Grand Amour

I had a hard time tracking down a bottle of this in the U.S. I'm reviewing this even though I've only worn it for 5 minutes, bear in mind. First spray is a little strange for about 10 seconds, then it settles into the prominent hyacinth and lily. It smells really musty at first but it's already smelling more floral, more like what I was expecting based on the reviews. It doesn't project much on my skin. I like it, but it isn't as earthy as I thought it would be - it's rather floral, and slightly powdery. It is nice and I feel like I'll probably grow to like it more as I wear it, but not an instant love. It has the Annick Goutal signature je sais quoi, but it's not that extraordinary. But, I agree with another reviewer that this is the scent of Wuthering Heights. It's romantic, sort of melancholic, and honestly I can't stop sniffing my wrist so that can't be a bad thing. I think it's a safe blind buy if it sounds interesting to you. I do like it. I feel like I'm smelling a lot of rose, even though that's not supposedly one of the prominent notes? I've got nothing bad to say about this. It's another very nice and feminine Annick Goutal, and like Eau de Charlotte, I bet this will grow on me the more I wear it and I wouldn't be surprised if I get through a whole bottle of this. It's a shame it's so hard to find! Not sure why they are not offering this online in the U.S. Compared to the other Goutal scents I know or have. this is a little more moody and complex. I didn't like Ninfeo Mio much (too sharp). I like Petite Cherie, although its not a complicated scent. Eau d'Hadrien is my mom's signature, but I'm not terribly fond of that one, and I like Eau de Charlotte a lot. This is probably on par for me with EdC. They're not similar, but both very unique and French.

This was my first venture into the world of Annick Goutal. Unfortunately I just do not have the right skin chemistry for GRAND AMOUR. At first I got beautiful hyacinth and lily fragrance but in less than one minute the leather tone came through and took over completely. I got hints of jasmine but it did not compliment the leather well. As this leathery smell developed it became more and more like civet with strong animalistic undertones. On top of it the scent turned a bit soapy. This scent brings an image of a leather jacket dropped in the grass and then scrubbed with soap. When the dry down came in, the leather accent finally calmed down and the myrrh came through. I actually like the myrrh in this fragrance. It is light, airy and dreamy. I know that some fragrances turn leathery on me and I do not mind it. But this one just does not work. I bought this fragrance based on reviews looking for a nice natural floral green scent. This is not what I have experienced. My suggestion is to get a sample before buying. I am sure it smells gorgeous on other people but if you have the same luck as I, you will be in a mild shock if you buy it blind like I did. UPDATE: My mom tried this fragrance and it is gorgeous on her. The start is fresh and green but a bit sweet. The most incredible thing is when the heart notes bring the leather accent, it is very mild and sophisticated. It is like green florals with just a touch of leather. I cannot even describe it but it smells beautiful. I gave this bottle to my mom as she absolutely fell in love with it.

Based on a .5 ounce EDT that I own, I just purchased a full bottle of the EDP. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be very close to the EDT, just "more". My first couple of tries with the EDT were disappointing. I couldn't smell anything! I thought I might have been taken for a ride by the seller, I persisted nevertheless and am so glad I did. I w as s finally able to actually smell it from beginning to end. I liked it right off the bat. The hyacinth came through and rang out clear as a bell. Soon it was joined by honeysuckle and a touch of jasmine, the former adding some sweetness to the composition, and the oh so slightly indolic jasmine just makes it prettier. It's odd, but I don't really pick up on the lily, though I think it contributes a subtle spiciness. I don't find the myrrh to be bitter. I think it combines well with the amber, adding some depth. I really don't get anything reminiscent of funeral, and I don't get anything too gothic either, not that I would mind that. In fact, I am hoping the EDP takes it in that direction, as I like haunting and mysterious perfumes, and one that can conjure up images of the "grand amour" of Cathy and Heathcliff is right up my alley since "Wuthering Heights" is one of my favorite novels of all time! I will update with my impressions of the EDP vs the EDT once it arrives and I can do a side by side comparison. In the meantime, I now feel free to spray my small bottle quite freely and lavishly!

Grand Amour Conjours an Image of long slender fingers clad in Black leather gloves slowly Caressing a Bouquet of white Lillies as she walked Solemnly through a Stone Pathed heavily weeded almost derelict Sematary, I can Detect the Note of Iris In Grand Amour It's cold sharpness A perfect Metaphor for her tears gently streaming under her Diaphanous black Veil Or Angel statues made of Marble soaked after an Autumn rain Reveled in it's scent of musty Asphalt, The Red rose's Blood pouring out from it's sinuous Petals drained of color Leaves a Deepy Spicy aroma Leads her to a Tombstone of a Long forgotten 20's Matinee Idol, frozen in time at the age of 31 A small black and white photograph with a Gold edging Fashioned in a Oval A Swarthy Handsome Man Slender Hair Combed Back almost with a Leather Glisten, round Bedroom eyes Of Dark Brown Gazed upon her in a trace she fell in lust for him so she gently raised her veil Revealing her pale Alabaster Placed the Already soaked Bouquet of Lillies on the ground and slowly kissed His tombstone, Leaving a Lipstick Stain of Aubergine, When it started to rain she opened her Umbrella and as she was Walking though the Pouring rain she heard a Beautiful Hymn coming from a nearby Church MEMORARE, O piissima Virgo Maria, Tears Again Filled from her eyes as she walked farther away from the Semetary. Grand Amour & L'heure Bleue are Sisters of Melancholic Perfumes.

The EDP is out of this world! It retains much of what I enjoy about the EDT, but deepens it. While I see EDT performing best in warm weather, I think one can wear EDP any time of year, though I have a feeling it will be best in springtime. I have been having a love affair with Annick Goutal the past month or so, and I am glad I sought Grand Amour, had a chance to try the EDT in a .5 oz bottle, and decided to purchase a full bottle of the EDP. The longevity is pretty decent for a Goutal, especially on clothing, and the silage remains soft and intimate. If I had to choose between the two, I would go for the EDP. It's light enough to perform like an EDT, but more complex and complete. I have fallen under it's spell. PS - earlier this evening I wrote a review on a different perfume and made a comment on how lily is a difficult note for me. In this case, it works beautifully. PPS - this really is almost all about a divine leather and hyacinth on my skin. I struggle to pull out other notes but I know they're there adding complexity and layers. Without a doubt the most gorgeous leather scent I have or have ever tried!