I always associate patchouli with a very grave, earthy, sometimes cellar-like smell; if I can detect it in a fragrance blend, it's usually too late.
Accordingly, I was quite skeptical before testing this scent, which arrived with many other Fragonard test strips and initially sat around for a while. Now I have finally decided to quickly work through these unloved strips.
Besides Santal, which oddly reminded me of White Suede in a lighter version, I also don't mind the patchouli.
It probably has to do with the fact that it doesn't present the aforementioned attributes.
Top note: a lot of bitter orange, alongside petitgrain and a little ginger, accompanies the patch and creates a bright, airy mood.
In the heart note, rose joins in, bringing a fine floral scent, as well as caraway, which is not listed here but is mentioned by the manufacturer. I had to search online to find out what it is; it seems to be Carum carvi, true caraway, known as cumin in France, but I think it's more likely the caraway, as cumin always develops a sweaty smell on me. However, I can't really perceive the caraway either, probably well integrated.
After about 30 minutes, a very nice musk-tonka nuance comes through, which finally fills me with enthusiasm.
Sometimes the patchouli makes an appearance again, but it always remains within an acceptable range for me.
So far, I have been rather disappointed with the Fragonards, especially since one would expect such scents from a company based in Grasse, the mecca of natural floral fragrances; unfortunately, much of it seemed very synthetic and one-dimensional to me.
The only scent I have known and loved for a long time is Grain de Soleil; I’m probably not the only one.
So I am happy to have finally found a patchouli scent that I can at least imagine wearing.
Meggi 10 years ago 