Ô de l'Orangerie Lancôme 2011

At first, I couldn't really warm up to the scent (*waving over to Lilau*). I was probably just disappointed that, as a little gourmand fan, I wasn't catered to as hoped.

What I imagined was: a big, juicy Capri-Sonne Orange would be presented to me. Or Sunkist Orange. Delicious, fruity, sweet-juicy, ready to bite into (or to enjoy sipping). Far from it! Here, a bitter, herbal, alcoholic adult beverage is opened. The orange is not pleasing, but rather very brittle. By the way, I can clearly smell it throughout; the floral notes never really dominate, despite the finely radiant jasmine at the heart. I also find the scent rather dry.

As it develops, the orange becomes more agreeable. Initially bitter enough to make you cough, it gradually loses its harshness and becomes softer. But never, really never, is it sweet. The base is delicate and pleasant, cool and soft, the bitterness has evaporated.

The longevity is surprisingly good for this type of summer fragrance. Yes, it outperforms its garden competitors from Hermès in my cabinet by a long shot in this regard. Those who don't find aquatic scents refreshing in summer (like me), and who find citrus scents too quickly exhausting (like I do), should definitely give the Orange-Ô a chance.