• About
  • Login to comment
    • Bluesky
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Now Smell This

a blog about perfume

Menu ▼
  • Perfume Reviews
  • New Perfumes
  • Archives

L’Artisan Parfumeur Seville a l’Aube ~ fragrance review, sort of, and a quick poll

Posted by Robin on 31 July 2012 138 Comments

L'Artisan Parfumeur Séville à l’Aube labelL'Artisan Parfumeur Séville à l’Aube fragrance bottle

Séville à l’Aube is the latest from French niche line L’Artisan Parfumeur. Over the years, I've reviewed a fair number of their fragrances — yes, I'm a fan. This, however, is not a proper review. I've never met blogger Denyse Beaulieu of Grain de Musc, who worked with perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour to develop Séville à l’Aube (and who wrote a book about the process: The Perfume Lover). But I've corresponded with her, and I utterly fail the test for any sort of objective review: would I be completely honest if I thought it was dreck? No, I really wouldn't. I'm quite sure I would just keep my mouth shut and review something else. As it happens, I love Séville à l’Aube, enough so that I want to say something about it. So, consider this a review with a major disclaimer.

The scent’s inspiration and development was detailed in Denyse’s book, and has been repeated elsewhere, so I'll just quote her own quick summary from Grain de Musc:

[Séville à l’aube] was inspired by one of the most beautiful nights in my life, in Seville during the Holy Week under an orange tree in full blossom, wrapped in incense smoke and the arms of a Spanish boy…

Oh là là, right? Translated into fragrance, many years later, what we have is an oriental fragrance focused on orange blossom (other notes: lavender, pink pepper, petitgrain, jasmine, magnolia, beeswax, benzoin and incense). Given the sexy backstory, I didn't expect a breezy summer sort of orange blossom, but I was only partly right, and Séville à l’aube does start off with a clear and bright orange blossom, as fresh and summery as can be, and partly tinged with green.1 It turns spicier and richer in short order, but it's no more than slightly indolic, and while you will notice the other floral notes, the orange blossom stays front and center straight through to the end. In the dry down the orange blossom turns honeyed and lightly vanillic, and mingles with pale wisps of incense. I do not smell the lavender unless I go looking for it, but it's there, and it keeps Séville from tipping too far into sweet territory.

If you've read the book (or even followed the story online), you might be expecting a sex-bomb sort of fragrance, but that's not at all what Séville à l’Aube is. It never gets deep or dark or heavy, and it isn't at all skanky or animalic. Despite the name, I think of it as a twilight fragrance, not sexy, exactly, but a bit mysterious, and maybe a bit nostalgic, although that's probably just my own projection.

Séville à l’Aube strikes me as somewhere between unisex and feminine. The lasting power is very good. It's gorgeous, and it's on my buy list.

The quick poll: name a favorite orange blossom fragrance.

L’Artisan Parfumeur Séville à l’Aube is a limited edition, and is available in 100 ml Eau de Parfum. It is already on counter overseas, but is not expected to reach the US until September. For buying information, see the listing for L’Artisan Parfumeur under Perfume Houses.

1. One of the best breezy summer orange blossoms ever, in my humble opinion, was L'Artisan's original 2005 harvest scent, Fleur d'Oranger, now sadly gone. I never could bring myself to pay the steep price for it, but I'm jealous of everyone who has a bottle.

Included in...

Perfume: the best of 2012

Possibly of interest

L’Artisan Parfumeur Histoire d’Orangers Extreme ~ new fragrance
L’Artisan Parfumeur Minuit a Paris ~ new fragrance
L’Artisan Parfumeur La Ceremonie de l’Encens ~ new fragrance

Filed Under: perfume talk, poll
Tagged With: bertrand duchaufour, denyse beaulieu, lartisan parfumeur, limited edition, orange blossom

Advertisement


138 Comments

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

  1. Rappleyea says:
    31 July 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Wonderful review, Robin. I’m dying to try – and to love – this. It was split on the Google split group a while back, but in my old age, I’m pretty adamant about not buying unsniffed.

    Log in to Reply
    • Rappleyea says:
      31 July 2012 at 2:45 pm

      Oops! I forgot the poll question. Hands down my favorite is Guerlain’s Philtre d’Amour. It carries the classic trio of bergamot, petitgrain, and neroli – using all three elements of the bitter orange tree.

      Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 3:13 pm

      I’m 85% better about buying unsniffed! Not completely cured, but getting there.

      This is lovely. I actually didn’t check the price until after I posted — $165. That’s steep too. Given the fact that they were developing it as part of the book, I guess they didn’t limit themselves in terms of cost, which makes sense. We’ll see if I can make myself spend it! Do wish they’d done a smaller size, and will be rooting for it to join the regular L’Artisan line.

