Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.
L’Artisan Parfumeur’s entry into the blossoming organic skincare market has resulted in Jatamansi, a line of body products based on the healing extract of the Himalayan nard plant. L’Eau de Jatamansi is a scented body mist, which is a part of the Jatamansi line. Opening up on a crisp brightness that alternates between the verdancy of fresh grass and the peppery warmth of sun parched herbs, L’Eau de Jatamansi never loses its subtle aura. …
The composition unfolds into a radiant woody accord. The more assertive resinous herbal notes are only a delicate sprinkling; the rosy sweetness only serves to round out the composition. L’Eau de Jatamansi fits perfectly into the aesthetic of L’Artisan Parfumeur—nature inspired compositions; uncluttered and minimalist arrangements. The character of this light fragrance is reminiscent more of Navegar and Thé pour un Eté rather than of Bois Farine and Voleur de Roses. Its environment conscious idea is executed in the same effortless chic manner as the other L’Artisan fragrances. Effervescent and herbaceous, L’Eau de Jatamansi manages to be both refreshing and sophisticated, without calling to mind the herbal supplements section of Whole Foods.
L’Eau de Jatamansi does not have tremendous lasting power; however, being a light mist, it is not intended to last for longer than a couple of hours. I find that its freshness which is created by dry, mineral herbs, rather than by conventional sharp citrusy notes or tired ozonic accords, is very appealing. As a body mist applied straight after a morning shower, L’Eau de Jatamansi is as rejuvenating as a cup of coffee. Two hours later, I am ready to don something richer, but while L’Eau de Jatamansi lasts, I have no complaints.
L’Artisan Parfumeur L’Eau de Jatamansi features notes of citrus, blue chamomile, rose, and guaïac wood. Already available from the L’Artisan boutiques in France, it will be launched in the US in May of 2007. Henri Bendel and L’Artisan boutiques already have the rest of the Jatamansi line.
Photo of the Himalayan nard plant from Sbepl.com.
14 Comments
Elle: Am relieved to read that it doesn’t smell like the Whole Foods supplement section. I’ve used real jatamansi before and, although a great oil for its purposes, I’m not at all fond of the smell. This sounds like it actually might be a lovely summer scent. March 23, 2007 at 7:55am
Jason: This sounds interesting – sort of like some from the Guerlain Aqua Allegoria line.
Do you know who the perfumer behind it was? March 23, 2007 at 5:10am
Marina: Sounds lovely. I have a sample here, which I have yet to try, it is Huile de Corps. Body Oil wouldn’t be the same as Body Mist, right? But hopefully it also smells great. March 23, 2007 at 8:22am
Robin: Sounds like I’ll need a bottle! March 23, 2007 at 12:29pm
BoisdeJasmin: Jason, I did not check, to be honest. I will try to find out. It is wonderful the first thing in the morning. It is what the sadly discontinued IUNX waters used to do for me. Albeit, Jatamansi really lasts much better. March 23, 2007 at 5:23pm
BoisdeJasmin: Elle, I agree with you. I have smelled real jatamansi oil before, and yes, it was not a good scent. Thankfully, L’Eau de Jatamansi has no obvious relationship to it in terms of scent. March 23, 2007 at 5:24pm
BoisdeJasmin: Marina, yes, Huile de Corps is a different thing. It is also very nice. I do not have the oil, but I tried it at the boutique and the texture seemed very nice. March 23, 2007 at 5:26pm
BoisdeJasmin: R, it has your name written all over it, I would say. 🙂 March 23, 2007 at 5:26pm
Ina: I got a chance to smell it today. I must say, for an organic perfume, this is really good! It also changes a lot on skin. The drydown reminded me of some floral-herbal liquid medicine from childhood. Overall, I think it’s unlike anything L’Artisan has done so far, and I can see it being quite a success. March 23, 2007 at 9:52pm
Leoness: Has anyone tried DKNY Gold? I smelled a sample in Vanity Fair and was impressed- love that lily! Usually if I like the scent in the magazine, it smells totally different in person. Let me know if you’ve tried it and what you think, and whether you prefer the EDT or EDP. Thanks! March 24, 2007 at 11:13pm
Madelyn E: Dear Victoria,
Please forgive me – but I would love to know if there is anyway you might stop by the NY Sniffapalloza next W-ER 3/31 and 4/1 . I would love to finally neet you – if at all possible !
Thanks in advance March 25, 2007 at 2:56am
BoisdeJasmin: Ina, I agree–it is very different, but still in the same character. A very nice fragrance. March 24, 2007 at 11:18pm
BoisdeJasmin: L, I prefer the EDP in Gold, the EDT is rather disappointing by comparison. I wrote a review on Nov. 12th:
https://boisdejasmin.com/_/2006/11/donnakaran_gold.html March 24, 2007 at 11:20pm
BoisdeJasmin: Dear Madelyn, I am not sure if I will be in the city on those days, but if I will, I will make sure to stop by. March 26, 2007 at 3:07pm