Apres l'Ondee

(Review of the extrait c. 1992-1993) Far be it from me to suggest I have the knowledge, experience, or authority credentialing me to make such a statement, but here it is: I do believe this is the greatest perfume ever created. If perfection is possible and it exists, it is Apres L’Ondee extrait. I have lived with and loved Apres L’Ondee EdT for a very long time, but had smelled the extrait only once prior to acquiring a full bottle. That single chance encounter was so startling and captivating that it started a years-long eyes-out for this maiden. I was to look for her everywhere I went of any corner of the world, hoping to see her again. One day, she would be mine. Full bottles very rarely crossed my path, but when they did they were always too eye-wateringly expensive for me to justify a purchase - even a purchase of perfection. Finding a full bottle for a great price, finally, put the hunt to rest and elevated my collection to a milestone level. A feeling of completeness, like finding a soulmate. Finally, she became mine. The first time I went to wear it I approached gingerly and reverently. I even used a sterile pipette from one of my laboratories to place it on my skin. The first sniff confirmed that Apres L’Ondee extrait is just as beautiful as I remember it. Our past dalliance wasn’t a chance summer tryst never meant to last, not a trick of the memory peering through rose-tinted spectacles, it was real. With the EdT every section is a calming experience, quiet, and gentle; as the name suggests it smells like blue skies and sunlight breaking through spent gray rain clouds. The extrait is something else. The opening of neroli and citruses smell completely like the sunshine the EdT only marginally lets through. Bright, rich, a cool but white heat, it shimmers and sparkles like visible spectrums of light bouncing off rainwater. The floral heart does not smell of relaxed earth after a quenching shower, it smells of Mother Nature at her most regal and elegant. Restrained and understated luxury as only she can achieve. Of course, orris is still the star: silvery, powdery, buttery, and starchy white floral notes are adorned with earthy, fleshy and peppery red roses and a honey-sweetened yellow mimosa. A touch of fruity and exotic ylang-ylang adds more decadence and suppleness to the powdery texture. If this is earth after a rain shower, then it is earth of some fantastical and otherworldly place. An enchanted forest. The floor of the forest smells of a floral amber; gently vanillic tonka, sticky earthy resins, and powdery floral and gray musks. It’s an effortless dry down of - dare I say it? - perfection. One of my favorite stories to tell when I’m describing Apres L’Ondee to someone is an experience with the EdT that perfectly encapsulates my total experience with it over many years. While sitting parked in California traffic one morning on my way to the office, not having slept well and stressing out over silly things as we all do, a gentle rain shower was coming down as the sun was breaking through the horizon. There I sat in the comfort of my car, the comfort of jazz through the speakers, the comfort of rain and gentle sunlight, the comfort of Apres L’Ondee wafting from my skin and clothes, and all of the stress and worries disappeared. Like they never existed. Washed away, cleaned, by Apres L’Ondee. The extrait is not like this experience. It is too vivid and dynamic to be calming. Too luxurious to impart a feeling of easiness. Butterflies in the stomach looking upon a face of exquisite beauty that smiles and talks to you. Me? How do I deserve this, such luck? These past few days getting to know the extrait I first encountered so long ago have been some of my best days in my long perfume journey. Apres L’Ondee reminds me why I love perfume, that I am blessed to be able to connect with them in ways beyond my nose and I shouldn’t take that for granted. If Apres L’Ondee is not perfection, then perfection is truly and unequivocally impossible.

