Lumière d'Orient

This is my least favorite of the Gres Lumiere collection. I had anticipated that Lumiere Noir would be my least favorite because of the dominate patchouli note, but I find it quite beautiful actually. In this instance, the black currant is what gives me pause. It's always risky for me to blindly purchase anything with that note and since it's the most dominant note here, I should have thought twice. But for some reason, I have a bit of a compulsion to own all the fragrances of a particular line, not flankers, but fragrances that share the same umbrella. Compared to the other 3, d'Orient lands at the bottom. That's not to suggest it's bad in any way, especially if you like fruitchoulis. It's may be called d'Orient, but the "orient" part takes the back seat to the fruit. I could see myself really liking this if the black currant was toned way down, but as is, the best I can say is that I sort of like it! It performs really well. I've found that to be the case with all in this series. The price for the quality is quite good!! So if you enjoy this type of fragrance, grab a sample or risk a blind buy if it can be returned. For the price, it's well worth the chance if you know what you tend to like! EDIT 5/30/22 - I've grown to like this more with subsequent wearing. The black currant adds a touch of juiciness and while patch will never be a favorite, I'm finding that there are a few exceptions to that rule! I'm glad to have this and I think it will be perfect for the fall!

Parfum Gres is probably the least expensive niche brand I own, and one that holds a very special place in my heart. Gres was the first house I collected when I started my fragrance journey 20 years ago. Many of their offerings are pleasant office perfumes while some embody a sort of 1920’s flapper-esque swagger. Lumiere d’Orient slightly leans toward the latter. The opening accords are true to the top notes and surprisingly likable. The fruitiness is not a synthetic mess like in some more expensive perfumes (looking at you, Jusbox Feather Supreme) and the creamy floral heart is alluring. The peru balsam and patchouli give it a sultry grounding, which makes it appropriate for evening wear, too. I really wouldn’t call this an oriental fragrance, but that’s a small quibble. Overall, it’s beautifully balanced on my skin and very enticing. I’m surprised by how much I like it, especially the second time wearing it. It is very wearable but not quite like anything I already have, although it doesn’t seem like it is trying very hard to be different–it just kind of is. Of the handful of people who have left their feedback on here so far, most think it is a fall/winter scent. I respectfully disagree. The appealing fruitiness, smooth florals, hints of citrus, and lack of olfactory heaviness make it suitable for year-round wear. Fabulous longevity on me, but modest sillage. Good for the office or a night out.

I was hoping this would be my Snow White perfume because of the red apple note combined w/ the woody and balsamic notes and I am happy to say Lumiere d' Orient has captured Snow Whites story through scent. Snow White is my favorite Disney Princess and I have wanted a perfume that captures the scent of the story for a long time. Nothing I tried was ever right but this $20 beauty has done it. You smell the crisp sweetness of red apple, you smell the flowers, that are part of the gardens of the castle she escaped, you smell the forest she was lost in and you smell the homey cottage smells of the Dwarf's home that was her refuge. Most apple perfumes are pretty standard and even though I own a few w/ apple notes they tend to be a tad boring. This is not boring at all. It is a unique perfume that captures one of the best fairy tales ever written. Sweet, balsamic, woody, patchouli, floral. It is kind of like a witches brew as well or like the delicious smells that might have lured the children to the witch's hovel in Hansel and Grettel. Very unique but fun and wearable as well, they didn't try to reinvent the wheel w/ this perfume. I am really enjoying this line and highly recommend getting them before they are all gone. Great value for money.

Great Oriental unisex fragrance. Sweet, balsamic, earthy and a bit fruity. Very close to a softer Black Orchid and even closer to Royal Gold from Charriol, although with quite different notes. It's inexpensive enough for anyone to blind buy it. Recommended!

Un joli fruité oriental doux et crémeux, facile à porter, ylang ylang et bergamote sur un fond légèrement boisé et épicé, il ressemble au Black Orchid de Tom Ford. Il a une bonne tenue pour une eau de toilette. Jolie boîte dorée à arabesques et flacon rond avec un sceau commun à tous les parfums Lumière de Grès. Se trouve à petit prix. Il ne m'a pas conquise au départ car j'aime les orientaux plus épicés et avec plus de caractère, mais au final il est agréable, moelleux, riche et doux à la fois.