Elysium
Helpful Review
8
Pour Un Homme 2 Le Mâle
It has been a long time, too long, that I have been spinning around these perfumes from Jeanne en Provance. I stumbled upon these intriguing fragrances about a couple of years ago while browsing the Notino website; their colored glass bottles and meager price immediately tickled me. A quick search on the official website revealed Grasse's use of natural ingredients and the master nose behind each one, a bit like Yves Rocher's house. But then I never followed up on the purchase. The fact is that last fall, I visited the DM store, which is part of a German chain, and I saw these perfumes displayed on the shelf, on sale for much less than € 10. I immediately tested them, and their aroma won me over instantly. Lavande & Vétiver was the first to enter the cart and, by sheer fate, the last to receive a review.
Last but not least, as they say. Its initial aroma is misleading and has deceived my senses pleasantly. Read on, and you will find out more.
Moderately dry with a hint of citrus and fiery at the beginning. Herbaceous notes are dark but not scary, instead of green and reasonable. A sort of camphor lavender is the first note I get, followed by a vanilla-like coumarin. This primary explosion immediately reminded me of Caron's Pour Un Homme's classic cologne, in which the lavender and vanilla duo make it unique and unmistakable. As it calms down, some sour aroma jumps in, and I don't think it comes from the bergamot. It looks more like bitter orange zest, which adds a touch of citrus to a barely spiced start. And the lavender takes on a minty and medicinal vibe, which makes me think of the presence of hidden aromatic rosemary. The initial phase is pleasant and relaxing, like a fresh and stimulating Provençal wind coming from the fields of lavender in bloom.
Thus, the fragrance changes dramatically, deviating from Caron's masterpiece and taking another direction. The vanilla vibe is still there, now closer to the roasted tonka beans, and beyond that is plenty of powdery iris root that kicks pretty hard. There are no lipsticks or makeup arrangements, just a dusty feel. A hint of extra tarragon and presumably sage makes the heart more greenish, while cedar adds a touch of dry woodiness. The wood is just all too dry but without shades of pencil shavings. Wait a minute, what deviation am I talking about? The more the perfume goes through the intermediate phase, the more it reminds me of JPG's Le Mâle, whose atmosphere is immediately recognizable and very pleasant. The notes listed are not the same, but the resulting aroma is.
When Lavande & Vétiver dries, some smoke oozes from the guaiac wood, with warm vanilla and creamy musk undertones. I get more warmth and woods in the shades. At this point, the resemblance to Le Mâle is patently identical. It is creamier with a little bit of a powdered element. What I have left in the end is a fragrance of vanilla and lavender, with the remnants of a powerful balsamic accord. A warm mix of amber tonka on top of the wood envelops everything.
It's a reasonably safe scent that can be worn just about anywhere, and it's not overwhelming either. Lavande & Vétiver is good at what it does, providing a lovely scent, versatility, good projection, and longevity, and it's still pretty sexy and seductive. It is a bright choice for a winter fragrance or even during the coldest days of autumn. It is then that this cologne performs at its best. It is an essential and reasonably inexpensive perfume to try and maybe turn into everyday wear. Interesting. It is a very modern and chic version of lavender and oriental fragrances. I can only feel that a lot of inspiration has been taken from Caron Pour Un Homme and JPG Le Male. Although these scents differ significantly from Lavande and Vétiver, they are all built around vanilla and lavender. In any case, Lavande & Vétiver is very interesting.
I based the review on a 100ml bottle I have owned since November 2020.
-Elysium