Talco Delicato Spezierie Palazzo Vecchio Fragranza Concentrata

Brocade throws, silk dresses, reed corsets, bleached linen undergarments, furniture with rich inlays. On the dressing table, next to the ceramic bowl and water jug, lies a comb, carmine lipstick, and face powder. A lot of face powder. This is how it looked in Isabella de’ Medici's (1542-1576) dressing room. In the 16th century, pale faces were in fashion. In cosmetics, this was achieved through (toxic) bleaching agents or simply through powder.

The fragrance Talco Delicato ('exquisite powder') delivers on its promise. It reminds me of something, perhaps a face powder my mother had, or one I used to own, or even the one I currently have but hardly ever use. I hardly wear makeup anyway, but since Corona, I don't even wear tinted moisturizer anymore. Everything just gets messy in the FFP2 mask that I wear for 10 hours at work.

The sillage of Talco Delicato is quite strong. Unfortunately, this Concentrato is not as citrusy as the Eau de Parfum. So I am a bit disappointed. The bottle is a kind of miniature with a small transparent rubber stopper. So it’s not for spraying. If I were to spray it, I could definitely fill a factory hall with the sillage. After receiving the bottle with the small rubber stopper, I dabbed it once on the right and once on the left side of my neck, and that was already quite potent. One dab is enough, so the 10ml will last for a while.

Historical digression: Isabella de’ Medici was the daughter of the Grand Duke of Florence. After her mother's death, she took on the role of the female representative of the Grand Duchy in the ducal palace. She was a very important woman. She promoted art and music in Florence. In 16th century Italy, murder of more or less high-ranking dignitaries of the nobility and the church was commonplace. Therefore, after Isabella's death, there were many rumors. She died at the age of only 33 and left behind two children. Her alleged lover was murdered the following year, her husband a few years later, and his mistress as well. However, letters revealed that Isabella and her husband had a good relationship. Real life is more boring than fiction. Isabella died after a prolonged illness. Why am I telling this? The company Spezierie Palazzo Vecchio / I Profumi di Firenze refers to Isabella de’ Medici. She is probably to Florence what Diane de Poitiers is to Anet. The tiny shop of Spezierie Palazzo Vecchio / I Profumi di Firenze is located not far from the Palazzo Vecchio, which Isabella once inhabited. If you are in Florence, it is definitely worth a visit. And if you like powdery scents, it is definitely worth testing Talco Delicato. However, I don't know how one should go about that if they are not in Florence.