Part 1: Florals ~ Rose
Part 2: Florals ~ Jasmine and White Florals
Part 4: Florals ~ Blends
Part 5: Essentials
Part 6: Orientals

Brief explanation: I will indicate the major floral notes (in bold font) with which a fragrance lover should be familiar. The underlined floral notes are related to the major note, and they can be explored after one becomes familiar with the latter.

Lily of the Valley (Muguet)

Put rose and jasmine in just the right combination together and you get lily of the valley. It is a beautiful note with a green, watery character underpinned by a surprising streak of dark indoles and tangy sweetness. Christian Dior Diorissimo is the gold standard of the lily of the valley genre, and according to its creator, perfumer Edmond Roudnitska, it “is a pure lily-of-the-valley scent that also has the odor of the woods in which it is found and the indefinable atmosphere of the springtime.” In contrast to both rose and jasmine florals that have a voluptuous character, lily of the valley is softer and less assertive.

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

Whenever I wear Maître Parfumeur et Gantier Ambre Précieux and find myself charmed yet again by this sumptuous sweet amber, I wonder why this gem is so rarely mentioned on blogs. Fragrances from Maître Parfumeur et Gantier are well-made and distinctive, and compared to many other niche brands, the price point is very reasonable. Ambre Précieux can hold its own next to many other fancy and not so fancy ambers out there. All comparisons aside, it is a fantastic composition for those—men and women alike–who like their ambers dark, velvety and smoky.

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What are the fragrances you reach for in the winter for a comforting, enveloping, cashmere wrap-like scent?

Today’s topic comes from a Bois de Jasmin reader, Anne, who is looking for your suggestions on winter fragrances. Please share your favorites, and also, any ideas of what fragrances Anne might like; she usually wears Prada Infusion d’Iris and almond scented body oils (Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, Roger & Gallet Huile Amande Persane). She is looking for something more substantial for the colder months.

My own thoughts were: Flower by Kenzo, Frédéric Malle Iris Poudré, Guerlain Iris Ganache, Christian Dior Hypnotic Poison, or for something classical, Guerlain L’Heure Bleue.  My favorite comforting winter scents are usually warm amber or incense based, such as any fragrance from Annick Goutal Les Orientalistes: Ambre Fétiche, Myrrhe Ardente or Encens Flamboyant. I also enjoy Christian Dior Mitzah. 

If you want to suggest your own topic for “Perfume Discussions,” please email me your suggestions at editor at boisdejasmin dot com

Photograph by CumulusHumils via flickr.com, some rights reserved.

The flavoring industry is the enabler of the food processing business – which depends on it to create a craving for everything from soda pop to chicken soup. It is Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory as a multibillion dollar industry; an industry cloaked in secrecy. But recently Givaudan, the largest flavoring company in the world, allowed us in to see them work their magic.

From a fascinating segment by 60 Minutes about the work of flavorists, experts at creating tastes and flavor sensations, at Givaudan. To watch the piece, or read a transcript, click here.

Although the increase in fragrance launches is obvious enough from a visit to any department store, considering the trend reveals the incredible surge in the number of perfumes marketed each year. What will 2012 be like? While many trade sources say that there are fewer launches, I do not expect that we will see a significant decrease next year.