      Log in to Reply
  2. maggiecat says:
    31 July 2012 at 2:43 pm

    Dying to try this as well – it sounds lovely. Yet another lemming – thanks Robin! 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 3:15 pm

      Hope you’ll like it!

      Log in to Reply
  3. Jessica says:
    31 July 2012 at 2:44 pm

    I’m not usually a big orange blossom fan, but this one might change my mind! Until now, I *have* enjoyed DS & Durga’s Poppy Rouge.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 3:14 pm

      Oh, I need to try that one!

      Log in to Reply
  4. thenoseknows says:
    31 July 2012 at 2:46 pm

    Gaultier Fleur De Male! Just AWESOME and Sexy yet Subtle and Fresh!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 3:14 pm

      Totally agree — it’s a really great scent.

      Log in to Reply
      • lenika says:
        31 July 2012 at 7:25 pm

        Second Fleur De Male.

        Log in to Reply
  5. Abyss says:
    31 July 2012 at 2:53 pm

    Can’t wait to try this!

    My favourite orange blossom is By Kilian Prelude to Love. Not remotely original and well and truly overpriced for what it is, but it’s nicely balanced (not to sweet, not too green, not too citrus-y), long-lasting, very wearable and just pleasant. Did I mention overpriced? I’d totally own it otherwise.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 3:17 pm

      Ditto on all of that!!

      Log in to Reply
  6. Filomena says:
    31 July 2012 at 2:57 pm

    I would have to say that my favorite orange blossom frangrance is between Serge Lutens Fleur d’Oranger and the L’Artison 2005 Fleur d’Oranger harvest scent which I still have. I also have sampled the new Seville a l’aube and thought is was beautiful.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 3:17 pm

      The Serge is probably the sexiest of the orange blossoms? Will have to think about it.

      Log in to Reply
  7. Filomena says:
    31 July 2012 at 2:58 pm

    So many typos in my previous email. Sorry, but I’m at work and typed my comment as fast as i can without checking the spelling.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 3:17 pm

      Oh, no worries! Our fault for not having an edit function.

      Log in to Reply
  8. platinum14 says:
    31 July 2012 at 3:06 pm

    Sounds great!
    I’m not a huge fan of orange blossom, but my favorite version of it is in GFF Bergamotto Marino.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 3:18 pm

      Everyone loves that one, and I still haven’t tried it.

      Log in to Reply
  9. Casey says:
    31 July 2012 at 3:21 pm

    SSS’s Jour Ensoleille brightens many a morning for me…and, wonder of wonders! The scent police don’t come-a-calling (at work). It’s a fragrance that successfully passes under the fragrance radar when lightly applied. Can’t wait to try Seville, though! I really hope it is at Ogilvy’s in Montreal when I visit in March!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 4:02 pm

      This one is definitely darker, but might still pass under the radar very lightly applied — depends on how good the radar is 🙂

      Log in to Reply
    • solanace says:
      31 July 2012 at 6:50 pm

      And who will police the scent police?

      Log in to Reply
    • Emily says:
      1 August 2012 at 12:28 am

      Casey, I also love Jour Ensoleille. As Robin noted, it does seem somewhat less “sunny” than the name suggests — though it’s certainly no less beautiful for being a bit darker. (I like to think of it as representing the kind of sunny day we have in the Bay Area, where a good bit of morning fog has to burn off before the sun comes out.)

      Log in to Reply
      • Emily says:
        1 August 2012 at 12:31 am

        Whoops, just realized that I completely misread Robin’s comment! If Seville is darker than Jour, it’ll probably be my ideal orange blossom. Off to hunt for $165 worth of loose change in the sofa cushions …

        Log in to Reply
  10. Angela says:
    31 July 2012 at 3:23 pm

    Duchaufour did an extrait version of Seville a l’aube, too, that Denyse has been calling “Duende.” I hope L’Artisan decides to release that, too! I smelled it on her, and it’s gorgeous–a little edgier than the EdP, maybe, with lots of delicious sillage.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 4:03 pm

      Thanks Angie, that sounds wonderful! And probably too expensive to release.

      Log in to Reply
  11. myolderbrother says:
    31 July 2012 at 3:23 pm

    Thanks for the review; this perfume sounds intriguing. I love Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom, I just wish it lasted longer. It’s hard to maintain excitement about a cologne, despite how gorgeous it is! L’Artisan’s La Chasse is another beautiful orange blossom scent! Love it! Victoria’s Secret used to make a gorgeous orange blossom called Lace. On the other hand, I’ve tried Serge so many times & it is so indolic, I just get BO!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 4:04 pm

      Some of the Jo Malones really don’t last. I don’t think of myself as picky about lasting power, but agree that it’s hard to get excited when they disappear so fast.

