Originally released in 1976, Gardenia was reformulated in 2009 by Bertrand Duchaufour as part of the Anthology Collection. As he did with Orange Blossom, M. Duchaufour created a sheer pretty interpretation of the flower.
In contrast to the number of notes listed below, Gardenia smells deceptively simple. It starts with a very green note, combined with jasmine and tuberose. There is a tartness that must be the rhubarb. In the heart I smell mainly the magnolia over some gentle, warm, woody spices.
Gardenia is fresh and easy to wear. It seems natural yet classic. I like Orange Blossom better, but I could see spritzing on Gardenia for a summer wedding or a garden party, that's the kind of feel it gives me.
House: Penhaligon's
Nose: Bertrand Duchaufour
Notes:
Head Notes
Violet, Rhubarb, Bergamot, Hyacinth, Magnolia, Green Leaves
Heart Notes
Gardenia, Rose, Ylang, Orange Blossom, Tuberose, Jasmine, Clove, Cinnamon, Lily of the Valley
Base Notes
Benzoin, Sandalwood, Musk, Vanilla
I just swapped my sample of this away, which I may live to regret, only I recalled it as being a bit indistinct - "weak" even. Mind you, I tested it alongside Amaranthine, which may not have eclipsed it rather. : - )
ReplyDeleteHmmm. Sounds nice enough, but I rarely wear these fresh floral perfumes. However, I'm attracted to what you describe as the green opening. Cinnamon is a bit challenging for me, but in the right formulation, it could work.
ReplyDelete"fresh and easy to wear" with tuberose in it? I must try this.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking for my perfect gardenia. I have been testing Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia and it is lovely, but the tuberose knocks me over.
BTW, I ordered Penhaligon's samples from the Perfume Shoppe in Vancouver, and they sent actual Penhaligon's samples in cards, 1.5 ml.
Flittersniffer: It is very light compared to his Amarathine. I spread about half the sample on myself to do the review.
ReplyDeleteJosephine: The cinnamon isn't noticeable, just a hint of warmth. Although I don't seem to mind cinnamon. Today I'm testing another perfume with it.
JoanElaine: Don't you love the Penhaligon's sample cards? They're so pretty.