this scent (and probably most of the Sarah Horowitz line) could serve as an example: casual and clean, but polished. (I've never lived in California, so if I'm talking complete nonsense, feel free to say so.)
I remember trying a few fragrances from Sarah Horowitz when the brand was still called Creative Scentualization; my favorite was Love Comes from Within, a spicy rose-carnation-musk blend. That would probably still be my first pick from the line, but if I'm in the mood for a soft tropical-cocktail fragrance again soon, I'll dab on more Coconut Milk. The perfume oil version that I tried has good staying power and low sillage, making it suitable even for office wear — "your own personal paradise," as the company website promises.
Sarah Horowitz Coconut Milk is available as Perfume Oil (6 ml roll-on for $40) and Eau de Parfum (15 ml for $40, 30 ml for $60). Matching body products are also offered. For purchasing information, see the listing for Sarah Horowitz under Perfume Houses.
Note: top left image is Untitled [cropped] by alonis via flickr; some rights reserved.
I thought myself completely over all coconut fragrances, but the fresh greenness has my interest piqued. Hope it’s not too clean!
As much as I like the nostalgia of Coppertone, the fragrance that takes me right to my beach paradise is Oscar de la Renta’s Ruffles, which has nary a hint of coconut (to my nose anyway). I bought it at a duty-free shop in the Bahamas while on vacation with my family. One sniff immediately relaxes the muscles in my neck and takes me back to a much more carefree moment. Luckily I’ve found several small bottle on *bay to last me quite a while. And since a trip back to Grand Bahama island is not feasible in any near future of mine, it’ll have to suffice.
LaMaroc, I remember Ruffles! That would certainly bring back memories of a few years in my life. I’ll need to track down a mini somewhere. I remember it as being *quite* sweet and fruity…!
…but in an 80s powerhouse way! lol Actually, it comes off as a very heady floral on me. The only one I can really tolerate.
I secretly love *some* 80s powerhouses, in small doses… I need to revisit this one soon!
Every time I see Giorgio at the discounters I just have to have a sniff! Could never wear the stuff but something about that big juicy pineappley note is great.
Oh No. It’s to early in the year for the coconut/tropical/suntan lemmings to show up at my house. —–fingers in ears—- I can’t hear you.
Ikat, lol, that’s ok. You can bookmark this review and come back in May.
You know, I have read lots of lists of perfume notes and this one stands out for being so completely lovely and logical somehow. It sounds delicious on skin too. I also wanted to say I really love your characterisation of California – I’ve never been either, but it appeals to my ‘idea’ of what it is like.
Sombreuil, you’re right, the list of notes is somehow just enough, without trying to be too much. The overall scent works well, too; it’s simple but not dull.
The temperature has plummeted 40 degrees since yesterday with accompanying ice, snow (not much) and wind (lots of that!). So this warm, beachy review is very timely. Thank you! But it makes me want the last of my Christmas macaroons!
Rappleyea, I’m still finishing off the leftover Christmas candy, myself!
Sounds gorgeous. Estee Bronze Goddess (not the new Soleil) is my favourite beachy fragrance, but this sounds a lot more sumptuous and milky/green. Thanks!
I was wondering about a comparison with Bronze Goddess myself. . .it is my only coconut/summer sun scent, but this does sound nice!
You know, I haven’t tried that one in a while… but I remember it being designed more to evoke a fancy suntan lotion, which SH Coconut Milk doesn’t do.
Jessica, how does this compare with Laura Mercier’s Almond Coconut gourmand she has? It’s just a bit TOO much coconut, so maybe this might be a good alternative. Very interested!
Mough, I tried the LM fragrances a while ago, but I do remember them as being *too* gourmand for me! Although Coconut Milk does have gourmand notes, it doesn’t scream “FOODY-DESSERTY.” It’s more subtle. So, you may want to sample it!
This sounds very interesting! I love your review and specially the analogy with pacifica… for me those frags have like 5% of what they advertise (fig, coconut, etc) and they smell like generic colognes IMHO. I am a sucker for l Artisans premier figuier and I find it more about coconut that fig… have you tried it? how does this one stack up to that? Great review!
Thanks, Kaos! I like that greenish coconutty note in Premier Figuier. Coconut Milk doesn’t have any fig, of course, and it *does* have the tonka/vanilla/almond sweetness… but its coconut note might appeal to you!
Thanks for this review. You have ensured that I will try Coconut Milk! I’m currently in love with Honoré des Prés Love Coco, which to me smells just like a freshly-cracked coconut (with a cilantro note that just adds to that impression). Have you tried Love Coco? If so, how do the two fragrances compare?
And I like your concept “California school” of perfumery. I agree that it would be “casual, clean, and polished.” I would add “fresh,” in both the “innovative” and “just picked” senses.
I also enjoy that HdP Love Coco, Haunani. I’ll certainly try to sample Coconut Milk!
I need to re-try the Coco (that’s a fun line!)… but, based on your description of that coconut note, I think you might like this one!
Very timely review, Jessica – but mainly I’m just relieved to learn that I’m NOT the only person in America who doesn’t own a bathing suit!
Nozknoz and Jessica, come summer I’m going to come get you and take you to the beach. It smells good there, you know.
Ah, the smell of seaweed and brine in the morning. . .!
Ha! I like the smells and sounds of the seascape.. I just don’t enjoy heat, direct sun, or crowds. I love wading along the very edge of the ocean at sunset, for example, not that I’ve done it lately!
We’d be new people after that!
I have found that I don’t care for almond in fragrances..or gardenia in most cases..so those notes put me off a bit.
Generally, I’m in agreement with you, Omega. I think if it’s barely there, I’m ok, but a dominant nutty note is not my cup of tea (is that a mixed metaphor? :s)
Hi! Well, there’s more tonka (and vanilla) than almond… so you could probably go either way on this one!
SO, I feel like we got off the actual review of Sarah Horowitz Parfum – Perfect Coconut Milk – which is exactly that!!!! PERFECT.
It is the exact paradise that we are looking for. Also, it is amazing when you layer it with her Perfect Veil. these are my absolute favorite. I think you should try it and then post your comment to the article.
Ah, a fan! I’ve heard quite a few raves for Perfect Veil.
[PSA: I’ve been informed by the company that if you “like” the Sarah Horowitz Parfums page on Facebook, you can request three free samples. You’ll need to “like” the page, then e-mail them at webinquiry@sarahhorowitz.com with your address and the 3 you would like to try.]