French niche line Parfum d’Empire has launched Tabac Tabou. The new fragrance will be produced yearly in limited quantities, with the year of production printed on the label…
5 perfumes: (great) new wave summer colognes
Earlier this week I talked about old school summer colognes. Today’s focus: the modern equivalent. These fragrances aren’t classic Eau de Colognes, but they function in much the same way: they’re light, they’re citrus-y, they’re refreshing in the worst dog days of summer. Bonus: some of the newer models last a bit longer on skin than the classics.
I’ve listed my picks in order of release date. Do add your own picks in the comments!
Guerlain Mandarine Basilic ~ From 2007, this lovely sparkling orange with plenty of herbal bite is the oldest fragrance on today’s list…
5 perfumes: citrus for cold weather
Longtime readers know I am not a fan of cold weather. Early fall, when it’s crisp and sunny, is ok I guess, but I can do without the rest of it. So, naturally, I live in Pennsylvania. Supposedly, this year we’re in for a particularly harsh winter, and if the temperature the last few days is any indication, the doomsday warnings might be turn out to be true.
Of course, you can combat cold weather in the traditional way, with woods and spices and vanilla, but sometimes, a blast of citrus, with its reminder of warmer days, seems a better way to thumb your nose at the ice crystals forming on the windows. So in the spirit of denial, here are five citrus fragrances you can wear to stay cheerful as you struggle to get the snow blower going…and of course, do add your own favorites in the comments!
Guerlain Shalimar
Let’s start right off with the big guns, shall we…
Parfum d’Empire Corsica Furiosa ~ fragrance review, with an aside on Costume National Cyber Garden
Corsica Furiosa is the latest from French niche line Parfum d’Empire, and it centers around mastic, native to the island of Corsica, where perfumer Marc-Antoine Corticchiato spent part of his childhood (he was born in Morocco and spent part of his childhood there as well). It is perfectly named; the PR materials refer to a “a verdant blast” and that’s exactly what Corsica Furiosa is all about.
The “verdant blast” starts off with plenty of lime-y citrus. It’s resolutely, unapologetically green and smells strongly of the outdoors, untamed, in high summer: there are grassy notes and an overdose of tomato leaf, some almost-sneezy black pepper, flashes of peppermint and other green herbs, crushed pine needles and plant sap (the listed notes include mastic, eau de vie, wild mint, tomato leaf, pepper, honey, hay, cistus and oakmoss). And yes, pretty much all at once…
Parfum d’Empire Corsica Furiosa ~ new fragrance
French niche line Parfum d’Empire is introducing new packaging for the brand, as well as a new fragrance, Corsica Furiosa. Also reportedly in the works: new Eau de Parfum versions of Musc Tonkin and Eau de Gloire…