Jasmin Reve by Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger c2013

Jasmin Reve by Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger: launched in 2013. Created by Jean-Claude Gigodot.  As one can tell from the name, Jasmine is the star of this fragrance.

And brides as delicate and fair 

As the white jasmine flowers they wear 

Hath Yemen in her blissful clime 

-T. Moore 

Jasmine is highly prized all over the world and is one of the most costly perfume ingredients. It has been reported that more than five million blossoms must be gathered to produce one kilo of what is known as "pure jasmine absolute". As a result, much of the jasmine used in perfume is a chemical approximation and is present in about 83% of women's fragrances and 33% of men's.

Jasmine oil is often used in aromatherapy as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. It is also said to act as an aphrodisiac.

Then how serene when in your favourite room 

Gales from your jasmines soothe the evening gloom 

-Crabbe

 Ancient Greeks and Egyptians knew the divine power of the jasmine and used it in not only perfumes, but as offerings to the gods. The Pharaonic Egyptians painted flowers on the walls of their palaces, temples and tombs. These paintings show chrysanthemums, cornflowers, roses, irises, jasmine, narcissi, vines, and poppies, with papyrus and lotus.

The intense fragrant essence of the jasmine is recalled in the origin of its name which derives from the Persian word "yasmin" which means "a gift from God."

In early days it was known in English as Gethsamine, Gelsemine, Jesemin and Jasme. It is also the Jasmin as well as Kajan and Zambach of the Arabians.

Here jasmines spread the silver flower 

To deck the wall or weave the bower 

-Cotton 

So what does Jasmin Reve smell like? It is classified as a Floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: jasmine
• Middle notes: rose
• Base notes: musk, sandalwood and vanilla

I received a sample directly from Au Pays de la Fleur d'Oranger and dabbed some drops on the back of my hand. Jasmin Reve means Jasmine Dream in French and this is exactly what it is. At first sniff, a dreamy waft of plush, narcotic jasmine greets my nose. There is a distinctive fresh bloom effect about the jasmine that I find very appealing. A trace of sweetened spice weaves its web as the fragrance dries down. Now I can smell the soft sandalwood mingling with the creamy vanilla. A vanilla that is not cloyingly sweet. The musk is as soft as gossamer without being overwhelming. It has moderate sillage and as the dry down fades, the jasmine is tenacious until the very end. 

My overall impression of this perfume is that it has a very ethereal quality. Luxuriant and refined. Perfect for wearing with your softest of cashmere sweaters or pashmina shawls. I also think that this would be suitable for a bride to wear on her wedding day. The matching perfumed candle would be appropriate for a wedding gift, Mother's Day or hostess gift.

Visit Au Pays de la Fleurs d'Oranger's website

Ce Soir Ou Jamais by Annick Goutal c1999

Ce Soir Ou Jamais by Annick Goutal: launched in 1999. The name in French means "Tonight or Never", sounds like it could be a plea from a lover. Inspired by the scent of a beautiful rose Annick Goutal found in a priest's garden, it took her a reported fifteen years and over 160 secret ingredients to capture an almost perfect replica.

From Annick Goutal:

"Infinitely secret murmur, pressing and tender proposal of a lingering and discrete perfume which intrigues and arouses desire...  

According to Annick Goutal, it is the perfume of her life, the most accomplished. Interpretation of a rose in a "priest's garden" which she stumbled upon, so much idealized in the extent that it makes one's head spin.  

15 years of work and determination to succeed in revealing the transparency of this delicate, mysterious, almost wild rose."

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an intense floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: aldehydes, lemon, bergamot, pear, rose geranium, peach, lily of the valley, and hibiscus
• Middle notes: acacia, orange blossom, lavender, apple blossom, beeswax, jasmine, verbena, rose hips, Turkish rose, tea rose, violet, lilac, mimosa and Bulgarian rose
• Base notes: incense, sandalwood, myrrh, anise, patchouli, leather, musk, oakmoss, ambrette, benzoin and amber

Available in both parfum, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, body cream, shower gel and soap.

I received a sample from a Facebook friend and just sprayed some on the back of my hand. Starting off with a hint of citrus zest and juicy pear, beeswax, rosehip tea, then revealing a heart of fresh cut bouquet of both sweet Turkish and soapy Bulgarian roses and ending in a marriage of spiced wine and a patchouli laden chypre base with a touch of powdery jasmine.

Each time I smell the perfume, it seems a little different and new notes appear. I love this. This is as if Tea Rose by The Perfumer's Workshop and to Jo Malone's Red Roses cologne had a baby, it has a slight vintage feel that I enjoy. Many of the ingredients in the notes listed above I was able to detect through several sampling sessions, as the "secret ingredients" truly are secret and not officially listed anywhere online.

I imagine an elegant woman wearing a slinky black velvet dress arriving at her handsome lover's home on the last night before he leaves on yet another business trip. He opens the door and lets her inside. They immediately embrace and he tastes her violet candy like red lipstick as they passionately kiss. She nuzzles her head into the crook of his neck and smells his musky aftershave spiked with lavender, patchouli and ambergris. He smells her vintage aldehydic chypre perfume that she sprayed on her hair. Her lover presents her with a lush bouquet of long stemmed roses. They stroll into the dining room. She sits down at the table to an empty goblet which is twinkling with the flicker of candlelight.  A small Baccarat crystal vase on the table holds crimson hibiscus blossoms sits atop the freshly laundered linen table cover. A gilt rimmed Limoges porcelain plate holds a succulent baked pear and sliced peaches drizzled with honey and garnished with candied citrus fruit peel. He pours an expensive red wine into her goblet. Her lover presents her with a red envelope, she excitedly opens it, it simply reads "Tonight or Never." She coyly smiles, looks up at him with a mischievous look in her eyes and takes his hand in hers.

Le Petit Fou - Le Soft Perfume

Le Petit Fou, manufacturers of high quality solid perfume sticks, have presented several alcohol free perfumes for you enjoyment.

Using only naturally plant derived colorants and ingredients, these nearly edible "paste" perfumes combine the best of cosmetic innovation and the highest standards of expertise while providing the European cosmetology guarantee.