Elixir Solaire

Elixir Solaire has one of my least favourite fruits dominating its opening: a grapefruit accord, tangy and sharp, not listed on its own but composed from bitter orange and tangerine. Apologies but it smells just like a urinal cake. Not good, but after several minutes it passes and the perfume moves on, shifting into a heady, creamy rose floral. Then it becomes lovely. There's a spicy graininess to it. The base is that recognisable Annette Neuffer sandalwood and carnation with her trademark beeswax. Much lighter than in other compositions, providing just the right amount of supportive warmth. On card this is mainly rose, a lovely, smelly garden rose, a bit too full-on, dosed with nutmeg. On my rose-eating skin it's different again, creamier — a very subdued vanilla creating a musky, magnolia-like accord with the jasmine and orange flower, the rose turned a little fruity with the grapefruit and osmanthus in the mix. Elixir Solaire is a robust, creamy, bright rose perfume that feels like the contrast dial has been turned up to get the maximum floral punch. Confident and outgoing, For summer days outdoors into early evening.