      Log in to Reply
  12. rodelinda says:
    31 July 2012 at 3:39 pm

    Orange blossom is one of my favorite notes, and my favorite orange blossom fragrance is Sweet Redemption. I sampled Seville a l’Aube last week and thought it was very pretty. The opening was glorious – lots of orange blossom, lavender, and I swear for a few minutes I smelled juicy orange pulp too. The vanillic orange blossom drydown arrives quickly and is nearly identical to the drydown of Hilde Soliani Conaffetto, which I already own, so I won’t need to rush out and buy a bottle of this. I do hope it’s successful and L’Artisan decides to add it to its permanent lineup. It seems like something that would appeal to a lot of people.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 4:05 pm

      I will have to try Conaffetto then!

      Log in to Reply
      • rodelinda says:
        31 July 2012 at 4:27 pm

        Well, the Conaffetto is more expensive than Seville a l’Aube, plus I don’t think the opening notes are as pretty, so if I had to choose one I’d go with the latter. They’re just too similar for me to warrant owning both at the same time.

        Log in to Reply
  13. Marjorie Rose says:
    31 July 2012 at 3:41 pm

    Orange blossom and I are not good neighbors, but I’m happy to hear that this scent sounds like a success for those who enjoy it! It’s kind of a perfumista dream to write a book about scent and collaborate with Duchaufour to make a complementary fragrance! Happy to hear that it’s attainable for a few lucky ones!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 4:28 pm

      Good to know who you don’t want as your neighbors, right? And saves $.

      Log in to Reply
      • Marjorie Rose says:
        31 July 2012 at 5:37 pm

        You know what they say, good fences make good neighbors! 😀

        Log in to Reply
  14. YellowLantern says:
    31 July 2012 at 3:52 pm

    This sounds so delightful! I love a good orange blossom. I hope I can give this one a sniff!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 4:28 pm

      Good luck!

      Log in to Reply
  15. lucasai says:
    31 July 2012 at 3:58 pm

    My favourite is Azemour Les Oranges but it’s more about the whole orange. For orange blossom only – might be Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli or Prelude to Love from By Kilian

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 4:29 pm

      Nice picks!

      Log in to Reply
  16. RVB says:
    31 July 2012 at 3:59 pm

    For a cheap thrill, believe it or not Gorilla perfumes(Lush) Orange Blossom is not bad.Pretty true to nature and hard to beat the price.I also like Andy Tauer’s Orange Star.Although orange blossom is in there, so are all the other aspects of orange from the rind to the juice,to the blossom and it dries down to an incensey orange.Unlike most orange scents it has tremendous lasting power

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 4:29 pm

      Agree, good deal for the price!

      Log in to Reply
  17. RusticDove says:
    31 July 2012 at 4:08 pm

    I recently had the pleasure of trying Seville a l’Aube and it has moved to the top of my list of favorite OB scents. I also really like Penhaligon’s and Jo Malone’s as well as Atelier Grand Neroli.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 4:30 pm

      You know, it’s getting so much perfumista love that I’m tempted to think it will stay in production. BUT, perfumista love doesn’t always mean something sells! So we shall see.

      Log in to Reply
      • Marjorie Rose says:
        31 July 2012 at 5:38 pm

        Is L’Artisan popular in the non-perfumista population? It seems more widely distributed than many, but certainly not mainstream.

        Log in to Reply
        • Robin says:
          31 July 2012 at 5:41 pm

          I would say at this point it occupies a kind of middle ground. It’s widely available, and I know “non-perfume people” who know of the brand.

          Log in to Reply
        • anarchkitty says:
          3 October 2012 at 10:59 am

          Well it is now on QVC in the UK, so that has made L’Artissan a lot more mainstream/accessible here. With very mixed feedback results though.

          Log in to Reply
  18. Perfume Sniffer says:
    31 July 2012 at 4:14 pm

    I really love Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom but it’s too fleeting.

    I used to love SL Fleurs d’Oranger but have found it to be different lately — it’s screechier than I remember it — seems more jasmine focused these days.

    I am now on the hunt for my holy grail OB and am hoping and praying L’Artisan Seville a l’Aube will be it!

    Robin, would you compare this L’Artisan to anything else? Is it mostly a straight up OB with hints of the other notes you mention or is it mostly an oriental plus OB?

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 4:32 pm

      Oh dear, wonder if the Serge has been reformulated?

      Hmmm. It’s a straight up orange blossom but duskier than the usual treatment of straight up orange blossom? I can see why it’s classified as an oriental, but that isn’t my immediate reaction to it, if that makes any sense.

      Log in to Reply
  19. alyssa says:
    31 July 2012 at 4:15 pm

    I met a very nice person who had been hanging out with M. Duchafour and swore he had given her a decant of this, but it must have been a mod because it smelled nothing like any of these reviews…am now doubly eager to try a sample.

