What’s better than 20 roses, which is what I thought the husband was getting me on the 20th anniversary of our first date? This Diptyque candle and solid perfume – both from the limited edition Paris en Fleur collection, which is based on my favorite rose-scented memories of the city of love.
I’ve been crazy sick so brought it out for the first time today… and I swear, it’s love at first whiff! If you’ve ever been in Paris during spring or summer, you can’t have missed the fragrances of a million roses dotted around the gardens and boulevards. One of my favorite things is to buy big bunches from the Marché aux Fleurs (the historic flower garden in the 4th arr) and place them all over the house. They look and smell so gorgeous!
Sadly, I can’t always be in Paris, so am delighted with the Paris en Fleur candle and solid perfume. They have all the lusciousness of Parisian roses, without any of the saccharine candy sweetness that just makes me feel sickly. These are full blown, real blooms underlaid by Diptyque’s version of the chypre, where fresh bergamot is spiked with peppercorns instead of patchouli.
[NB: Chypre is a fragrance category that’s built around a mossy note, with bergamot, oakmoss, patchouli, and labdanum.]
The result is a decadent yet fresh and slightly spicy fragrance that is reminiscent of sitting in the Parc de Bagatelle in balmy June, sipping a peach bellini. In short: Bliss.
As for the Paris en Fleur solid fragrance, it obviously doesn’t have much sillage (the trail of scent meant to be left behind by a perfume). That’s pretty much impossible in a solid perfume, which is really meant to be worn close to your body, like a second skin. Rub a bit between your fingers and press into your pulse points for a fragrance that’s all yours.
I really love solid perfumes because they feel so intimate, so sensuous. And this one is based on the traditional French technique of enfleurage, where petals are placed between layers of fat to obtain their essential oils in the most delicate, natural manner. Utter gorgeousness, right?
And then there are the illustrations – a lattice decked with roses – done by ornamentalist Pierre Marie as a tribute to Paris’ Art Nouveau heritage. It harks back to the 1890s and is a beautiful trip back in time
Unfortunately, though… I believe the Paris en Fleur collection is available only till the end of February. I’ve already placed an order for two more candles!
What would YOU prefer? Flowers? Fragrance? Or candles?
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