Today is a rainy spring day where it had rained earlier and now it's stopped, so I thought it would be a good time to try Après L'Ondée (After the Rain Shower) I was surprised, when I smelled the juice before applying, I expected it to be more vintage powdery, but it smelled actually sweet, presumably from the anise. But after applying, it was a very green, grassy smell mixed with powdery and earthy violet and iris. I do get the sense of wet plants after the rain here after the sun has come out. Walking around outside, smelling and feeling the grassy sweetness and wetness, getting some dew on your shoes. I agree with the reviewer below me about it being experiential. Would I want to smell like wet flowers and grass? Not really, but it is a very nice evocative scent. I could also smell it strongly from at least a foot away after initially applying! After about 7 minutes, some sweetness comes through like violet candies. I feel like there's a slight joyfulness from this scent, washed through with a veil of contemplativeness. I felt the iris and violet in Insolense was elegant, calm, melancholy, ladylike, and classy. The iris and violet in Après L'Ondée seems more like it's still got something subdued to it, but almost some hope and excitement from it from the rain letting up. Perhaps because of all the sweetness in it, as well as it has a brightness to it, honestly probably from all the notes listed in the opening here with the neroli, bergamot, etc. It's like a young and innocent chipperness that you can go play and walk outside again after the rain. I don't think it's really that melancholy, despite what others have said, especially after a few minutes. There's something romantic and poetic to it as well. 15 minutes later, the mimosa starts to come out more, which is sunny and calm. I assume the 'sunshine after the rain'. I'm surprised though that the strength has already let up a lot from that strong initial blast, and I smell it only more close to the skin now. There's still a bit of sweetness as well. I was afraid this may turn into another typical vintage fragrance that was slightly dated, but I am so happy I tried this. It feels very refreshing, like truly the namesake, of the feeling of a garden after it rains in spring and the sun coming out- the cool, innocent, spring water that got on you from the rain that will soon dry in a beautiful day. There's a quiet, calm, serene, fresh positivity and hope to this and something to be happy about. I think Guerlain did a great job combining it with, and overcoming, the melancholy feel iris and violet can give to create a whole scene and a feeling. 30 minutes later and I get a hint of a comforting vanilla, like now I've been able to wrap myself in a warm dry towel or blanket after getting wet. By now it's already a slightly lighter skin scent, but I don't mind it. It adds to the calm, soft, relaxed end to this experience. Moving towards 40 minutes, there's still an earthy floral element to it, but all the warmth and sweetness from the things listed in the basenotes come out, even with an overall air of slight 'coolness' still to it. A sweet warm comfort. It was truly my pleasure to try this fragrance. I'm so glad I got to have a moment and experience with Après L'Ondée. I'll see how long it lasts for, but I think this scent will have a special place in my heart. 3 hours later and it's basically gone. At around the 2 hour mark, it was already a somewhat faint skin scent. Now at 3, one arm I can't smell anything on anymore, and the other there is a slight twinge of herbal and floral sweetness.

An absolute beauty in all forms and formulations it has existed in for many reasons, not the least of which is the way it clearly serves as the formulaic basis for so much of Guerlain's stable. The central accord of anise, violets, orris, and the plush skinlike combo of musks, animalics, and coumarin can be found throughout the brand's catalog from the classics (L'Heure Bleue, Fol Arome) to the most contemporary (Insolence, Mon Precieux, Secrets de Sophie). The different concentrations and formulations focus on different nuances of the scent, but every version is recognizably "Apres," IMHO. Some specifics on a few particular versions: Current (2022) bouchon coeur--is a lovely, dry orris. The interplay between bergamot, violet leaf notes, chilly, powdery orris root, and wood takes center stage. A lovely, "grey" carnation note pervades as well...grey simply in its vibe, that is, since I know grey carnations are not a thing! Lovely and perhaps the most "unisex" (in that it reads as woody.) 1990's EDT -- contains some of that lovely, dryness found on the most recent EDT--the violet leaf and orris and greenness and woodiness--but it also has some of the sweetness and greater floralcy of the vintage extrait. Extrait--I've owned extrait from both the 90's and the 60's. Both, overall, have a similar "texture" to me. The extrait feels like it has a greater emphasis on heliotropin, the sweet, candied violet beta and alpha ionones, and the vanilla-coumarin base. That sweetness is juxtaposed with a rich and juicy and tart citrus. Everything else from the other versions of ALO is there--clove, carnation, anise--but they all play more of a background role to the sweeter florals and sumptuous base mentioned above. The 90's and 60's extrait do, indeed, have the same overall scent profile...the 60's extrait I own is just "more"...definitely more bergamot, more sweet, more MORE. Strangely enough, the very clear violet leaf notes that smell like methyl octine carbonate (aka the Fahrenheit violet leaf note) that are pretty strong in both EDT formulations are more absent in my super vintage. I wonder if it's because they were achieved more by natural violet leaf absolute in older formulations which had dissipated with time. My favorite formulation is the 90's EDT. It has the best of both worlds with sweet heliotrope-violet, and a very notable greenness and woodiness to it...and a more rounded muskiness and lasting creaminess to it. This tension, to me, is what makes this fragrance different from L'Origan and elevates it beyond soap and powder. Smelling the 2022 EDT and 60's extrait together, they do almost seem like totally different scents. The 90's EDT is actually a really helpful bridge that makes me see and understand the sweet, violet aspects of the 2022 scent that I at first didn't recognize in the dry orrisey modern version, as well as the anisic, spicy dryness in the vintage extraits that tend to be more obscured by lusher, sweeter notes. That said, every version is beautiful. I do love the abstract bouquet of violets, carnation, heliotrope, jasmine, and orange blossom at the core--a true "Monet" of a scent--which still feels well-captured in the most recent version. That's a feat of reformulation genius! Based on the order of ingredients in every ingredients list for this, I assume it's the iso-eugenol (the spicy, lily, clovey scent that's highly restricted) vs the eugenol (more pure clove and less restricted) that's the biggest limitation in maintaining the beauty of this scent. Much gratitude that such beautiful history is still available