    I adore L’Artisan Fleur d’Oranger 2007 and wish I didn’t since I have a limited supply. I keep trying to convince myself to wear Goutal’s Neroli instead, but they’re not the same and L’AP FdO remains my summer staple. I also love the Jo Malone and fall in and out of love with Lutens FdO–the cumin and the sweaty tuberose scare me, but when it’s perfect it’s so perfect and drop dead sexy that I swear I’ll wear nothing else (until it’s too much and then I can’t wear it again for months). Sweet Redemption is…too sweet for me. So far.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 4:33 pm

      A, I have an earlier mod, but couldn’t find it this morning, figures! I wish I could find it, I think it was quite different too. Going on memory, less sweet, also less dusky.

      Log in to Reply
  20. sayitisntso says:
    31 July 2012 at 4:41 pm

    Lovely review, Robin! Favorite orange blossom? Usually they turn way too soapy for my liking but I find John Varvatos Artisan very enjoyable! Beautiful scent and the wicker wrapped bottle is just bonus!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 5:42 pm

      Oh, that’s a great one, and yes, great bottle to boot.

      Log in to Reply
  21. ami says:
    31 July 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Vero Profumo Rubj is instant k.o. for me each and every time 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 5:42 pm

      Not a shy scent, that one!

      Log in to Reply
  22. sinnerman says:
    31 July 2012 at 5:02 pm

    Fleur du male features a strong orange blossom note ! I only have one L. A perfume and the bottle is lovely to hold , hope for more in the future. This one did not grab me , nice review 😉

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 5:42 pm

      Fleur de Male was great, too bad it did not sell better.

      Log in to Reply
  23. trigger hippie says:
    31 July 2012 at 5:20 pm

    Ferragamo’s Tuscan Soul, is for me the perfect OB. It lasts a whole day on me, and is perfect layered over something woody like Encre Noir or Dzongkha.

    SL’s Fleurs d’Oranger is nice but is more jasmine to me, but another go to is Bergamotto Marino although that is less blossom and more the whole orange experience.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 6:37 pm

      Tuscan Soul does seem like a good layering agent.

      Log in to Reply
  24. CM says:
    31 July 2012 at 5:25 pm

    I really like Bourbon French Orange Blossom. It’s linear but very pretty, and a super deal. I havent found another fav OB and am hoping the LAP Seville is it. I am soooooo tempted to blind buy, but am resisting with all my might. I fully expect to fall heels over head in a hurry to get a bottle after first sniff.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 6:37 pm

      Agree, that’s a nice one.

      Log in to Reply
  25. missie sue says:
    31 July 2012 at 5:38 pm

    Oh, what perfect timing. I’m wearing Ineke’s Field Notes From Paris today; the orange blossom makes it one of my favorite comfort scents.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 6:37 pm

      That’s also my favorite Ineke 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  26. Omega says:
    31 July 2012 at 5:48 pm

    This one is easy, hands down Orange Blossom/Orange Cologne by Garner James(not affiliated). A.K.A. Wooznib on Basenotes. Not sure if his website is up or not but everyone who is on BN and have tried it loves it. Such a great scent. Everyone should check his stuff out. Contact him if you are interested in trying it out. Nice guy too:D. Such a great orange scent.:D.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 6:38 pm

      Ah, thanks, never heard of him!

      Log in to Reply
  27. akimon says:
    31 July 2012 at 5:55 pm

    I actually have a bottle of L’Artisan’s 2007 Fleur d’Oranger, as well as the 2010 edition, so the bar is set pretty high for me, but my big favorite is the Afghanistan Orange Blossom from 7 Virtues: http://www.the7virtues.com/orange_blossom%20.html
    I got a bottle at the Bay, during a trip to Toronto. Looks like they do ship internationally if you buy it on their website. Highly recommended!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 6:36 pm

      I cannot remember now if the 2010 version was cheaper?

      Log in to Reply
      • akimon says:
        31 July 2012 at 6:53 pm

        Cheaper, yes, but officially only available in France, I think. In the US of A, LuckyScent got a few bottles and since I bought the 2007 version from them, they emailed me to ask if I was interested in the 2010.. voila.

        Log in to Reply
        • Robin says:
          31 July 2012 at 9:21 pm

          Gotcha.

          Log in to Reply
  28. Dionne says:
    31 July 2012 at 6:00 pm

    I’ve tried very few OB fragrances, but I quite enjoy Jour Ensolleilé and 7 Virtues Afghanistan Orange Blossom, and Seville has moved to the top of my sampling list.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 6:38 pm

      And the 7 Virtues is moving onto my list, thanks!

