In all my years of “fragrance acquisitions,” I’ve owned five natural perfumes (and three of those were from Aveda). It’s not that I am “against” natural perfumery, but many natural perfumes are similar in style (leaden) and scent (unoriginal). Often when I test natural fragrances, I feel I’m wearing a smelly naturopathic cough syrup or joint rub (apply to arthritic knees and elbows and feel the relief!)

Providence Perfume Co* Hindu Honeysuckle does not fall into the “remedy scent” category of natural perfumery. Hindu Honeysuckle includes fragrance notes of bergamot, jasmine, vetiver, ambrette seeds, rose and coriander. I have no idea if “honeysuckle” is in the perfume or if its scent is conjured by the other fragrance notes; nor am I sure if “Hindu” honeysuckle refers to a type of honeysuckle plant from India or if the designation “Hindu” is simply Providence Perfume Co’s ‘PR speak’ (the marketing materials mention Bhramari Devi, the bee goddess, and honeysuckle’s symbolism in India — the flower represents generosity, kindness).

Hindu Honeysuckle starts off sweet and syrupy…

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