Bal D‘Afrique but please in Paris…
While researching the history of this perfume, I came across an article that looks back at the inspiration for this scent, which is rooted in Paris in the 1920s, during the times of Moulin Rouge and the African American dancer Josephine Baker. Yes, from now on everything made sense. Because Bal D’Afrique is not about Africa. It’s not about the desert, fire, sun, and certainly not about heat. It’s about restrained desire in a bottle.
It makes no sense to break down the scent into individual components; the compositions can be seen further up and, honestly, a similar one can be found in a thousand other fragrances, but none is like Bal D’Afrique. This scent is not about bergamot or lemon. Not about violets and definitely not about jasmine. I suspect it might be marigold or buchu, because I have no idea what those smell like. Probably, very few of us own such a fragrance case, and even if we did, how could one put this divine scent into words?
My first encounter.
I have nearly all the decants from Byredo and some bottles, but strangely, Bal was not my first Byredo in the large bottle, even though I started my acquaintance with the Byredo brand with a decant of Bal D’Afrique. Only after Bal D’Afrique Absolu did the large bottle of EDP come along. In my review of Bal Absolu, I already mentioned that the two cannot replace each other. Both fragrances should be tested beforehand, meaning worn for a few days, especially the Bal Absolu. But the EDP can also smell rather “primitive” for the money if the scent doesn’t suit you.
I would like to leave a few more words about the scent here; I can think of some: sensual, elegant, sexy, understated, attractive, delicate, harmonious, feminine, clean, exciting, dignified, sophisticated. How all this fits together, I have no idea, just Bal D’Afrique.
Season-independent, suitable for any occasion (except the gym, of course). Very closely related to Mojave Ghost in the base. For men, I personally find it less suitable.
Longevity/sillage is unfortunately not great. However, I have discovered a few tricks for myself on how to prolong it. After showering, apply 2-3 sprays on previously moisturized skin and 2 more just before going out. Then it lasts for about 7 hours. The 1996 or Animalique would certainly be laughing to themselves. The Bal Absolu offers such longevity, but this comes at the expense of the lightness that you have with the EDP.
It makes no sense to break down the scent into individual components; the compositions can be seen further up and, honestly, a similar one can be found in a thousand other fragrances, but none is like Bal D’Afrique. This scent is not about bergamot or lemon. Not about violets and definitely not about jasmine. I suspect it might be marigold or buchu, because I have no idea what those smell like. Probably, very few of us own such a fragrance case, and even if we did, how could one put this divine scent into words?
My first encounter.
I have nearly all the decants from Byredo and some bottles, but strangely, Bal was not my first Byredo in the large bottle, even though I started my acquaintance with the Byredo brand with a decant of Bal D’Afrique. Only after Bal D’Afrique Absolu did the large bottle of EDP come along. In my review of Bal Absolu, I already mentioned that the two cannot replace each other. Both fragrances should be tested beforehand, meaning worn for a few days, especially the Bal Absolu. But the EDP can also smell rather “primitive” for the money if the scent doesn’t suit you.
I would like to leave a few more words about the scent here; I can think of some: sensual, elegant, sexy, understated, attractive, delicate, harmonious, feminine, clean, exciting, dignified, sophisticated. How all this fits together, I have no idea, just Bal D’Afrique.
Season-independent, suitable for any occasion (except the gym, of course). Very closely related to Mojave Ghost in the base. For men, I personally find it less suitable.
Longevity/sillage is unfortunately not great. However, I have discovered a few tricks for myself on how to prolong it. After showering, apply 2-3 sprays on previously moisturized skin and 2 more just before going out. Then it lasts for about 7 hours. The 1996 or Animalique would certainly be laughing to themselves. The Bal Absolu offers such longevity, but this comes at the expense of the lightness that you have with the EDP.
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