      Log in to Reply
      • akimon says:
        31 July 2012 at 6:57 pm

        This is a great scent at reasonable price and for a good cause. What more could you want .. 🙂

        Log in to Reply
  29. Lucy says:
    31 July 2012 at 6:47 pm

    Angela’s Celebrity Scent series last week proved just how many frogs you guys have to kiss. I am happy for you to have found such a prince and jealous of your job at the same time. 🙂

    I don’t really have a favorite orange blossom scent. I like John Varvatos Artisan, but it’s a bit sweet. I also have C.O. Bigelow Lemon Orange Blossom and Jo Malone Orange Blossom. They’re both alright, but don’t really do it for me. I mostly use them for layering in the summer. I have a bottle of Orange Blossom Water from the grocery store…does that count? It’s real earthy and green, very much like standing in a grove. Actually…(takes break)…(sits back down at computer)…I’ve sprayed on the C.O.B., J.M., and the water. The grocery store water blows the other two away. (Which is awesome because it costs a whopping $2.89.) The two “perfumes” smell incredibly synthetic and syrupy (and gross) in comparison. That was a fun little experiment.

    Anyway, congrats on finding something “full bottle worthy.” You have a long sniff list and a short buy list. Just knowing Séville à l’Aube made the latter means I’ll have to hunt it down.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 9:22 pm

      Poor Angie! She went above & beyond the call of duty. My job was much easier 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  30. solanace says:
    31 July 2012 at 6:58 pm

    I’m crazy to try this. Haven’t read the book , but I really enjoy Denise’s blog.

    As for my favorite orange blossom, it would be Jean Patou Sublime, which is not exactly an orange blossom, but still.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 9:23 pm

      But still is right 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  31. Absolute Scentualist says:
    31 July 2012 at 7:01 pm

    Robin, I’m with you on L’Artisan’s ’05 as my all time favorite orange blossom. I do like LM Neroli or SL’s Fleurs d’Oranger to mix things up now and then, but the original L’Artisan is perfection and I cherish my decant.

    Does this feel at all like the orange blossom fragrance By Kilian did recently? That is what the description reminded me of when the press first came out.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 9:25 pm

      I will be no help — I tried BK Prelude, but not Sweet Redemption. But from the sound of it, SR was more of a gourmand than this — it sounded very dessert-like to me. This is honeyed, but never reminds me of food.

      Log in to Reply
  32. poodle says:
    31 July 2012 at 7:37 pm

    I’m still looking for a good orange blossom. I have John Varvatos Artisan but that’s not the orange blossom of my dreams. This one sounds nice and I do want to try it when it’s available.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 9:25 pm

      I bet we all have a different orange blossom in our dreams!

      Log in to Reply
  33. teri says:
    31 July 2012 at 7:46 pm

    I’m so eager to try this after so many intriguing hints and mysterious references to it by the perfume community. Whether it will like me is another thing all together. There is a very thin pathway I must tread to find an orange blossom that works for me. The only one I have presently that never seems to fail me is Zagara by Mazzolari and this sounds a world away from Zagara. But the story is wonderful, as is the ‘muse’, so even if it’s not for me, I’m absolutely sure I’ll admire it.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 9:27 pm

      This quite different from the Mazzolari, but of course it may or may not suit you — worth a try!

      Log in to Reply
  34. Joe says:
    31 July 2012 at 7:56 pm

    Hi Robin! Oh là là seems to sum up reactions to this scent and I’m definitely anticipating it. I even arranged for a very large decant without even sniffing it yet. Sounds very good, an I love orange blossom.

    I’ll name two quite different favorites — both of which I deeply love — that probably fall on either end of the spectrum from Séville à l’Aube:
    – Le Labo Fleur d’Oranger in all it’s dewy hyper-realism
    – Mona di Orio Jabu, which may be the sex-bomb oriental that you indicate folks might expect from the description of Séville

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 9:28 pm

      I need to try that Le Labo again. I was so much more taken with their masculine line than their feminine that I probably didn’t give them enough of a chance.

      Log in to Reply
  35. 50_Roses says:
    31 July 2012 at 8:48 pm

    I want to try this, although it is unlikely I will spring for a FB. If I really like it, a decant might be in order. I do wish everything came in sizes of 30 ml or less.

    I haven’t tried a lot of orange blossoms. For one thing, orange blossom (as well as linden) usually makes me sleepy, so I cannot wear it in the daytime. I do have Ames Soeurs, which I like very well at bedtime. It seems to make me relaxed rather than sleepy. . In fact, it is one of the most soothing and calming fragrances I have ever tried. I also love that it comes in a 10 ml rollerball.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 9:29 pm

      15 ml, 15 ml! And L’Artisan’s 15 ml bottles were so cute 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  36. Suzy Q says:
    31 July 2012 at 8:55 pm

    I’m getting a decant of Seville a Laube unsniffed. You and I are scent twins, so I’m sure I’ll like it too.

    In general I’m not wild about orange blossom as the prominent note in a perfume. I love the soapiness of neroli but not the skankiness of o.b.

    But, as for the poll: I got Aqua Allegoria Flora Nerolia, a very fresh smelling o.b. It seems well balanced between o.b. and neroli. I compared it side-by-side with SL Fleur de Oranger, and FdO smelled artificial and chemical-like in comparison.