One of the loveliest fragrances of all time. Just like going for a woodland walk in early spring, when some of the snow are left on the ground and the air is still cool. The sun is setting and the sky turns into a beautiful lilac color. Birds are chirping, and the streams are flowing with crystal clear, ice cold water. The first violets give a bit of color and life to an otherwise bleak soil. You sit down for a while, reflecting. As you get back inside, you're greeted with the warm smell of freshly baked pastries and your mothers loving hug. This is how Apres l'Ondee translates to me. The parfum version that once existed must have been absolutely flabbergasting, because I've only smelled the new edt and it's gorgeous. Bursting with ethereal powdery violets, a softly sweet, marzipan like heliotrope and an airy, faint anise. The other notes stay in the shadows of these three. The blending of the entire notes pyramid gives the effect of classic, chalky violet candies and powder. Or maybe, because of it's marvelous cool touch, a violet flavored ice cream. I can seriously picture scoops of pastel green and purple ice cream in a crystal bowl. If I were to discover an ice cream with this flavor I would have a serious problem because I wouldn't be able to stop eating! Not saying this is a gourmand because it definitely isn't, but this particular element of the scent is very edible to me. Apres l'Ondee is pure, unconditional love bottled! It's emotion in a bottle.. How did Jacques do it? It's so magnificent! Indeed similar to L'Heure Bleue, only more soft and smooth in character, and here we have a much bigger emphasis on the violet note. Since violet is my favorite note ever, Apres l'Ondee is to me even more spectacular than it's well known, younger cousin. This is my absolute favorite right now, along with N22 by Chanel. Both powdery floral masterpieces, they each highlight different notes but end up forming the impression of a similarly stunning whole that's just incredibly emotion arousing. So wonderful you don't know whether to laugh or to cry. It's borderline impossible to not get moved one way or the other! Doesn't matter either way though. In cases such as this one you just need to forget about analyzing further and simply take it all in to enjoy. Thought you didn't like floral fragrances? Try either of these two and you might just get converted for life. It's fall at the moment, but I cant wait til spring is back again, I bet it will be "out of this world amazing" at that time of the year! Silage is pretty soft and lasting power isn't that great, three hours max on my skin, but in this case it's way forgiven. Lingers a bit longer if sprayed on clothes though, in that case it dries down to a soft, powdery smell that lingers, but very close to your body. It leaves me speechless and in awe each and every time I wear it. Comforts me like nothing else, and makes me feel like I'm drifting away while enveloped in soft purple clouds. Sheer perfection, I will love Apres l'Ondee forever!

