Scent Two: Laurel

Bought this on a whim the other day to try out as a new workday fragrance. I’m a handyman with an inconsistent schedule and haven’t really worked much in the intervening days, but I have gotten a chance to know Laurel. For me, it is exactly what I was hoping for. Of course, it must be evaluated on its own standards: that is, as a fresh, aromatic EDT. This is really a reminder to myself, as I gravitate toward heavier, at times more complex, and usually more demanding fragrances. This is not the grave bay forest of JSP’s Serin, but a leaf plucked in passing from an overhanging laurel friend. Laurel really wakes you up on first spray with that typical CDG black pepper blast, accompanied by bracing galbanum. Reviews indicate that this note has been amped up in reformulations, but I can’t complain. It’s just the smack in the face I need first thing in the morning. Soon, the laurel enters the fray, with its characteristic warm/cool herbal glow. I’m reminded of the aromatic opening of Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan, a fragrance I adore but couldn’t make work for me in a mild Californian climate. I’m relieved to know I can open that spice cabinet once more in a way that fits much better into my wardrobe. The drydown moves through a cedar and then violet leaf (not flower) phase, but the aromatics never leave. The violet leaf seemed to come out of nowhere on my first wear, but I’ve come to appreciate its cooling presence as a kind of gentle echo of the camphorous bay leaf deep into the drydown. This is a clever little fragrance, and remains an exploration of the laurel note even if it isn’t always at the fore. You can pick out other ingredients but the laurel still provides a kind of compositional logic. The galbanum suggests its indefatigable stiffness, the pepper enhances its spiciness, and the wood and violet notes attest to its sylvan provenance. Performance is good for an EDT, especially if applied generously, which tends to enhance the cooler side of the scent. Cost is a little high given the 50 mL bottle, but low enough that I’m more than happy to live with my impulse buy.

Obsessed with green scents, this classes it up with fresh vetiver spice and smoldering incense charcoal. Dry, musky wood and dense herbs add depth. Bitter lime zest lends a touch of citrus brightness. Intoxicatingly well blended nature that's brisk, warm, and classy - without being too formal. Stylish folks having fun foraging on a rainy estate. Greens can feel less appropriate for high end occasions and this is the best solution. Smooth while still complex and high society. Skin brings out warm spice and incense while clothes project deep green twigs/grassy soil. Best of both worlds. Unique and likable while standing out from the crowd. May be the best, most exquisitely rounded green. Instantly bottle worthy. 1ST REVIEW: Rainy garden bursts with fresh green briskness. Gently sweet wood pairs flawlessly with moss; adds welcome depth. Bay leaf and basil with zero sweetness serves complicated herbal/earthiness that’s mature/classy, not gourmand. Classy gentleman pushing through a garden while the smell of plants lingers on his suit. Mild patchouli provides immaculate spice. Impressive projection. The most gorgeous balance of nature and class. Uniquely intoxicating with nothing off-putting. A must own. Wow! Many compare to Frederich Malle's "French Lover" - which is a compliment. Both are gorgeous, but different. They don't replace each other. Try both for similar notes!

Wow wow wow wow wow. I LOVE this! This perfume has two sides. One is a bitter green bay leaf, slightly spicy pepper and a foresty woody foundation. On the other you have a fresh thyme and a blend of lemon with cedar that comes across as... mint?! Wow. People notice the heavier notes first so they're higher up in notes here on Fragrantica but hear this: this perfume is not heavily bitter or smokey -- it's very green and fresh. The great contrast between the heavy and light notes reminds the same dynamic you'd find in Desert Marocian. Perfectly balanced, contrasting and elevating each other higher. The bitter bay leaf gives this perfume a sophistication of sorts as well. It doesn't cater to you *too* much, but it's so incredibly easy to love. This is Excellent. Definitely FBW. Will purchase with my next paycheck :)

I call this one 'The Stew' because of the prominent laurel but also it's crisp and fresh and really quite special. The food association makes it not a daily wear for me but it is indeed one of best smelling scents I know, very well crafted and evocative. Got a sample of 'French Lover' because I've seen the two compared but whilst they start somewhat similar 'French Lover' lost its greenness and freshness after a few minutes and on me dried down to a very synthetic, unpleasant musky generic thing (maybe it used to be better and this is the new formula?). Laurel's dry down is fresher with cinamon and laurel lasting the longest and making it a warm and food-adjacent smell that sticks around for a good while considering it's an EDT.

This is a work of art, those who are levantine and come from Lebanon, syria and Palestine would immediately recognise this scent and appreciate it. This fragrance perfectly recreates the smell of local levantine soap which is made of laurel and olive oil, (Sabūn Baladi), Growing up always using this soap every time I take a bath I was surprised to see a fragrance that recreate the smell of this clean fresh after shower feeling. Love this, truly reminds me of home, however its much sharper and harsher, I wish they added some note that would break the sharpness in it and make it more "soapy" or soft