Gardenia (Eau de Toilette) by Bath & Body Works

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Literatura

Gardenia Bath & Body Works 2004 Eau de Toilette

7.4 / 10 13 Ratings

A perfume by Bath & Body Works for women and men, released in 2004. The scent is spicy-woody. It is still in production.
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Main accords

Spicy

Woody

Resinous

Fresh

Powdery

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Copaiba balsam

Heart Notes

Amyris

Base Notes

Nutmeg

Barometric Yarn

Perfumer

Julian Bedel

Ratings

Scent

7.413 Ratings

Longevity

5.810 Ratings

Sillage

5.610 Ratings

Bottle

6.918 Ratings

Submitted by Kankuro · last update on 09/23/2025.

Source-backed & verified

Interesting Facts

El Mono de la Tinta (ink monkey) is a mythical beast from Jorge Luis Borges' bestiary. It lives with writers and eats up the rest of their ink. Copaiba is a resin of a tree endemic in South America which is suitable for preparing ink.

The fragrance is part of the Literatura collection.

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Reviews

3 in-depth fragrance descriptions

10/10/2023

Dryasiulia
55 Reviews

Dryasiulia

1

So Amber

As someone who is definitely guilty of owning countless tuberose fragrances; happily buying yet another one because of something like "but this one has pineapple in the open!!", I'm the complete opposite about Ambers. Hence, how I think about the ones I have tend to reflect this, ie "yeah I love this, very amber-y"

If I try to give it more of a tuberose treatment I would say this is indeed primarily "copaiba" and "amyris" -- or a powdery slightly sweet woody sandalwood. More of the "smell of antique wooden furniture" type of woody; no detectable patchouli and not at all hippie-headshop related.

It's smooth but slightly fizzy, with a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon to give it a little autumn/holiday edge.

It's fairly linear, I have a fairly large amount of fragrances and our "amber season" here is pretty short; this might be a little tiresome if worn regularly. Worn occasionally though it is a delightful way to welcome fall, and not so heavy that if (when) it inevitably warms up in the afternoon you will feel smothered.

11/04/2018

Meggi
1018 Reviews

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Meggi

Top Review 22

Epic for Everyday

In the past, my son used to enjoy participating in the local "Fussi Camp" during the summer. One of the supervisors had the nickname "Mono." I'm almost sure that the good man couldn't speak Spanish.

The ink monkey does not behave in a silly manner. On the contrary. Relaxed and promising is already the opening: Sweet, airy wood with a bitter undertone. We're talking about cinnamon; the manufacturer mentions nutmeg - and the latter fits at least a bit better at the forefront, although a carefully added splash reminiscent of rice pudding with sugar and cinnamon cannot be denied. Otherwise, the mention of copaiba balsam forces me into speculation regarding the sweet-creamy aspect.

Nevertheless, the scent does not come across as gourmand at all. Rather, after about a quarter of an hour, the weight clearly shifts to a spicy wood scent. Directly on the skin, I also catch a hint of Mr. Bedel's mushroomy plant musk; however, from a slight distance, it only contributes a serious touch that elevates the fragrance out of the realm of carnival fluff. Did it smell sugary at one point?

I find it particularly noteworthy that the occasional prickliness of spicy ingredients in the wood environment is absent today. With 'Eau du Gouverneur' from Comptoir Sud Pacifique, the sharpness sometimes bothered me, which is why the high gentleman was eventually (without compensation) transferred to another perfume lover's collection.

Throughout the morning, the wood even takes on an almost duro-like quality, but without the laboratory-fueled presence claim, rather as a noble, warm, rounded wood scent. Moreover - again distinguishing - with a hint of strange freshness that brushes against the lemony.

In fact, I am surprisingly hit with a much stronger association: I believe I suddenly detect leathery-sour hints in the spiciness that spontaneously remind me of 'Epic Man'(!), only much, much quieter. And such a thought really means something, as it concerns one of the best Amouages, of which I am fortunate to own a large bottle from the good old pre-degradation era.

The subtle Epic accord accompanies me throughout the entire afternoon, and typically for a natural scent, without any loss of quality. The evening's conclusion is marked by a bright, slightly needly wood. Cedar, perhaps. Still gently spiced, but the similarity to Epic Man - which is likely a rather individual matter anyway - has become a distant notion.

Conclusion: A fine, spicy wood scent that comes across as much less sweet than the descriptions suggest.

I thank Rotkehlchen for the sample.

06/09/2015

Florblanca
1168 Reviews

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Florblanca

4

Stay awhile, you are so beautiful...

This Titenaffe (Mono de la Tinta) is one of the most beautiful Fueguia fragrances. It is a soft, balsamic woody scent, very elegant and suitable for all occasions. There is no citrus opening needed here, El Mono de la Tinta gets straight to the point and stays that way.

Perhaps it takes several sprays to make the scent last longer - unfortunately, the vial does not allow for that. Despite the somewhat exotic name for my taste, this fragrance would definitely be a candidate for purchase. The progression is linear, there are no fluctuations or changes, and in this case, that is even a benefit.

Those who enjoy fine, elegant, soft, and balsamic woody scents will find exactly what they are looking for here!