In the first moments that I smelled Après l'Ondée for the very first time, two words immediately jumped to mind: delicate and serene. I envisioned feeling the silky, sheer, purple iris petals between my fingertips, taking deep breaths of clean air, my shoulders enrobed in warm sunshine. Here's what I love and what is so unique about Après l'Ondée. Its notes not only evolve from the traditional French top-heart-base, but the scent also changes from one spot on my skin to another. It's as though I sprayed two different perfumes on my skin immediately next to one another. In one place I smell damp violets, but as I slide just an inch or two along my arm, I pick up sweet mimosa and a pop of cassis, which creates a vibrant green effect. Another few centimeters reveals the scent of rich and starchy orris root. The result is an olfactory impressionist landscape of a spring garden in the French countryside. On my arm sits a watercolor painting with swirls of purple and violet; hues of blue; a layer of green; brownish-gray round shapes strewn along the bottom. In my mind's eye I am Monet. Painting: Monet's Irises at St. Remy It's rare that I liken a perfume to a symphony, but the complexity and even feelings evoked by this perfume indicate that it was created by a master who is the olfactory equivalent of Beethoven. Après l'Ondée is a carefully orchestrated piece of art. The complexity, layering and harmonization of every single note is nothing short of genius. Since violet is IMHO the biggest note in this fragrance, I want to focus on it a little bit. While the cassis does provide a green staccato (uh-oh! I'm breaking out the musical terms), the violet note itself hugs the line between a cool, wet, natural violet and sweet violette pastilles. I really like the fact that the violets are neither here nor there but strike a perfect balance in the middle, the likes of which I have never experienced in any other violet perfume. Après l'Ondée is a classic that is still relevant today. And while perhaps marketed to women, in today's gender-bending society I can easily see it as a modern men's fragrance. We no longer have to adhere to the rules of "women wear violets and roses and men wear lavender and fougères." I can picture it on a man wearing a black suit as well as on a man who is enjoying Sunday brunch with family. I am not a self-professed "violet lover" by any means. I am very particular about my violet perfumes. But if there were ever a violet perfume to own, Après l'Ondée would be it!

There are 3 simblings that have different personalities but resemble one another. Their names are Apres l'Ondee, L'Heure Blue, and the youngest L'Heure de Nuit. L'Heure de Nuit: is young and calf like but her personality is has less mystery. Cute but not dreamy. Someone you see and enjoy but she is not one to leave a lasting impression. Nice at parties and receives her share of compliments as she is known to resemble her elder siblings with softer refined features. L'Heure Blue: is the more straight faced beautiful sister. She can be friends with the boys and the girls all in good company with out being a lush or temptress of any sort. The middle child is the popular sister and has many friends. She is not sweet and a little cold in character calming and always clean. with a passing of the scent of a freshly bathed luxurious soap. Enviting but not lustful.She is pretty always fresh in a melancholy fashion. She doesn't turn heads but if your asked to look at her, you may agree that she is a unique beauty. She enamores a croud in a somber fashion. Apres l'Ondee :The Eldest Simbling. Her age promised never to tarnish her. She is forever beautiful and her features are adorned by the young and the old. She is admired by the ones who respect her family tree and those who are not educated of her history. She is not loud and not trendy. She Smiles showing only a glimpse of teeth. She laughs with her mouth closed. She is dignified and superior but never belittles. A genuine beautiful, beautiful person. Apres l'Ondee is never out of place and never sits center in any photo. Apres l'Ondee makes no enemies and her friends only can say kind words about her. She is not a butt kisser and not cold. She is the perfect daughter who kisses and loves but never tarnished her good name. loved by all Her names is Apres l'Ondee . She is appropriate in any event and when she travels to far away places she is complimented and never intrusive nor disturbs. A smile and optimism surrounds her.Even though her life was short she is still mimicked and envied by her other two sisters and people who want to be just like her.

I consider Apres l'Ondee to be a masterpiece. She is light, beautiful and remarkable. My Swiss grandmother wore this from the 1920's forward. She was every bit as classy and feminine as her scent of choice. I used to love nestling up to Oma Kauffman while she read to me and smelling this delightful scent. I think of her every time I smell this iconic juice and rightfully so. Class acts belong together after all! At first spritz there is a burst of Anise and Citrus mixed with the dreamy Violet, Iris and Heliotrope. The Anise abates and then the Mimosa becomes evident as well giving her some added vibrance. There is slight Woodiness to her bouquet as well but it is very slight. She has wondrous Vanilla too. Ahhh...Guerlain...the Vanilla of legends comes from you! It is here but as a compliment not the star. So lovely. She is similar to Guerlain's L'Heure Bleue. I agree with some that she is like the EDT of it. BUT...the Violet is the star here while the Iris is the star of L'Heure Bleue. That is the main difference. I love them both but I feel this lovely lady has a place/shrine all her own in Fragrance history. Her sillage is enormous at first then it becomes moderate for the duration which is not very long. She lasts about four hours on me. I don't mind though. I love refreshing myself with her. She is a luxury to be enjoyed no doubt. She is the Impressionist of fragrance with her powdery, slightly creamy Violet weaving a soft aura of intrigue. In my mind I can see raindrops falling from trees making dripping noises on the colorful, pretty flowers beneath releasing their botanical yet ethereal scents. I think I need to go paint now. I give her a 10++++

