Perfume Review: Bois D’Armenie by Guerlain
In line with yesterday’s post on my ultimate fall scents, today’s review is Bois d’Armenie by Guerlain, the newest addition to their L’Art et la Matiere collection (the others being Rose Barbare, Angelique Noire, and Cuir Beluga). I don’t envision it becoming my ultimate fall scent but it’s certainly one I’d reach for frequently in cold weather, mostly for its comforting effect. It was inspired by Papier d’Armenie, burning paper that produces an insence-like scent used as an air-freshener. Before I received my sample of Bois d’Armenie, I ordered the actual paper from Beautyhabit to get acquainted with the nature of its smell. I’m very glad I did, not just for comparison purposes but for sheer curiosity to discover yet another way to scent my apartment.
Bois d’Armenie is not a dead ringer for Papier d’Armenie. It uses the scent of the paper as its base, with added touches. At first it smells exactly like the paper when you just light it, smoky and slightly earthy, with some patchouli sneaking in, and coriander adding a little spice. It’s not really incense in its typical form. It’s just a very light, earthy smoke. It dries down smooth and creamy like the paper in its unlit form. I almost prefer the paper this way - unlit. It’s said to be soaked in benzoin, a substance with a soft, slightly sweet, almond-like balsamic scent. Bois d’Armenie is just that upon drydown - very much a skin scent, slightly powdery and creamy at the same time, tenacious, with but a hint of smoke. Its lasting power and sillage are excellent, however. The notes for Bois d’Armenie are: “pink pepper, iris, rose, coriander, benzoin, Indonesian patchouli, incense, precious woods, musk and balsams“. If Papier d’Armenie is said to possess healing properties that even “drive away negative energies” and “depressive tendencies”, Bois d’Armenie produces a similar calming effect that’s unbelievably comforting and warming. Therefore, it’d be perfect for those chilly and gloomy days ahead.
Since Bois d’Armenie is only available at the Guerlain flagship store in Paris at this point, and if you’d rather not spend money buying unsniffed, I highly recommend buying the Papier d’Armenie from Beautyhabit. In addition, if you find the smell of burning incense too strong, this is a very nice alternative.
For other impressions, please read Victoria’s review and Marina’s review.
Image source: www.museesdegrasse.com
28 comments September 1st, 2006