Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.
The most interesting aspect of Serge Lutens Fleurs de Citronnier is its ability to change dramatically on my skin, revealing different facets of the composition. At first, it is a delicate citrus, which warms into an elegant orange blossom. Subsequently, the composition becomes sweetened by a honey note, which is gorgeous, creating a sense of sunlight entering the room on a warm summer morning. The drydown is balanced by a hint of tuberose and musk. Although the musk dominates, it is cashmere soft, gently soapy and sensual, rather than sharp or animalic. I have discovered that it works remarkably well during hot weather, because the notes meld beautifully into the skin, without overwhelming. Fleurs de Citronnier (2004) is another creation by Serge Lutens and Chris Sheldrake.
For those who like to experiment, Fleurs de Citronniers layers beautifully with Vétiver Oriental, creating a composition with subdued musk and unique pairing of earthy vetiver and sweet orange blossom.
Available at Aedes, Barneys New York, Bliss, Escentual, Senteurs D’Ailleurs, The Perfume Shoppe.
8 Comments
parislondres: Darling V! I love your review as always and coincidentally after reading your top 10 yesterday – I dug out a sample and tried it this morning. You are my scent sister – I know why you like it. It is a perfect day for this fragrance as it is rather warm here and I am liking it much more today. I guess I did not give it time and thought.
I may even get a bottle of this.
Hope you have a lovely day!
xoxo August 18, 2005 at 6:06am
Sisonne: Dear V
! I have tried Fleurs de Citronnier two times, with very different results: Once – during summer – it became very warm, almost oriental on my skin, no freshness at all, then – in winter – it was a lovely fresh, a bit sweet citrus fragrance. Isn´t that strange!? August 18, 2005 at 6:19am
BoisdeJasmin: Dear N,
Oh, I knew that you would really like it, because I just envisioned how perfect it would be on a warm day, when the composition is heated up slightly on the skin–it is a perfect synergy between orange blossom and musk. You are my sister-in-scent indeed.
xoxo August 18, 2005 at 9:17am
BoisdeJasmin: Dear C, nice to see you back from your trip (just got your lovely email, thank you)! I found very different results with this fragrance as well, except it was the opposite. At any rate, it is an interesting composition and the first musky fragrance that appealed to me.
xoxo August 18, 2005 at 9:20am
Diane: Good morning, dear! FdC grew on me. When it first came out, naturally I rushed to try it, but found it rather “meh.” But this past spring when the weather started to warm, I revisited it and while taking an evening walk, I remember sniffing the air every once in a while, wondering where the blossoms were located. I couldn’t put my finger on the origin of this clean and radiant scent. ‘Twas me! Don’t you love it when that happens?
Have a lovely day! August 18, 2005 at 12:59pm
mreenymo: I agree with darling Diane, V. FdC has a way of growing on you. At first I did not care for it. Then and tried it again and discovered its familiar beauty. It smells like something lovely from my childhood, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Nevertheless, it is a comforting warm-weather fragrance.
Hugs! August 18, 2005 at 1:36pm
BoisdeJasmin: Dear Diane, you are so right about the pleasure one can derive from these kind of moments. I had a similar experience with Montale Aoud Roses Petale recently. It was such a great realization that this wonderful scent is emanating from my skin.
xoxo August 18, 2005 at 1:38pm
BoisdeJasmin: Dear R, comforting is a very apt description, because I always feel as if it is gently embracing me. Diane once described it as stepping into the sunshine with just washed hair, and it is a great way of putting it. It has something comforting and refreshing about it. I did not care about it as much in the beginning, but I am glad I stashed my bottle away to be revisited. And what a great reintroduction it turned out to be!
xoxo August 18, 2005 at 1:41pm