Cornaline

It is thrilling to anticipate what an independent perfumer can do with raw materials, especially if they are as talented and creative as Anatole Lebreton. The liberty of using whatever quantity of naturals the perfumer sees fit can open up a composition that a scarcity mindset may not do (unless one is as skilled with minimalism as JCE, that is an art in itself). Lebreton flawlessly softens ylang ylang into soft, pliable orris root here without the latter supplanting the former. An old-fashioned geranium is always a welcome addition for me, with its delightful rose mimicry sheathed in green, aromatic overtones. The real climax here is when a fuzzy peach gives friendly bumps and nudges to the ylang ylang as the lactonic and the heady ripeness converge. This is all sweet through the powdery, voyeuristic veil of benzoin. It gets hazier and muskier over time, a tryst fading out of view so it doesn't quite allow us to get to the part where the knickers are down in the cottage garden. Denying that gratification is a stroke of genius. I love the pants-down perfumes, but this is all foreplay, the liminal space between innocence and maturity—it's all so beautiful.

Love it. Contrary to Lebretons description, I find no sun, joy or fire here. This is infinite sadness, a lover scorned, the quiet blue light of an English garden at dusk (despite the ylang, I know!). The same feeling that L’heure blue brings, with no other similarities. Rather linear, there is a creaminess with that sweet carrot note that i find deliciously gourmand. More carrot the cake than carrot the veg. I’m picky with the sweet stuff since even the slightest bit of amber makes sweet go sour on me. Here though, the sweetness is cold and milky. I dont really get fruit, but rather creamy floral notes. Not in an Iris way but as in liquid cream, orris maybe. It lasts nearly forever on both skin and fabric and can be reapplied generously without gerting dirty. A romantic scent, a modern take on what a lonely Jane Austen lady would wear. Not strict, classy or officey, but free spirited but also earthy somehow. Raging master piece in my book!

The finest facets of Ylang-ylang for everyone to smell! I think only Anatole could've made my favourite floral fragrance based on a flower that i usually borderline hate when it's the focus of a composition. This is the widest and most complex Ylang-ylang i have ever smelled, everything added in here has a role in building the scene. Tropical and fruity, creamy and powdery. Dark and animalistic (little bit pissy even), luminous and sweet at the same time! A floral masterpiece, if You have a chance, then do Yourself the pleasure of trying this.

It smell more like velvet, a velvet red dress. Lipstick. Not so morning sun in the summer, maybe a red sun of an Autumn's sunset. It has also bitter dark soapy sides. It is serious for a sexy woman equipped with self-control. Remember me a bit of Heliotrophe by Molinard.

Very feminine, nice for spring and summer. I can smell ylang ylang, iris and peach. The longevity and sillage are correct. This scent is powdery and mysterious. 7/10