Talco Delicato Spezierie Palazzo Vecchio / I Profumi di Firenze Fragranza Concentrata

Brocade throws, silk dresses, corsets of reeds, bleached linen undergarments, furniture with rich inlay. On the washstand, beside the ceramic bowl and water jug, lie a comb, crimson lipstick and face powder. Lots of face powder. This is what it looked like in Isabella de' Medici's (1542-1576) dressing room. In the 16th century, pale faces were in fashion. In cosmetics, this was achieved by (toxic) bleaching agents or, indeed, powder.

The fragrance Talco Delicato ('exquisite powder') keeps its promise. It reminds me of something, maybe some face powder my mother had, or that I used to own, or even the one I own now but practically never use. I almost never wear makeup anyway but since Corona I don't even wear tinted day cream anymore. It all otherwise hangs kind of ugly in the FFP2 mouth guard I wear for 10 hours at work.

The sillage of Talco Delicato is pretty strong. This Concentrato is unfortunately not as citrusy as the Eau de Parfum. So I am a bit disappointed. The bottle is kind of a miniature with a small transparent rubber stopper. So it's not for spraying. If I were to spray it, I bet I could fill a factory floor with the sillage. I dabbed myself with the little rubber stopper once on the right and once on the left side of my neck after receiving the bottle and it really kicked in. A dab is enough and thus the 10ml will last a while.

Historical digression: Isabella de' Medici was the daughter of the Grand Duke of Florence. After the death of her mother, she assumed the role of female representative of the Grand Duchy in the ducal palace. She was a very important woman. She promoted art and music in Florence. In the 16th century in Italy, murder of more or less high dignitaries of the nobility and the church was commonplace. Therefore, there were many rumors after Isabella's death. She lived to be only 33 years old 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 indicated that Isabella and her husband had a good relationship. Real life is more boring than fiction. Isabella died after a long illness. Why am I telling you 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 Palazzo Vecchio, which Isabella once inhabited. If you happen to be in Florence, it's definitely worth a visit. And if you like powder fragrances, it's definitely worth giving Talco Delicato a try. How to do that if you are not in Florence, I do not know.