Citron
Lime
Bergamot
Myrtle
Cardamom
Green mandarin orange
Magnolia
Patchouli
Omnipotato
424 Reviews
Omnipotato
4
Incredible citrus opening; long lasting to boot
I was ready to give up on this new collection by Balmain after testing the 2024 releases at Neiman Marcus. I was excited about "Carbone (2024) | Balmain" and Ébène (2024) and both ended up being huge flops. But recently, Balmain did a free giveaway of "Rouge | Balmain" and their new release "Blanc Galaxie | Balmain" samples through Facebook/Instagram so I thought I'd give them a shot; Rouge a second chance as I'd already tested it (though admittedly not on skin) at NM.
Rouge, on skin, was yet another disappointment, so my expectations were at an all-time low for Blanc Galaxie. But it might end up being the best release of 2025 for me.
Blanc Galaxie opens with probably the best citrus opening I've ever smelled. Maybe only Zelen's super-natural bergamot can compete with it. According to Balmain's website, it is a blend of 5 citrus fruits: citron, bergamot, lime, green mandarin, and Buddha's hand. Not sure if this is actually accurate (i.e. the oils of all these varieties of citrus actually made it into the fragrance) or it's just a marketing tactic, but the effect is undeniable: fresh, juicy, tart, sharp, a little sweet; just magnificent.
After this exquisite opening, the scent opens up with florals. Although magnolia is not the main focus here, it plays a big role connecting the citruses with the woody undertones of the base. At some point an hour or so in, I was getting very floral whiffs almost like in Imagination or Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum.
In the base, musks and woody notes keep the citruses alive. I swear 10 or so hours in, I was still getting whiffs of the same citrus as the opening. Like a shadow of its former glory, but still there, and somehow still in the air around me. Longevity is insane for a citrus-freshie. The base notes are described on the Balmain website as "musky patchouli" and I'm pretty sure "patchouli" is code for "akigalawood," as akigalawood is processed from patchouli oil. So it gives a similar effect to Castley's drydown, but it's what Castley wishes it was. There also seems to be a very subtle mossy effect which gives it a bit more dignity and class.
Only reason this is not getting a perfect score from me is that the DNA is just not that exciting or unique. The execution is unparalleled though, and if you are looking for a dumb reach spring-summer modern freshie, definitely get your nose on Blanc Galaxie. It is flying under the radar, probably for good reason (since the rest of the collection is very lacking), but definitely worth a sniff.
Rouge, on skin, was yet another disappointment, so my expectations were at an all-time low for Blanc Galaxie. But it might end up being the best release of 2025 for me.
Blanc Galaxie opens with probably the best citrus opening I've ever smelled. Maybe only Zelen's super-natural bergamot can compete with it. According to Balmain's website, it is a blend of 5 citrus fruits: citron, bergamot, lime, green mandarin, and Buddha's hand. Not sure if this is actually accurate (i.e. the oils of all these varieties of citrus actually made it into the fragrance) or it's just a marketing tactic, but the effect is undeniable: fresh, juicy, tart, sharp, a little sweet; just magnificent.
After this exquisite opening, the scent opens up with florals. Although magnolia is not the main focus here, it plays a big role connecting the citruses with the woody undertones of the base. At some point an hour or so in, I was getting very floral whiffs almost like in Imagination or Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum.
In the base, musks and woody notes keep the citruses alive. I swear 10 or so hours in, I was still getting whiffs of the same citrus as the opening. Like a shadow of its former glory, but still there, and somehow still in the air around me. Longevity is insane for a citrus-freshie. The base notes are described on the Balmain website as "musky patchouli" and I'm pretty sure "patchouli" is code for "akigalawood," as akigalawood is processed from patchouli oil. So it gives a similar effect to Castley's drydown, but it's what Castley wishes it was. There also seems to be a very subtle mossy effect which gives it a bit more dignity and class.
Only reason this is not getting a perfect score from me is that the DNA is just not that exciting or unique. The execution is unparalleled though, and if you are looking for a dumb reach spring-summer modern freshie, definitely get your nose on Blanc Galaxie. It is flying under the radar, probably for good reason (since the rest of the collection is very lacking), but definitely worth a sniff.
PersianDoc
SirLancelot
Turandot
DaveGahan101
ANDESSE