I cannot add more poetry to this real unique classic but want to share an interesting experience. The most common mournings in multiple threads are that Apres l'Ondee is an etheral beauty, meaning that sillage is very weak and that some perfumistas complain that perfume is dissapearing very fast, especially with the actual EDT version. The other fear is that this gem can get discontinuid, a nightmare for most of us. I share these 2 common fears and I am convinced they remain in my unconsciousness somehow because very recently I discovered something amazing just by accident : I bought a very nice and cheap perfume, Iris Yardley but was not completely convinced about the overall character of the EDT, there was something missing and I found it too "metallic". My intuition told me to layer it with L'Heure Bleue EDT version and waaaaw what an outcome : it is almost identical as Apres l'Ondee !!! Of course you can never copy a masterpiece but I can assure you, it is very close : the same nostlagic beauty, that haunting nature of the dry down and the dry down is incredible, very soft but more staying power than the EDT Apres l'Ondee. It is not that surprising if you look into the fragrance pyramid : AL and HB share similar key ingredients like violet, iris, heliotrope and the Iris Yardley softens that more powdery aspect of HB wonderfully so that you obtain the same character of AL. It is worth trying, although each skin chemistry is of course different. I will continue this layering, it becomes my signature perfume and my best assurance against the common fear that maybe one day Apres L"Ondee will dissapear from our Masterpiece Perfume Universe for good;

My first smell of this perfume carried me back 15 years and across the Atlantic to Florence on one the worst days of my life. I was there on business and grimly miserable since my marriage had just broken up and it was a coppery hot July day in a place I didn't want to be. To make things better a heavy rain opened up and drenched me to the skin. I dashed into a museum that turned out to be the home of Dante Alighieri. I walked through that fine home loathing myself for not loving his city that he pined for in exile. The misery increased until I became teary and snuffly. I ultimately ended up in an arcade on the top floor looking out over the old city. At some point the rain stopped and the sky cleared to that lovely grey-white that I've only seen in Italy. That's when I realized that my nose was being flooded by orange blossom and geranium in tubs and pots, that in that light were the most intense red and white I'd ever experienced. Within seconds I'd reached a place of serenity that I hadn't felt for years. Thus the power of scent and the necessity of perfume. This may be the best orange blossom I've ever experienced in a bottle. The violet is there but it somehow purifies and intensifies the orange. The carnation is subtle and the iris is purple. If I stroke my wrist hard I get a delightful mint that is probably a dry anise. Even the EDT is absolutely intoxicating. If you love great florals you should seek this out. Sillage: medium Durability: good so far Fabulosity: heaven may be located in this bottle Price to value ratio: the pearl of great price 10/10

Apres L'Ondee is an experiential fragrance. It is an atmosphere, ambience. It was never meant as a vehicle for grabbing attention and making a grandiose statement. I can't speak for previous formulations and therefore cannot pine over how much more beautiful it may have once been. I just have this bottle, and it's more than beautiful enough for me. Moreover, the base lasts on my skin for several hours; perhaps I'm lucky. As I apply this to my skin, my emotions are awash with nostalgia, distant echoes of the past. I am reminded of those moments in life where you just come to terms. Grief, impermanence, passages of time that shape and age and cause all that is vibrant to fade one day. This may all sound depressing to those who resist bluer feelings; but for those who embrace them as the fulcrum of life's rich pageant, they drive us to appreciate the joy that we know inevitably comes and goes. We have visual art and film that remind us of this and that nourish our soul, why not a fragrance? There are only a handful that come to mind, and Apres L'Ondee is one of them. The many melancholic shades conveyed by the assemblage of iris, violet, heliotrope and mimosa as they sing a solemn, sweet chorus—the volume fades ever so slowly and lulls you. It's as if the dry down was imbued with raindrops slowly evaporating on spring flowers. - Today is mostly cloudy, with slivers of sunlight. As I write this, I am about to reapply Apres L'Ondee and go for a walk, and just be present moment by moment with this scent, and I will reflect.

