Refreshing: 98 posts

Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

It makes perfect sense to review Yuzu Rouge alongside Un Zest de Rose, because they share some similarities, primarily the rose and citrus pairing. Parfums 06130 were created by Raphaël Haury, a young nose behind Clarins Par Amour and several Azzaro fragrances. The opening of Yuzu Rouge is a tart effervescence of citrus notes, sweet lemon and dry lime. While they do not replicate the scent of yuzu precisely, the combination is vibrant and uplifting. Tea rose with its sweet fragrance weaves in gently around the citrus notes, softening the sharpness and astringency. A touch of blackcurrant provides a juicy note that permeates pink rose petals in the heart of the composition and lends a tart green accent that makes the resulting composition light and sparkling. I find it similar to Un Zest de Rose by Parfums de Rosine, with a touch more berry in the drydown, however while Un Zest de Rose is a white rose sorbet, Yuzu Rouge is a rose flavored drink. It is difficult to decide which is one better, because while Un Zest de Rose is slightly more complex, Yuzu Rouge has become my staple due to the fact that it is very easy to wear despite heat and humidity of the East Coast summers.

Available at Aedes and Takashimaya in New York (call 212-350-0100).

Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

Eau de Toilette

There are some fragrances that one cannot forget, even if for one reason or another, the love affair is suspended, and the bottle is not replaced. When I moved to the US, my perfume bottles were left at the old apartment and, alas, never retrieved. Cristalle was one of them. And then recently I stopped by a Chanel counter and reached for the slim oblong bottle. As the mist fell upon my skin, I was immediately swayed by its luminous clarity. Of course, I had to have a bottle right away.

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Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

Ormonde Jayne Sampaquita is as refreshin as a sip of lemonade on a hot summer day. It makes me feel rejuvenated and refreshed. The top notes are a Venetian lace of citrus notes, lychee, green leaves and white petals. Then the lemony melody softens into a floral medley. Here, water lily note is what I notice the most, paired with the spring-like brightness of freesia and the lush richness of jasmine sambac. The dry down is pleasantly earthy and musky.

Sampaguita, another name for a variety of jasmine sambac, comes from the Tagalog words “sumpa kita,” which means “I promise you.” It is the national flower of Phillipines, where the sampaguita is also known by a host of other names: sambac, sampagung, campopot, lumabi, kulatai, pongso, malur and manul.

Notes: Lychee, grass oil, bergamot and magnolia; sampaquita absolute, freesia, muguet, rose and water lilies; musk, vetivert, moss and ambrette seed.

Photo by willmack via flickr.