Bois Blonds

This used to be my signature scent. I got my first big bottle back in 2012 on a trip to Las Vegas. I was searching and smelling everything at Neiman Marcus, and the fragrance lady was so patient with me. After around 15 mins of sniffing around the whole fragrance department, she introduced me to this new brand, Atelier Cologne. Back then there were only about 6 or 7 scents from them. I remember telling her I preferred more fresh and unisex fragrance, she proceeded to show me the Oolang Infini, Orange Sanguine, Trefle Pur and Bois Blonds. Back then I wasn’t very into woody scents as my impression usually are quite heavy and very masculine (think cedar, pine and sandalwood). But when she handed me the blotter of Bois Blonds and told me the inspiration was driftwood, I was hooked. Bois Blonds is very airy and clean, reminded me of L’eau D’issey but less aquatic. At the time, I had not experienced many perfume houses, I was mostly using mass fashion brand fragrances. So it was quite unique to me. To this day, I still have a 1/3 full 200ml bottle in my collection. And it is my third bottle, after all these years. I rarely use up a fragrance and for me to repurchase twice says a lot. Even though I don’t reach for it much anymore as I have grown out of it, it will always be in my collection and have a special place in my heart as it had gone through so much life with me. This is an easy to wear, all seasons, all occasions kind of scent. Not complex, just clean, airy and classy.

UPDATE: For some weird reason the staying power has been much better when I spray from my 200mL bottle compared to the 7.5mL purse spray. Bois Blonds is pleasant, light, uplifting, and versatile. This is one of the two best Atelier out of the seven I received in my voyage collection, the other being Orange Sanguine. I love it! Contrary to what everyone says I found it to have the least chemical opening (yup looking right at you Oolang Infini) that replicates the real smell of orange pith has balances perfectly between citrus, floral and woody notes. It transforms from floral/citrus to woody notes quietly. I usually wear about 4 sprays and often before I know it Bois Blond would turn into a very nice and real blonde maple note that is so smooth and comforting. It is indeed a very natural scent through and through though so not great for people who like to smell "fumey" or "incense-y". I went through my purse spray so quickly it was unbelievable. I could wear it anytime, anywhere. Recommended!

I went looking for this after reading a review in a newspaper, something I rarely do (going after a scent due to a fashion review, not reading a newspaper...). I sniffed through most of Atelier Cologne's collection, and chose Bois Blonds. I think I smell mostly vetiver and a slight neroli+pink pepper combination in the background. It's really lovely and I got a lot of compliments on this, both from men and women. You can hardly offend anyone with this scent. One of my dear loves and frequently used perfume. Longevity and sillage are both moderately good.

An abundantly lush carpetting of citrus flowers and pink pepper to give lots of lift--the opening plays much like strong bergamot with a slightly velvety nuance. Incense and musk start to warm Bois Blonds with a little sweetness, giving a little softness to the edges as the fragrance dries down. Woods and vetiver, a clean, earthy base. Nice enough and fresh for summer. Nothing revolutionary, but one of the more comfortable cologne-type fragrances out there that doesn't give a piercing twang.

I am part of the blessed people that has skin which magically carries this fragrance through a work day. Hence for me this is a fantastic modern summer work/office scent. The neroli is modernised with the use of woods and any metallic harshness attributed to neroli isn't present. I also enjoy grand neroli however on my skin that scent doesn't last. Hence this for me is suitable substitute. Don't blind buy, try it on ur skin and see if it lasts. If it does, go for it ;)