    Azemour is my favorite but the o.b. is only part or the story.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      31 July 2012 at 9:30 pm

      And if you hate it, you can send the decant to me, LOL…

      Log in to Reply
  37. hajusuuri says:
    31 July 2012 at 9:30 pm

    My favorite OB would have to Seville a l’Aube. I was one of the lucky ones who got the Summer Sampler Pack from LuckyScent and it included a sample of it. I loved it so much that I have a FB on pre-order.

    I also have The Perfume Lover which I haven’t read so now I will while enjoying the last of my sample!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 9:00 am

      Lucky you!

      Log in to Reply
  38. littlemoron says:
    31 July 2012 at 10:41 pm

    I got my sample of this last night, and I was in raptures. One billion times better than I expected (and I expected something lovely). If I had to buy one FB this year, it would be Seville a L’Aube.

    That is all. 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 8:59 am

      That is enough!

      Log in to Reply
  39. OhLily says:
    31 July 2012 at 11:03 pm

    Oh, how exciting! I’m really enjoying AG’s Neroli this summer, but I love a good orange blossom and am always on the look out for more. This does sound dreamy, and I think L’Artisan is wonderful – I just wished they lasted a bit longer on my skin.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 9:01 am

      Some of them last on me, some of them don’t. I do think this one has pretty good lasting power, but of course your mileage may vary!

      Log in to Reply
  40. nozknoz says:
    31 July 2012 at 11:17 pm

    Yes, I, too, love that L’Artisan 2005 harvest scent – I miraculously found a discounted bottle on ebay three years ago. I also like PG Cuir Venenum (only a decant).

    I was fortunate to get a sample of Seville, which I adore, and have my preorder in at LuckyScent. It should be great for our usual warm Septembers.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 10:08 am

      So many of you have pre-ordered that I wonder if it will sell out. Still can’t bring myself to spend that much. Ack.

      Log in to Reply
      • nozknoz says:
        1 August 2012 at 9:14 pm

        It IS being launched as an LE, isn’t it? One can always hope that it will join the permanent line if it does well, but it’s a tough decision when one already has a plentiful perfume supply. Sounds like you need a split partner! Either that or watch ebay closely – there’s alway someone who orders impulsively and then decides to sell before too long. 😉

        I’m such a Duchaufour fan, as well as a Denyse admirer, and it has my favorite notes so I won’t resist!

        Log in to Reply
        • Robin says:
          2 August 2012 at 12:03 pm

          Yes, LE, and see Denyse’s comment below about the cost & the raw materials. Do maybe it won’t easily move into the regular line.

          Log in to Reply
  41. Emily says:
    1 August 2012 at 12:46 am

    I have yet to find my HG orange blossom, but it is one of my favorite notes (which makes the lack of an HG all the more frustrating). As I noted above, I do love SSS Jour Ensoleille — but it’s a more complex scent than my ideal simple, sunny, hyper-realistic OB would be. I also like DSH Fleurs d’Oranger, but it lasts maybe an hour on me (unusual for a DSH, in my experience).

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 10:08 am

      I should have known DSH would have one! But haven’t tried it.

      Log in to Reply
  42. Blimunda says:
    1 August 2012 at 3:22 am

    Hands down the best OJB I’ve ever tried were the L’Artisan fleurs d’orangers……I tried samples of 2005, 2007 and 2011. I’d happily have bought any of them if I’d been able to afford it at the time.

    Other than that, the one I love most is Tubereuse 40 from Le Labo (I think of it as more of an OJB, doesn’t make me think of tuberose at all!)

    I also tried the 7 Virtues one and think it is lovely.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 11:06 am

      That’s it — I must get the 7 Virtues!

      Log in to Reply
  43. carmencanada says:
    1 August 2012 at 4:08 am

    Hey Robin, so happy you (and a few others here) think this is full-bottle worthy! Perceptions seem to vary as to the oriental, tobacco/balsamic and incense facets; people who’ve read my book often expect something darker and/or sexier. But Bertrand Duchaufour and I were really trying to keep a balance between the sensual and “mystical” aspects of the story that captured his imagination, as well as a masculine/feminine dimension, since this was the story of a man and a woman.

    As for the price and the limited edition, Bertrand explained at our London launch that the latter was due to the fact he used a very specific quality of orange blossom absolute produced in small quantities in Tunisia, so that production needs to follow the crops.

    I like what you say about “twilight” — I’d say that since the story unfolds during the night, dawn *was* the twilight zone! You could also say that the scent goes backward in time, starting with the crips notes of the morning sun and moving back into the night…

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 2:17 pm

      Thanks D!

      Log in to Reply
  44. whatmenshouldsmelllike says:
    1 August 2012 at 5:04 am

    I’m looking forward to smelling Seville a l’Aube. I’m trying not to overly anticipate what it smells like after reading the story.

