Aromascope

Perfume Review: Baladin by Parfums de Nicolai

June 25th, 2006

Our last week’s Favorite Summer Scents posts are done, and it’s just occurred to me that I completely overlooked another perfect contestant for the Favorite Summer Leather nomination, and that contestant is Baladin. The scent is created by Patricia de Nicolai, the grand-daughter of Pierre Guerlain and Jean-Paul Guerlain’s apprentice who created her own line of niche perfumes - Parfums de Nicolai. Her creations are marked by excellent quality and a particular complexity that I’d describe as inoffensive, airy, weightless. When I say weightless, I’m not referring to their lasting power. I’m talking about the effect on the skin. I’ve been familiar with the line for a couple of years now but only recently have come to realize it’s sort of underrated and is certainly worth perusing (which I intend to do in future posts).

Baladin is created as a men’s scent. However, all of Patricia de Nicolai’s masculine creations could be used as excellent evidence against the popular belief that perfumes should be differentiated by gender. She’s a master of genderlessness. In spite of using typically masculine notes, the overall impression is very unisex.

Baladin is described as a leather scent but it’s not predominantly leather. In fact, it could very well be nominated as my Favorite Summer Herbal or Favorite Summer Vetiver, for that matter. It features the notes of thyme and tarragon on a leather-vetiver base with just a hint of birch-tree essence. All of these notes if not blended masterfully, could come across as rather sharp and brazen. However, it’s not the case with Baladin. The scent brings out just a touch of each note, it seems, producing a soft, woody-earthy blend.

Baladin can be purchased from Beautyhabit and Aus Liebe Zum Duft. For other retailers, please check Patricia de Nicolai site.

Image source: www.beautyhabit.com

Entry Filed under: Perfume Reviews