Parfum

L'Eau d'Hiver, by Jean-Claude Ellena for Editions de Parfums

Despite all the floral notes (the clear freshness of water with the softness of white heliotrope, iris and honey), this scent is suprising crisp but warm. I first read about it here and was determined to get a sample. This was a gift and I love to wear it.

The same article mentions Cologne Bigarade, also by Ellena. For that reason and the description in the article of its scent being a strange but pleasurable, retina-expanding experience, like "like looking down into a well of cool, black water," it is intriguing.

Eau de Parfum by Comme des Garcons

Beautiful packaging (like a droplet encapsulated in film, that typography, the assymetry) and a beautiful scent: abdanum, cedarwood, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, honey, clove, nutmeg, sandalwood, "... woody and resin work in concert with harmonies of honey and cedarwood. Full of softness and warmth…the complexity subsides."
I haven't worn this in a few years but I still remember the excitement of first discovering it and how much I loved it.


Avignon Eau de Toilette by Comme des Garcons Series 3: Incense

"Roman chamomile, cistus oil, elemi, incense, vanilla, patchouli, palisander, ambrette seeds, ... the scent of gothic cathedrals and Papal palaces, of tapestries imbued with centuries of incense. Of cold marble steps, holy relics and dark confessions."

Who wouldn't want to smell like a church? But then, oh yes, I like to burn this. In earnest, I would love to try this.