    My 2 favourite perfumes containing orange blossom notes are Serge Lutens Cuir Mauresque when I want to feel dirty and Prada’s Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger when I want to feel clean : )

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 2:17 pm

      Sometimes it’s worse to have read so much, I know what you mean.

      Log in to Reply
  45. Merlin says:
    1 August 2012 at 6:12 am

    Guess I have a difficult relationship with orange blossom Divine Enfant used to make me feel very innocent and upbeat, but now I just find it way too sweet. Fleur d’ Orange is horrible on my skin and Jour Ensoleille doesn’t fare much better.

    One I do love, and would like to one day own is Orange Star!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 2:18 pm

      Interesting how many people say the same…I think of it as an “easy to wear” note, but maybe it isn’t.

      Log in to Reply
  46. lupo says:
    1 August 2012 at 6:56 am

    I’m a sucker for orange blossom. Favourite so far, Castile Penhaligon’s, partial to Neroli Portofino TF, and completely sold on Eau De Neroly Dypthique.
    Now, this one is just up my alley 🙂 been reading about it for the longest time, and I happen to date a spaniard too 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 2:18 pm

      Ah, then it’s (hopefully) perfect!

      Log in to Reply
  47. Rappleyea says:
    1 August 2012 at 9:44 am

    I am very surprised that no one named Hermes’s 24, Faubourg as their favorite OB.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 2:19 pm

      Good point!

      Log in to Reply
  48. dominika says:
    1 August 2012 at 12:12 pm

    My favourite OB: the bottle of orange blossom water I got from the Indian store.

    I tried the Serges and the Killians, and none really did it for me. But I love how refreshing the ob water is when used as tonic in the morning 🙂

    I’ve also been using an orange blossom oil that I got in Egypt a lot this summer. It has incredible lasting-power, and has nothing soapy about it.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 2:20 pm

      Oh, I need a bottle of that then! Must check out an Indian grocery.

      Log in to Reply
  49. Tama says:
    1 August 2012 at 12:14 pm

    I am an OB Ho, and I like Seville a lot – it is so honeyed, and lasts well.

    I like the Le Labo but have never quite sprung for a bottle. I do have the Lutens, which is a different animal. Pretty much, if it doesn’t go soapy like the Prada Infusion, I’m good. Lush OB is very strong in liquid, but I love it in solid, and even like the sweet little Yves Rocher.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 2:19 pm

      Aha, I will have to try the Lush solid.

      Log in to Reply
  50. kaos.geo says:
    1 August 2012 at 12:47 pm

    Ok! If you were on my living room, Robin, when presented with the Orange Blossom frag question, I would offer you some earl grey tea and some 70% cacao chocolate and we could sit down and talk about our favourites for the next 2 or 3 hours ehehehehehe (It takes nothing to dream, right?)

    My top 3 would be SL Fleurs d’oranger (most life-like I’ve ever tried, but I agree it is more jasmine-cassis smelling now than when I first tried it in 2007)
    Then Fleurs du Male… Stunning and bold. Nerolí that hits you in the nose with a baseball bat.
    And last, I am surprised to agree with those who mentioned Gorilla Perfumes(lush) orange blossom. It is very decent and very decently priced.

    Now, I am intrigued about this seville affair.. Will try it soon. Muahahahahhahahaah! (evil laugh!) 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 2:21 pm

      Make my chocolate 65%, will you? It’s amazing what that extra 5% will do 🙂

      Really sounds like the SL has been reformulated. Wonder why — there aren’t any restrictions on OB that I know of.

      Log in to Reply
  51. AnnS says:
    1 August 2012 at 1:02 pm

    Robin: I’ve been out regarding this fragrance. Your comments above make this sound completely gorgeous, and it is now solely occupying my must sniff pronto list. I love orange blossom – so fresh and wonderful. I can’t pick a single favorite, but these are all my fav OBs: Lorenzo Villoresi Dilmun; Laura Mercier Neroli; Annick Goutal Neroli.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      1 August 2012 at 2:21 pm

      So glad to see Dilmun get a mention! I think it’s gorgeous.

      Log in to Reply
  52. austenfan says:
    1 August 2012 at 4:13 pm

    You really should have been a diplomat Robin. Great intro to a fun review. I will have to smell it at some point as I love the smell of real orange blossom and I adore lavender.
    Reading this and all the comments I realized I haven’t smelled that many orange blossom fragrances. I have tried the Lutens and own and love the Goutal ( Néroli). The others mentioned I haven’t even tried, although I would love to try the LE Artisan.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 August 2012 at 12:04 pm

      Why thank you!

      Log in to Reply
  53. sweetgrass says:
    1 August 2012 at 4:49 pm

    This is definitely on my to-try list. Must… have… sample.

    I like Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, but I also really like (and can afford) the orange blossom water I got in the cocktail mixers section at the grocery store. It smells amazing, but very easy to overdo when actually trying to use it in a cocktail. A little goes a very long way.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 August 2012 at 12:04 pm

      What do you mix it with?

