Perfume Review: Guerlain Insolence and Badgley Mischka
This past weekend I did a mini-sniffage downtown Chicago and came home with a sample of Insolence and a blotter with Badgley Mischka. Insolence is the new creation of Maurice Roucel (the nose behind Musc Ravageur, Lolita Lempicka L, Iris Silver Mist) for Guerlain targeting the younger generation. The notes I was able to find are: violet, raspberry, iris, tonka beans, resins. I must say I was quite surprised to actually like this seemingly yet-another-boring fruity-floral. I’ll be even bolder and state that of all the fruity-florals in the past year or so, Insolence is by far the best one. What I found particularly appealing about the scent is the combination of violet, raspberry, and iris that’s done in a most gentle way, with a candied undertone. It reminds me of Guerlain’s other fragrance - Meteorites - that features the same notes of iris and violet with a touch of heliotrope for a powdery feel. Insolence is a bit more fruity but my nose detects a tad of powderiness, too. It doesn’t really go much further than the candied violet/iris blend but the overall effect is very soft and pretty. The drydown smells like a lipstick. I imagine Insolence will become quite popular amongst any age group as it is not a particularly girly scent that conjures up all things pink and frilly. Neither is it particularly insolent - the name is indeed a total mismatch. For other impressions, please read Victoria’s review and Marina’s review.
My second discovery was the new signature scent of Badgley Mischka fashion design house (whose designs I absolutely adore). It’s said to be released August 1 and be available through September 30 (why I do not know) exclusively at Neiman Marcus stores. My local Neiman’s had a tester bottle only, so a blotter is all I was able to bring home. According to Fashionsquare.com, “the Badgley Mischka signature fragrance is a rich and rare floral that evokes feeling of elegance, sophistication, luxury, and glamour. It opens with the pulpy sensation of Red Wild Berries and Fresh Picked Peach laced with Crème de Cassis. The heart of the fragrance is an enchanting bouquet of sensuous florals that smoothly blends Osmanthus flower, White Peony and Jasmine. The drydown imparts an elegant sensuality with Suede Musks and Indian Sandalwood, while the warmth of Caramel Amber and Patchouli furnish mystique”. I wasn’t sure I liked it much upon first sniff but it sort of grew on me. It is indeed a rich, caramely fruity-floral along the lines of La Prairie Silver Rain but with more pronounced osmanthus and cassis on a lush amber base. Sensual and luxurious and very fitting to Badgley Mischka’s Fall 2006 Ready To Wear Collection. I’m yet to do more skin tests but I’m afraid this scent will have to be a purchase at some point before September 30 as I find its deep, floriental effect too hard to resist for those chilly fall days.
Image source: www.cosmeticnews.com
20 comments July 30th, 2006