As Kevin has observed in past reviews, Atelier Cologne fragrances don't push any boundaries; they often lean towards the fruity, the sheer, the casual. For those same reasons, I think Atelier is useful "gateway" brand to mention when I want to offer someone the first figurative step away from the Macy's perfume counter. Atelier roll-ons are easy to find and reasonably priced, and even if the scents don't inspire ecstasy in hardcore fragophiles, most of them are easy to like.
My own favorites from the Atelier Cologne line-up are Trèfle Pur and Vanille Insensée; neither of those is a floral, which is funny for a diehard flower-lover like myself. If I were to purchase an Atelier floral, though, it might be Love Osmanthus. This is Atelier Cologne's latest launch, a fruity floral meant to put us "in the mood for love in a secret garden" with notes of osmanthus, lemon and cedar.
Niche perfumery has already brought us some lovely interpretations of the tiny orange osmanthus flower: Hermès Osmanthe Yunnan (soft and sueded), Ormonde Jayne Osmanthus (polished and radiant), Hermetica Multilotus (bright and dewy). How does Love Osmanthus fit into this sub-genre? Typical of Atelier, it's citrus-focused, with hints of lime and something a little more raspy, like petitgrain. I'm also reminded of the aroma of lemon-infused tea, a nice complement to the osmanthus note, which is softly peach-y.
Trying Love Osmanthus, I'm remembering how much I like this floral's balance of fruit and petal; it doesn't have any of the drama or mystery of some other floral notes, but it's satisfying in its own way. Love Osmanthus centers its namesake without much fuss. There's also a sheer cedar-musk base, but the peach and tea aspects still continue well through the dry down. Overall this fragrance leans more traditionally feminine than some other Atelier scents, though it's certainly not "frilly" or diva-esque. It has low sillage and average staying power. Since it's also fairly linear, though, it's easy to re-apply without much disruption.
If another sample or a roll-on of Love Osmanthus happened to fall into my lap, I'd enjoy using it on the inevitable muggy days of July and August. If you somehow don't already own a summery citrus-floral or two, you might want to give it a try and consider adding it to your wardrobe. It's the equivalent of a "beach read," not exactly challenging but still good breezy fun.
Atelier Cologne Love Osmanthus is available as 10 ml ($30), 30 ml ($80) and 100 ml ($140) Cologne Absolue.
This is how I felt about their Pacific Lime – not challenging but fun. And in general I don’t want my perfume to challenge me.
Sometimes I’m up for something more complicated…and sometimes I want the equivalent of a good indie-pop song! I have different moods. 🙂
This sounds lovely and I hope to try it eventually! “Beach read” is a perfect way to describe the entire AC collection. I don’t love any of them (except for Cédrat Enivrant, which has clawed a peculiarly tenacious hold on my heart; I couldn’t even explain what about it I love so much), but I enjoy almost all of them, and they get a good amount of skin time on me every summer.
Same here…no deep loves, but some friendly loves. Grand Neroli is quite nice, too!
*some friendly LIKES, that is. lol
I like, but don’t love, Love Osmanthus. It’s an enjoyable summer scent, but I remember thinking, “this thing doesn’t take itself too seriously”. If I did already have several Ateliers, I’d pick this up in a travel spray.
I actually tried to order a travel spray, especially since I had a coupon code for a nice GWP…but I couldn’t complete the sale, and couldn’t figure out why, even though I tried several times. Odd. Oh well, lemming averted…
Ormonde Jayne’s Osmanthus has been my staple for 10 years, I have Osmanthus Elixir (same formula poured at 42%) and now the Hair Mist. So intrigued and tempted (although feeling somewhat illicit) to try this.
If you already have your true osmanthus love in OJ, I think you should stick with it! I mean, if you ever happen to be in a store (whenever we’re doing that again?!) and happen to spot an Atelier counter, give it a whiff for fun…but don’t change your ways for it! 😉
I enjoy many Atelier Cologne.
I love Rose Anonyme and Silver Iris but their “pure citrus” are mostly big likes rather than loves. Clementine California is the best for me.
Do you know Peng Lai from Berdoues, Jessica?
Another lovely osmanthus with a gorgeous bottle.
Hi L! I need to spend more time with the Berdoues line…the one shop (?) that carried it in NYC has closed. Their bottles are beautiful, I do know that much! 🙂