Perfume Review: Balsam by Agraria
September 10th, 2006
Agraria is a San Francisco based luxury home fragrance line. I first became familiar with it after smelling their Bitter Orange cologne a couple of years ago. It didn’t do much for me back then, so I didn’t even notice there were other scents as well. Happy was my oblivion until Marina from Perfume-Smellin’ Things once again inspired an uncontrollable desire to commit the Unsniffed Purchase crime (she’s rather infamous for that). The object was Balsam cologne. All she had to say was that it would be her staple this fall, and how she couldn’t believe nobody had told her about Balsam before. In the following half hour or so I was on Beautyhabit placing my order. I’m normally not rash to such shameful extent but $36 for 100 ml didn’t help the matters either.
Balsam is “a refreshing and luscious marriage combining the essence of sweet balsam, California Redwood, a hint of French sage & the bouquet of white flowers” (Agrariahome.com). There’s not much else I can add other than it smells like fresh pine needles, smoke, and wood. It dries down to a soft, slightly powdery, balsamic scent with just a whisper of flowers and overall mellow sweetness. It has an extremely comforting effect on me. Since I got it last week, I’ve been faithfully wearing it to bed every night as well as vigorously spraying the rooms, causing Mr. Aromascope to choke and sputter profusely.
The cologne can be used as a home spray as well. It has an average lasting power, so frequent reapplying will be necessary if you want it to last through the day. Balsam is also available in other products (I’m seriously desiring the candle now).
Image source: www.your-cosmetics.com
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12 Comments
1. Elle | September 11th, 2006 at 6:13 am
This really is a gorgeous woodsy scent. It smells like Christmas to me and the price is almost like a present from Agraria since it’s so low. It used to be mentioned on MUA all the time, but just sort of got elbowed out of favor w/ all the new scents demanding attention.
2. Judith | September 11th, 2006 at 6:31 am
Now you just stop this, Ina! It was bad enough when M. was swooning on the board (and I thought it was the home scent–with sticks), but now a wonderful review! And I am broke! . . .wait a sec, $36?? Did you say $36???? Here I go. . .!
3. Elle | September 11th, 2006 at 6:53 am
Oh, and that comment about Marina?? Major case of pot calling kettle…
4. Marina | September 11th, 2006 at 7:49 am
What Elle said, in both her comments, but especially in her second one.
Love Balsam! Thanky uo very much for the lovely review!
5. March | September 11th, 2006 at 9:02 am
Hey, anything under $50 is free in my book, I don’t even count it against my fragrance purchases (which is why I’m always getting in trouble on eBay.)
This one sounds wonderful. I hadn’t even heard of it, thanks!
6. Ina | September 11th, 2006 at 12:55 pm
Elle, I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to find it!
7. Ina | September 11th, 2006 at 12:55 pm
Judith, the price is awesome, isn’t it?
8. Ina | September 11th, 2006 at 12:55 pm
Elle, Marina is definitely the samovar here.
9. Ina | September 11th, 2006 at 12:56 pm
Marina, can’t wait for yours!
10. Ina | September 11th, 2006 at 12:56 pm
March, it’s a steal, and I think you’ll really like it.
11. Solander | September 12th, 2006 at 4:03 am
Sounds wonderful… Actually, it sounds a bit like my very recent love Chêne… An evergreen forest with a hint of campfire smoke.
12. Ina | September 12th, 2006 at 9:41 am
Solander, Balsam is much lighter than Chene but still in the same theme.