Eau Parfumee au The Bleu

This is one of my very favorite fragrances, and apparently an aphrodisiac to my boyfriend (extra credit points there). This is such a stand out fragrance... totally unique, so imagine my surprise when I heard how little love this one was getting. This frag is sadly so under rated, but I think I know why. When I first smelled it on the card, I wasn’t sure I liked it either. It’s not one of those fragrances that just jumps right out as being a smell to swoon over, because it is very, very dry, (no sweetness whatsoever), and almost seems strange smelling, because it is so different than most other perfumes. It is very much in a league of its own even as a natural tea smelling scent. Because, of its unfamiliar quality, it makes you go “Hmmm... I don’t know....” at first. Unremarkably, the only thing I’ve smelled like it is Bulgari’s au The’ Vert. Au The’ Vert has the same natural powdery root smell, but The’ Bleu’s powdery root smell is amplified by the addition of iris (from which I understand au The’ Vert does not contain). Again, the powder smells herbal and earthy, which is actually quite nice, and melds well with my skin’s natural scent. I would never EVER have had a fraction of the admiration of this scent that I do now had I judged it alone without allowing it work with my body chemistry. Prior to doing so, I honestly didn’t “get it”, but within moments of spraying it on my skin, the cold, dry, somewhat metallic notes were given life, and warmth, and suddenly, I was overcome by an “Ah ha!” moment as the scent became intoxicatingly gratifying, and I couldn’t stop sticking my face in it. The Lavender smells incredible in this frag. Sometimes I have a hard time with lavender in other fragrances because of the astringent quality it normally has, but in here, it strangely lends itself to an almost spicy quality when combined with other the notes (or perhaps my personal scent). Regardless, the subtle spice that happens makes for a wonderful scent that, to me, is beyond perfect for summer time. On hot, sticky days, I reach for this while casting looks of disapproval at those wearing citrus, and ultimately smelling like sour BO.

Among refreshing, aromatic fragrances this is a true delight. Worn all day in the piping hot sun, Bleu gave me a wonderful sense of freshness and calm this week. There is almost a therapeutic quality about it. I would call Bleu a grounding and comforting scent, although I usually ascribe such qualities to powerful and oak moss centered chypres. This is not powerful at all in the traditional sense, but a soft and airy fragrance with tea and lavender. The most prominent note to my nose is IRIS - the powdery iris of Infusion d'Iris. It is perhaps more airy and fresh than Infusion, and wholly suited to the most sizzling weather and soaring temperatures. Any fragrance can burn off skin rapidly in the heat, but worn on hair and fabric, Bleu stayed with me all throughout the day and still lingers on my shirt with serene freshness. It is difficult to describe fragrance with mere words. The aura created by this bit of Bvlgari art transcends the merely fresh category into comforting elegance, were the two words ever used together... If there were one phrase ( other than the ones above! ) that encapsulates it, I would say: Calming CHIC. Five Stars Edit - For me personally Burberry Brit Rhythm nicely fills the aromatic/hot weather spot at a lower price range. They are not twins, but cousins. Minus the tea note, Rhythm nonetheless has lavender/musk/orris root down to perfection. It's wonderful in the heat and lingers expertly throughout the day. As for refreshing TEA note fragrances, I adore Paul Smith Rose, which on me is more about the tea than the rose, and also holds up to heat with a similar genius. Who knows, I just may layer the two, but they're superb hot weather gems on their own!

Powdery sweetness and parma violets (confectionery) are dominant on my skin, especially from the initial spray until about half an hour into wearing. There is something of a sharp or piercing quality to the intense powdery, violet sweetness. During the dry-down, iris emerges – along with an aromatic, herbal, almost clary-sage like note (the "tea"?), with hints of lavender; mellow and aromatic, and a welcome addition. Also a wonderful, tantalising hint of cardamom, which is somehow unexpected, yet harmonious. Nonetheless, the candied violet remains. It all balances out smoothly at about an hour after initial application. On me this is just a little stronger than "skin scent" after several sprays (approx 3 per pulse point) to pulse points on inner elbows, wrists, neck, and lasts about two hours. Thé Bleu seems wearable by all genders, in various everyday contexts, intimate, casual or professional settings. It would undoubtedly bring a touch of serenity and refinement. I also get vintage vibes. On me, it is a cool-cold scent which, synaesthetically-speaking, IS "blue". Lastly, this does remind me of Prada (Infusions) Iris, which I already own, and love. Like the former, Thé Bleu has that clean, cool "starchy iris" effect, as another reviewer identified. But it is the overall effect or "mood" evoked that I find similar, rather than simply the fragrance itself.

If someone were to ask me to describe Eau Parfumée au Thé Bleu, I would tell them that it is a starched iris and orange blossom with a heavy hit of spices and tea. The first opening of Bleu is hard-hitting and even abrasive, but to me, it is one of the most gorgeous orange blossom compositions I have ever sniffed. The juxtaposition of the suntan lotion with intense chai spices is intriguing. Typically, spiced tea accords are paired with sweet, creamy vanilla, so the aforementioned combination is rather unexpected. The base of the fragrance is similar to the clean, starched iris found in Infusion d’Iris by Prada, but the effect is almost hot and dry instead of cold and metallic. Overall, I am impressed by the Bulgari Eau Parfumée line and would recommend it as an outstanding example of tea-based fragrances; although, I would wear Bleu while in the mood for iris or orange blossom, not tea. Note: there is definitely a lavender accord kicking around, but I typically have a tough time picking out lavender—it appears and disappears, darting in and out of the cloud of iris and white musk. 4/5

Eau Parfumee au The Bleu is an innovative approach to cool and fresh. Using the ionones of violet and irones of iris, sheered out with aqueous, herbal lavender and a noticeable perillaldehyde (shiso), it has a durability that belies its softness. The tea accord that is at its core feels like an iced tea, the aroma almost like the taste of tannins, green and slightly astringent. I must admit, it reminds me somewhat of the aroma of the Lipton ice tea powder mix that was popular back in the 80s. Coumarin and an understated orris powder sensation surfaces over time, a sweet talc after the watery tones and iced tea ease. There are even echoes of L'Heure Bleue and Caron Aimez-Moi in its development, with their muted hues somehow made lighter and more effervescent, suitable for warmer weather. Overall, au The Bleu has a relaxing, tonic quality that would appeal to those who are drawn to fragrances with an aromatherapeutic sensibility. For me, it's a fulfilling wear and one of those that is even suited for "over spraying."