Aromascope

Yves Rocher Jardins des Iles and Montale Intense Tiare

I’ve decided to add a new category called Smell-alikes where I’ll be featuring scents I find similar. Today’s picks: Jardins des Iles alcohol-free body spray by Yves Rocher and Intense Tiare eau de parfum by Montale. Both contain tiare, the exotic Tahitian flower. While Jardins des Iles is a much simpler (and cheaper!) composition, it manages to convey the scent of Monoi de Tahiti perfectly. I’d pick this on a humid summer day. In contrast, Intense Tiare is more complex, with additional notes of ylang-ylang, vanilla, coconut milk, jasmine, and rose. It has a superb staying power. I’d pick this for an evening wear on a humid summer night. I invite you to discover these luscious summer scents if you haven’t already. Jardins des Iles can be purchased at Yves Rocher; Montale Intense Tiare can be purchased at Suravionline, The Perfume Shoppe as well as the Montale online boutique.

Image source: www.yvesrocherusa.com and www.parfums-montale.com

7 comments June 5th, 2006

Perfume Review: Dorissima Goldmund

Dorissima Goldmund is created by Doris Brugger, a German perfumer and owner of Dorissima Cosmetics. On her web site, she says, “The idea of developing a new line of cosmetics was born at the beginning of 2001 on the island of Sri Lanka. A wise woman I met in the island’s mountains so fascinated me with the magic of natural scents and significance of natural, aromatic oils that I couldn’t help but want to know more. The woman created my own personal scent and reavealed me its recipe as well.” Upon her return to Germany, she started the work on recreating the scent. As a result, a body oil called Aphrodite was produced but it wasn’t till she met with Lorenzo Villoresi that she got the inspiration to create a perfume that received the name of Goldmund.

The “infatuating aphrodisiac” features the notes of tonka bean, vanilla, iris root, rose, carnation, benzoin, sandalwood, soft musk, Peru balsam, and allspice. While I don’t consider this an aphrodisiac, it is most certainly infatuating. It’s one of those scents I had to have the minute I smelled it. I find it very similar to Chanel 19 - just replace the sharp green notes of galbanum and vetiver with warm cuddly balsam and tonka bean. Both fragrances share the notes of rose, iris, sandalwood, and musk creating a soft, powdery feel. Goldmund is probably my number one comfort scent. It has a way of balancing me, especially on hectic days. It draws me into its soothing embrace, and I find myself incapable to resist. It’s the yoga of perfume.

Goldmund can be purchased at Luckyscent or directly from the Dorissima web site.

Image source: www.luckyscent.com

6 comments June 5th, 2006

Stay Tuned

Busy weekend here, so not much done on the blog front. Next: a review of Dorissima Goldmund and a few others. Stay tuned.

Add comment June 5th, 2006