      Log in to Reply
      • sweetgrass says:
        13 October 2012 at 2:10 am

        Honestly, it’s been long enough since I tried it that I don’t really remember specifically what I tried it with. It was some concoction I made up, not like a specific drink or anything. I think bitters were involved, Peychaud’s if I remember correctly. Now that I’m thinking about it, I think it would go nicely in a gin drink.. but only a very little bit, otherwise it just tastes like you should be wearing it rather than drinking it… lol

        (The gin thing was just a guess, but I looked it up at cocktaildb.com, and lo and behold, most of the recipes that come up are gin drinks..ha)

        Log in to Reply
        • Robin says:
          14 October 2012 at 8:11 am

          Thanks!

          Log in to Reply
  54. bluegardenia says:
    2 August 2012 at 7:16 am

    oh no! i hope SL fleurs d’oranger hasn’t been changed too much. it’s one of my all time favorites. smells like flowery black tea to me. a really stunning scent.
    i have a friend who wears santa maria novella’s Zagara (orange blossom) and it’s very nice. a little citrusy in the opening, then becomes more floral. plus that gorgeous bottle.
    i’ve noticed orange blossom and particularly neroli seem to be easily recreated in the fragrance lab. the aromachemical versions smell pretty much the same as the absolutes and essential oils, which is obviously not the case with most flowers (rose, tuberose, jasmine).

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 August 2012 at 12:05 pm

      The SMN is nice, and I really like their Queen’s Cologne too.

      Log in to Reply
  55. bluegardenia says:
    2 August 2012 at 7:17 am

    ps. this new l’artisan sounds like an absolute must.

    Log in to Reply
  56. KRL says:
    4 August 2012 at 6:32 pm

    I’ll look forward to trying this one – it’s hard to get my head around what OB and incense together would be like.

    My favorite OB is Jo Malone. Smells exactly like the trees in my neighborhood when in bloom. Lovely on a warm spring day, it also happens to be my favorite Malone.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      7 August 2012 at 9:39 pm

      Worth a shot just for that then! But it’s not, at least to me, a heavy churchy incense.

      Log in to Reply
  57. joolz2u says:
    4 August 2012 at 11:24 pm

    I was so happy I did get a chance to try this last week. It’s such a beautifully complex scent. I’ve pre-ordered too!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      7 August 2012 at 9:39 pm

      Lucky!

      Log in to Reply
  58. bear93 says:
    5 August 2012 at 7:01 pm

    I can’t wait to try this one – sounds fabulous! My current favorite orange blossom perfume is ELDO’s Rien.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      7 August 2012 at 9:41 pm

      I need to try Rien again.

      Log in to Reply
  59. mstarheel says:
    6 August 2012 at 6:33 pm

    Gah!! I want this even though I haven’t sniffed it yet. The problem is I also want more Vanille 44 which I have and love, but am running short on. Seville sounds heavenly, but if I can only have one (according to my budget) which should I spring for?

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      7 August 2012 at 9:40 pm

      I’d say the Vanille 44 since you already know you love it & will be sorry if you run out. But I think I like the L’Artisan better.

      Log in to Reply
  60. mstarheel says:
    6 August 2012 at 6:39 pm

    I forgot about my favorite orange blossom scent – it’s APOM Pour Homme

    Log in to Reply
  61. mstarheel says:
    8 August 2012 at 6:06 pm

    I’m just now noticing all the comments about orange flower water. About $3 from the Lebanese grocery and I’ve always got a bottle on hand to add a little bit to a cocktail of gin, orange juice, and soda, or to add into a facial water spritzer. I can’t imagine wearing this as a scent though… are y’all on to something i’m missing?

    Log in to Reply
  62. cath says:
    3 October 2012 at 11:31 am

    My favourite orange blossom is by Serge Lutens, and it’s not Fleur d’oranger, but Fleur de Citronier. I found FdC to be a much better neroli than FdO.

    Log in to Reply
  63. KRL says:
    6 October 2012 at 12:03 pm

    I’m very late to this because I’ve only just tested this yesterday. I love the lime-leaf opening, but within a few minutes is reminds of of Nuit de Tubereuse – that mildew note in particular. The accord seems very similar to me, but in orange blossom instead of Tubereuse. Hours later the dry down of incense and something else very familiar (ISO Super?) was present. The opening & drydown are lovely, but I can’t get over the heart. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this??

    Log in to Reply

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Advertisement

Search

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

12 July ~ summer reading poll

 

 

Back to Top

Home
Archives
About Now Smell This :: Privacy Policy
Perfume Reviews
New Perfumes
General Perfume Articles
The Monday Mail

Glossary of Perfume Terms
Perfume FAQ
Perfume Books

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 © 2005-2025 Now Smell This. All rights reserved.