Scraping thick caramel off of a carpet
Le Participe Passé: I love the strong caramel accord in this. The caramel is rich and sweet, but not sugary, instead, syrupy. The resinous take of this fragrance is unique and enjoyably dark, but in combination with the balsam and spice, reaches too far into the candle category. Upon dry down, the warmth of the spice still shines through, yet too quickly overtakes any identifiable citrus top note. In fact, I struggled to find the bergamot listed in the profile. I think paying attention to it adds complexity, but the burnt caramel, resin, leather, and balsam makes the fragrance deep enough. The citrus accord is almost undetectable. I believe that the name for this scent is befitting because experiencing it from first sniff to the drydown, it engulfs me into a former season: autumn. This is definitely a comforting gourmand, as unforgiving as it is. Without any creamy, vanilla lactonic accords, Le Participe Passé manages to get close and welcomes the wearer with a one-of-a-kind candy by a crackling fire. Maybe so strong you woouuld need some milk to dilute it.
My decant of Le Participe Passé is overall enjoyable, but personally, strikes too heavy for casual usage. If you'd like an atmospheric scent that embraces you while reading a moody book, trace a sample of this on the collarbone, but I would not advise blind buying it. Most Serge Lutens fragrances are just this complex in artistry.
Juvenile and not in a fun way
Pear Gelato: I was beyond excited for a sample of this, but it was gravely disappointing. The name is misleading, instead of a refreshing or tart pear note, I get the distinct smell of a melted green apple jolly rancher on top of a cloying vanilla. It's important to note that there is no cream in the vanilla, there is no milkiness, it is just a one dimensional, sugary vanilla base. First sniff is like snorting a bag full of sugar – nauseating. Even when it dries down, the jolly rancher gets lost, but the overly sweet sugar remains.
I would not purchase this. Gourmands rarely impress me, but this was still such a letdown considering the sheer amount of praise it gets.
