Vetiver & Rum Helan Eau de Toilette
2
A Meeting Far From Unexpected
I admire the beauty that this sapphire blue bottle offers and it's beautiful. A myriad of lights pass through the glass, creating an atmosphere of surreal peace. If I had to describe this perfume without leaving out any detail, I could not convey the unique sensations it gives me. The first time was unexpected and singular, but it was a good meeting. I've been courting it for over a decade, but I've never bought it, and I don't know why. Still, I've tried the scented sachets for drawers, and their intoxicating aroma has always attracted me. Then fate wanted it to appear among Amazon's proposals while I was looking for something else. In the meantime, I stay here a little longer, thinking about this pleasant and strange encounter, significantly because it hasn't changed all this time. By sensation, observing the images, and reading the captions, one could think of a marine cologne or something intoxicating because of the Rum. Vetiver & Rum, the fragrance of the sea, turns out to be very different from these first impressions. The road forked into two paths: one leading to regular vetiver and another leading elsewhere. Gentle, powdery, soapy, clean, and fresh as just out of the shower.
Let me share the riot of sensations that this strongly and unjustly underrated perfume offers me. It announces itself with a hint of lemon over a minty nuance. For a moment, it recalls a barbershop cologne, which has a cooling effect when applied. It has nothing to do with the famous Italian Amalfi lemon. Instead, a tropical and somewhat exotic feel lives in there. Imagine for a moment the Fa soap, celebrated in the 80s, with an exuberant refreshing Caribbean lime full of freshness and tartness. While the calm, not overtly sweet white, orange blossoms sit in the background, a glorious green vetiver appears next. We are far from earthy vetiver-focused masterpieces such as Vetiver Eau de Toilette or Uomo Vetyver Eau de Toilette; here, the aromatic roots reveal almost amber, soapy, and powdery facets. But what makes the difference is the alcoholic accord, courtesy of the vapors of the Rum distillate, which is androgynous, not too alcoholic, and full of ambition and tradition. The initial phase is all about citrus, soapy, and woody undertones.
Even if it dims a little, this initial vibe doesn't disappear but moves into the background, only reappearing occasionally. Now the scent enters the heart and reveals some spices softened by the flowery tones. A bite of white Arabian jasmine juggles the bouquet without invading the space available but is sufficient to round off the floral aspect of the fragrance. The soapy edge I get the most is because of the yellow mimosa, which blends with a green bourbon geranium and shadows the lavender together. The spiciness is well-balanced. A sweet nutmeg shines, while a pungent and sometimes medicinal clove subdues. The powdery aspect keeps going repeatedly; even the spicy black pepper cannot stop it. I want to know how much it could be feminine and if a woman would like wearing it. The middle results are spicy and floral, giving the fragrance a solid masculine character and revealing an unmistakable aroma. More than a smidgen of violet or iris is present because the dustiness is so vivid.
But, unexpectedly, it is with the base notes that everything changes. New woody accords emerge, with sophisticated touches that reveal a tenacious and vigorous sensuality. Here peeps out a softened and cleaned patchouli with a warm and persistent side. This dark leaf blends with the refined intensity of the opening vetiver, all supported by a soft oakmoss. The last phase is voluptuous, with a smooth, woody touch. The adult slaps of woody notes mingle with the childish caresses of powdery notes with coumarin whispers.
Vetiver & Rum is like no other. I am not aware of any other perfume that smells like or is close to it. It blends well with the warm days and nights of the spring and summer seasons. No note is so sweet as to be cloying. Due to the reformulation, it doesn't last forever like the original, and the projection stays close to the arms. However, the aroma is indisputably the same as I smelled long ago. If you live in Italy or can visit it, take the chance to check in and buy it. It's an actual occasion if you love the earthy accords of vetiver slightly soiled by powdery puffs.
I'm formulating my impression of a bottle I've owned since July 2023.
-Elysium
FYI In case you didn't know, HELAN is an Italian brand of natural cosmetics similar to ERBOLARIO.
Let me share the riot of sensations that this strongly and unjustly underrated perfume offers me. It announces itself with a hint of lemon over a minty nuance. For a moment, it recalls a barbershop cologne, which has a cooling effect when applied. It has nothing to do with the famous Italian Amalfi lemon. Instead, a tropical and somewhat exotic feel lives in there. Imagine for a moment the Fa soap, celebrated in the 80s, with an exuberant refreshing Caribbean lime full of freshness and tartness. While the calm, not overtly sweet white, orange blossoms sit in the background, a glorious green vetiver appears next. We are far from earthy vetiver-focused masterpieces such as Vetiver Eau de Toilette or Uomo Vetyver Eau de Toilette; here, the aromatic roots reveal almost amber, soapy, and powdery facets. But what makes the difference is the alcoholic accord, courtesy of the vapors of the Rum distillate, which is androgynous, not too alcoholic, and full of ambition and tradition. The initial phase is all about citrus, soapy, and woody undertones.
Even if it dims a little, this initial vibe doesn't disappear but moves into the background, only reappearing occasionally. Now the scent enters the heart and reveals some spices softened by the flowery tones. A bite of white Arabian jasmine juggles the bouquet without invading the space available but is sufficient to round off the floral aspect of the fragrance. The soapy edge I get the most is because of the yellow mimosa, which blends with a green bourbon geranium and shadows the lavender together. The spiciness is well-balanced. A sweet nutmeg shines, while a pungent and sometimes medicinal clove subdues. The powdery aspect keeps going repeatedly; even the spicy black pepper cannot stop it. I want to know how much it could be feminine and if a woman would like wearing it. The middle results are spicy and floral, giving the fragrance a solid masculine character and revealing an unmistakable aroma. More than a smidgen of violet or iris is present because the dustiness is so vivid.
But, unexpectedly, it is with the base notes that everything changes. New woody accords emerge, with sophisticated touches that reveal a tenacious and vigorous sensuality. Here peeps out a softened and cleaned patchouli with a warm and persistent side. This dark leaf blends with the refined intensity of the opening vetiver, all supported by a soft oakmoss. The last phase is voluptuous, with a smooth, woody touch. The adult slaps of woody notes mingle with the childish caresses of powdery notes with coumarin whispers.
Vetiver & Rum is like no other. I am not aware of any other perfume that smells like or is close to it. It blends well with the warm days and nights of the spring and summer seasons. No note is so sweet as to be cloying. Due to the reformulation, it doesn't last forever like the original, and the projection stays close to the arms. However, the aroma is indisputably the same as I smelled long ago. If you live in Italy or can visit it, take the chance to check in and buy it. It's an actual occasion if you love the earthy accords of vetiver slightly soiled by powdery puffs.
I'm formulating my impression of a bottle I've owned since July 2023.
-Elysium
FYI In case you didn't know, HELAN is an Italian brand of natural cosmetics similar to ERBOLARIO.
Elysium
