Ofresia Eau de Toilette

The fragrance of freesia is known to be difficult to capture realistically in fragrance. There have been several approximations, but many fall short, and may come off as a bit too screechy and reminiscent of a V05 shampoo or bug spray. The high linalool content in the aromatic structure of freesia seems to often be its stumbling block. Olivia Giacobetti's Ofresia, however, seems to come as closest to it, which comes as no surprise, given her often spectacular deftness with florals. Ofresia begins with the invigorating and airy pepperiness that is characteristic of freesia blooms, and a cheerful, yellow-green-hued aroma soon follows, almost "solar" in nature. There are facets that are reminiscent of dandelion and magnolia, with something that I can only describe as a zestiness. I also discern undertones of green tea, narcissus and even gardenia. It does all read to me as that of white or yellow freesias that somehow occupy a space between ethereal and fleshy. It makes for a great complement to the rainy May day today, cutting through the damp, cool air. This is to freesia as Giacobetti's En Passant is to lilac.

Testing this one out this week, and it’s absolutely intoxicating but simple a d soft at the same time. I LOVE it! I don’t like perfumes that smother me. And this one rides the line perfect, you identify it clearly, and it’s delicious and bright, clean floral, and the longevity is perfect, which shocks me because it is not over powering during any stage. It’s pure innocence, a prairie blooming with purple flowers in the warm sun. The green comes through . So clean, fresh, soft, floral, I’m so in love. I think the mixed reviews must be due to the square bottle version. This is a full bottle purchase for sure for me. Update: bought the full bottle and even more in love with it! Never smelled anything more perfect in my life. Update 1.5 month after purchase: started smelling a tiny bit soapy ocassionally when I spray it. Might be something to do with the detergent im using mixing with it to Lean it too much that way. Still love it to death, but it’s become more of a once or twice a week perfume and Gucci Bloom is current every day.

This very simple and clean fragrance smells like freshly cut spring flowers: freesia and narcissus. You can smell the fresh, soft greenness of the stems...this screams springtime, although quietly and prettily and without the brash notes of more obvious flowers. I don't get any pepper at all and the wood base is barely noticeable. This is an all-age fragrance: you could wear it at any age without it being typecast. The sillage is skin-scent to moderate when the wind blows...it's a scent for you and those you allow to be extra-near. Longevity is moderate, but I did re-apply just to continue to get stronger whiffs of the scent. This reminds me a little of that discontinued scent Spring Rain from Crabtree & Evelyn, although it's much more linear and less complicated. Ofresia simply is what it is: a soliflore that is intimate and fresh. Perfect for pulling me out of the winter doldrums!

May 2016. I've been testing this since Feb. My new bottle will be arriving shortly. Did not know there were "versions" of this. I've only been introduced to the oval bottled EDT. I LOVE this one. It is so beautiful. To me it is strictly floral. I don't smell wood, fruit or even pepper. It smells as if the flowers were "juiced" and that liquid is contained in the bottle. FRESH! A bit green. Natural. I am looking forward to wearing this quite a bit this spring and summer. Today my application has lasted all day. Applied early morning and as I lie in bed at 11:30pm I can smell it quite easily. *As with all Diptyque fragrances, I suggest you test this one on your skin for a day or more before you purchase. They tend to smell differently on everyone depending on body chemistry, weather, skin/clothing, etc.

So far, Ofresia is the only Diptyque fragrance with which I have fallen in love. I was not originally given any notes for this scent, just a blind sample, and it was love at first sniff. On me, the slight pepperiness is a distinct part of the scent, and with any other name, I would never guess at an attempt to reproduce freesia. The overall effect reminds me more of sweet pea than of freesia. Most amazing about this scent of all is that despite its light gentle character it lasts forever on me, and is very noticeable to me! Most things which smell this light are gone relatively soon. I can't guarantee that will happen to others, but it has been my experience. In addition, this perfume isn't really like anything else I have, so I could justify "needing" a bottle of it!