Diptyque will launch Essences Insensées 2019, the fourth limited edition harvest-based fragrance in the La Collection 34 series (see Essences Insensées 2014, Essences Insensées 2015 and Essences Insensées 2016). This year’s edition centers on Tahitian gardenia, aka tiaré…
I think many of us have a box or bowl of perfume samples that we’ve tried once or twice, weren’t quite sure about and plan to try again someday — the “purgatory basket,” as Robin dubbed it years ago. I can never resist trying rose-inspired fragrances, even ones that I have a sneaking suspicion I might not actually like, so I inevitably end up with more than a few semi-forgotten rose samples rattling around my desk.
Here are brief reviews of four scents I recently plucked from sample limbo and gave another wearing…
If I’d been presented with Diptyque’s new Eau de Minthé* in an unmarked vial, after the first sniff I’d have bet it was a vintage fougère perfume from the 1960s or 1970s. Eau de Minthé is hairy from eyebrows to toes, and brimming with testosterone.
Eau de Minthé goes on with a blast of bergamot mixing with peppery greens (geranium leaf is noticeable, too). As Eau de Minthé skids into mid-development I get scented hints of rose water, green tea(?), “chewing-gum” spearmint and Life Savers® wintergreen candy…
I wanted to create a neo-vintage fougère. A traditional fougère spirit translated into a brand new modern universe. Instead of using aniseed aromatic notes, I had the idea to work around a top quality of mint: our Mint Cascade launched thanks to our US partner ESSEX. It is a luminous mint, as if frozen, and with hints of fresh pepper. I used it to renew this iconic olfactive family.
— Perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin, talking about Diptyque Eau de Minthé. Read more at Interview: Creating Diptyque's Eau de Minthé at Middle East Beauty.
