Cologne Francaise

High quality neroli "cologne", which I'm assuming is referencing the structure of classic aromatic/fresh men's perfumes. It feels slightly familiar in that respect, but it's skewed mossy, earthy, and bitter-green in a way that is really intriguing. However they've managed to assemble that fig tree accord is just beautiful. Something in here is dense and astringent, like a cleansing, aromatic balm. There's no hint of sweetness, just sappy twigs, bitter fig leaf, mild camphor, and the fuzzy, soft citric, mildly soapy neroli- stems and leaves included. Even though I'd classify it a neroli cologne (maybe I'm off?) it doesn't feel overwhelmed with citrus and sour brightness- instead it's a bit more naturalistic, which I'm thinking is really helped by Celine's signature orris root aroma. Slightly vegetal, rooty, and softly textured. It makes the perfume multi-dimensional and more life-like somehow, as the whole thing verges on being strangely edible...halfway between fruit and vegetable? but with a watery-fresh medicinal quality and a minty finish. As I've already said, I find the dampness of moss and patchouli and general masculine heft somewhat familiar, but it's tweaked and edited into something really exquisite. Amazing for summer and my favorite in the whole Celine line. Haven't done full testing of the range yet but it feels more impactful than the others as well. Reminds me of Ichnusa by Profumum mainly because I can't think of another fig fragrance that stays so bitter-green and doesn't turn into more familiar creamy, sweet styles.

I have never felt less in line with reviews. I love fig, and I love fig leaves, and I have many fragrances that feature these notes. To me, there is very little fig in this fragrance. It has a touch of green that adds freshness, but to me this is a story about when the orange-green florals of neroli collide with the powdery roundness that is the Celine DNA with a bit of moss to even further round out the edges, a hint of vanilla offering a touch of sweetness. This is a very "happy" fragrance to me, jubilant, sunshine--not restrained or bracing or austere. Not green clorophyll but a floral green. In any case, I think this is a truly incredible fragrance. I find the lasting power not nearly as bad as described here either--I get good performance for 4.5 hours, still clearly there at 6.

This is the most elegant hippy-chic perfume I’ve ever smelled. Smells like a crystal shop in the best way possible. Earthiness without any of the dank, powdery without any dusty-ness. At first I couldn’t place the scent and then I realized it smells exactly the way one of my best friend’s apartments used to smell when we were 21 (I’m 42 now). She and her vegan BF lived downstairs, while myself and another friend lived upstairs. It was the time of our lives in L.A. during the apex of youth. Holy scent memory... it was like stepping in to a time portal and now I feel this overwhelming ache of nostalgia. Edit: so I messaged my friend...yes we’re still friends, and she says aww..I bet it smells like Nag Champa the incense they would always burn. And yes. That is what it is.

My second full wearing from the Celine discovery set, and it's another "fresh" scent. Cologne Francaise is a fig fragrance, and seems a little like the odd one out in this bunch of very serious, old school perfumes. In terms of style though, it fits right in. Cologne Francaise has a very sharp, metallic neroli opening, with a sappy green fig leaf. Shortly after, the fig becomes fruitier, but not milky and lush, more like an unripe, sappy green fig. As it dries down, Cologne Francaise becomes soapier, mossier, and muskier, while retaining flashes of the earlier metallic/mineralic sharpness. Completely, actually unisex. Casual, office, or summertime dressy. I got great performance. I like it! 4/5

Wow! it just clicked to me that it reminds me of (95% similarity) The Different Company Limon Cordoza (which one I sold, cause I did wear it often enough). Celine's offering is an aristocratic unisex cologne. It has a blast of neroli in the opening that is toned down after 15 minutes and you get a sophisticated, classy, expensive fresh scent. It not green enough to be classified as "fig" or "Green" scent, but something else, which is much better. White shirt and glasses. Great for business presentations. Totally awesome! Try before you buy and trust your own nose only :)