Safina Rasasi / الرصاصي

At first I thought "Safina | Rasasi" was nice, but one day the fragrance caught me on the wrong foot and ended up in cupboard exile for two years. Yesterday, at 32 degrees and what felt like 100% humidity, it was allowed to return - and lo and behold, I fell in love all over again.

I find chypres, especially the heavy, dust-dry classics, nostalgically beautiful, but I would never wear them; they just don't suit me. however, "Safina | Rasasi" has little in common with this type of fragrance and is by no means one of these "vintage bombshells".

for me, "Safina | Rasasi" is like the course of the day: in the morning, the fragrance starts fresh with a green-citrusy note and a distinct soapy quality thanks to the aldehydes.

(A quick note here: I still don't know exactly how to differentiate between powdery and soapy notes in a perfume. For me, powdery is associated with an unsweet dustiness, while soapy means something soft and well-groomed. )

in any case, "Safina | Rasasi" reminds me of a fine soap, although the hesperides are not bright, but appear strangely "dimmed". It sparkles green and yellow, but nothing jumps out at you and screams "here I am". It is as if there is a cool mist over the leaves and fruit. The image of an old French chateau comes to mind. It is late August, the park with its mossy trees is still damp from the night. A light mist lies over the hollows, dewdrops sparkle in the morning sun. In the boduoir with its faded greenish wood paneling, a water-filled bowl, sponge and soap stand on the table with the marble top, ready for the morning toilet. The windows are wide open.

Now the sun moves on towards midday. The chateau's flower garden is not really lush, it's too hot here in southern France for that. The borders with the fragrant roses are framed by gray-green sage, while jasmine grows romantically in front of a dark green hedge. The hazy late summer sky softens all the colors. There is not a breath of wind, the castle residents have taken refuge behind the cool walls and are taking a siesta. Time stands still.

After a lazy late summer's day, the sun has now moved towards the horizon. The trees, bushes, castle and stables are already casting long shadows. The warmth of the ground mingles with the scent of the blossoms, in the garden the lady is cutting herbs for the evening meal. The dark Louis Seize table in the drawing room is set somewhat carelessly with a linen cloth, plain porcelain plates, crystal glasses and silver cutlery. The room smells faintly of polished furniture and musty walls: balsamic, woody, damp and mossy. Dust motes dance in the last rays of sunlight, then dusk falls. By candlelight, the castle's inhabitants enjoy their simple but tasty meal.

It rarely happens that perfumes create images for me. Safina, the outcast, of all fragrances, achieves what other, much more beloved fragrances have not. Okay, the inner movie is not particularly original, but still! What fascinates me so much about Safina is this special "soft focus" that allows the individual fragrance notes - which are definitely clearly perceptible - to blend together in a special way. I also like the gentle progression from citrusy to floral to spicy, which is not separate from one another but flows into one another like a watercolor.

For me, "Safina | Rasasi" is a beautiful rediscovery that may take one of the top spots on my perfume shelf, at least this summer.

If you want to try the fragrance: it is currently still available online for a ridiculous 15 euros. Take heart, you won't go wrong!