Continuing with the Les Éternels Collection from Balmain. One can already categorize it in the "Private Blend" direction due to the price and this elegant presentation. I have already reported extensively on two of them, here number 3 once again with the involvement of the good Mr. Quentin Bisch in collaboration with Givaudan. A perfumer who convinces me every time, sometimes more, sometimes less. Hardly anyone talks about this Rouge and overall this line, probably because it hasn't been hyped by anyone so far. The Rouge in question has completely convinced me, and therefore there is an extensive review here with an absolute recommendation, especially for women due to the floral sweetness. It is not completely unwearable for men, but one must like the DNA. The only downside is the price of €180 for 50ml, which is a bit steep, so one should wait for discounts like now during Black Friday. This year,
Rouge Eau de Toilette was also released, which is a bit cheaper and offers 125ml for €175. I can't comment on the similarity as I haven't tested it, and it is also not included in the sample set.
The presentation of the packaging and the bottle is top-notch. Artistically well done with this angular bottle and the great design. I really like it and it looks fantastic in any high-end collection.
Quentin Bisch's signature is clearly recognizable, and it slightly reminds me of his earlier work for Maison Crivelli in collaboration with Givaudan:
Tubéreuse Astrale. Due to the absence of tuberose, it doesn't lean too much in that direction, but this striking floral sweetness does convince me and has that slightly mysterious yet seductive vibe. As in most of his works, the scent progression is rather linear without much development and without a ton of fragrance notes. The floral-sweet notes of magnolia and osmanthus stand out prominently throughout. Thanks to this wonderful osmanthus note, delightful fruity nuances also come into play. Overall, a really great vibrant floral accord that is simply very pleasant to smell and comes across as quite rich. Lily and ylang-ylang also contribute floral and creamy notes that work not only in summer and spring. Moraea Ciliata means nothing to me, but overall this floral combination is very worthwhile and quite catchy. Additionally, the synthetic-woody fragrance ingredient Georgywood, which I always quite like, is present here as well. Soft and towards the dry down, a pleasant woody note. Whether all the fragrance notes have been completely disclosed is questionable. It seems that some sweetness has been added to the floral notes, and a subtle spiciness lingers as well. Really very harmonious, and I am somewhat surprised why this fragrance scores so moderately here. Overall, a great scent that can be worn in everyday life as well as in the evening. Despite its likability, the fragrance is extremely unique and stands out from the crowd like much of Bisch's work.
Performance is also really good, lasting around 10 hours, and the sillage is commendable, so one doesn't fade into the background.
Overall, a fantastic floral-sweet fragrance that one should definitely not buy blind, especially not as a man. It has completely convinced me and is definitely a very interesting scent.
Magnolia
Osmanthus
Georgywood®
Lily
Ylang-ylang
Axiomatic
Yatagan
SchatzSucher
Ergoproxy
Turandot
Basti87
DaveGahan101
Tiffytante
