Geisha Hana-Cha Eau de Parfum

A beautiful blend of tropical flowers and austere wood. . . reflects Maria McElvoy's aesthetic after spending time in Japan. I love the treatment of ylang-ylang in this scent, the key to Hana Cha's exotic accord. Rising above the other notes, this ylang-ylang is excellent. A fully ripe, torpid jungle flower. At the peak of ripeness, where it's aroma is thick exotic sweetness. Mixed with crisp bergamot, a warm citrus, and lovely natural jasmine, over a bed of cool cedar. The cedar adds a touch of powdery solemnity under the florid alluring tropicals. An unusual contrast of sensuality and restraint. Sillage and longevity moderate.

From sniffing it sprayed on paper, I thought it would be one of those thin, tangy, green-fresh types that turn instantly sour on me. But I underestimated it! It’s green and fresh, yes, but it settles right away into a more natural-smelling blend of flowers and green tea and some tangy fruit. I drank some cooled jasmine green tea while wearing it, and indeed the taste of the tea and the scent of this perfume were similar. I definitely get jasmine and ylang-ylang, and the citrus reminds me of Diptyque Eau des Sens (though for citrus, so far I like Eau des Sens better). Hana-Cha does fade to barely-there after a few hours, worth noting. Better than outstaying its welcome, I guess.

When I smell this I think of bergamot and tangerine zest. I could not stop sniffing myself after I spritzed this on the first time. Ever since, it's been growing on me more and more, and now I love to wear it just because it's so very different from *any* fragrance I have ever worn. Truly fresh smelling and unique.

Super intense yuzu and jasmine with bergamot.