Oh my. I was surprised when I first smelled it and wondered if I made a mistake to blind buy a whole big bottle second hand. It really is from a different space and time - definitely not from the winter of 2020s Finland. After couple of times testing and getting to know it we became friends, and I just want to know more, tell me! And she speaks, giving one verse at a time. It is very poetic, introverted and shy, but not subtile. I love love love love it and can't get enough. First time applying I made a mistake of spraying it in the air to do a walktrough - I didn't get much on me and the it lingered in the room for hours. My partner can't take strong smells and they said it's too strong and smelled like an incense store with all the incenses at the same time. I don't have a same impression thou I love that scent. :D Usually, when I wear perfume I try to apply just a tiny bit to my own happiness. Minis are good for that, and with spray bottles I have to carefully yank the sprayer to have a drip. Finland is full of scent sensitive people, including my whole family, so I try to not give people migraines by just existing in the same space. But this one, I don't think It's too strong when wearing and doesn't have anything headachey not to spray straight on the skin but also clothes, as it's longevity isn't the best. Apres L'ondee set a new standard in perfumes for me and also created a crave for more Vintage Guerlain!!!

I wasn't initially interested in purchasing this fragrance, only because of the remarks made on its lack of longevity. But those notes-my ultimate favorites in perfumery weakened my resolve, and I am even more supported in my new found resolve to from this point on only to collect quality classic fragrances made by the best perfumers of the old school. I don't know if other people have had this experience, but when I was young,When I thought of someone I would think of them in the light of the aura I imagined surrounding them. My sister is extroverted and high energy, and I imagined her surrounded by yellow.Her being blonde likely added to my imagination. Myself, I saw as purple. I was always drawn to sight, smell and the taste of purple. The scent of purple. That perfectly describes Apres l Ondee. Contemplation, introspection,imagination,dreams..I was able to take in and understand this fragrance reclining into my bed in the dusk hours. The monsoonal breeze mixes in moisture, smelling as if it really did rain.Until I realize it's the anise I am smelling-or is it the violet? It's so upsetting that we can't purchase the Eau de Parfum version anymore. I would rather die in an angel's embrace than live a long life in the valley of mediocrity,

This is just...(inhaling arm)...really...(ssssnnnniiiiffff)...I can't even find an adjective worthy of describing it! My bottle arrived today (purchased from a personal collection; it is from 2010) and while I wasn't actually/initially looking for Apres l'Ondee, I am so glad that I now have one. I can sense the lipstick/makeup similarity, but it is so charming! It is delicate, but it is a "fierce" delicate, if that makes sense. I might dare to say that Houbigant's new release, Iris de Champs, mimics Apres l'Ondee (sitting here sniffing my arm, trying to think what this reminds me of), only Apres has more flesh. I'm getting a beautiful iris, the almost carrot-like iris, with the vintage makeup powder vibe, and the sweetness of the violets keep it from becoming cloying. I also have the soft, spicy anise note, with a bit of something like wet, green leaves. WOW!!! And I ignored this classic for how many years?! I'm sorry I can't describe this more skillfully, but I will say that inside me the little Princess Girly-Girl Pretty Makeup Diva is squealing with delight, right now, as I sniff this on my arm. Thank you all for your beautiful, helpful reviews. I can only imagine what the pure parfum smelled like...

Oh, my god. This is a BEAUTIFUL fragrance! There is a lot going on when it’s first sprayed on — all good — but then when it dries down... it’s just amazing. It’s like when you stick your nose into an iris — that scent — but without the overpowering sweetness. It is a sweet scent, but not girly sweet. And not gourmand at all (not at all like candy). It’s more like the feeling you get when you look at a Monet painting of water lilies — if that were a smell. It's very light. My plan is to wear Apres l'Ondee in the daytime (refreshed at least once) followed by l'Heure Bleue starting at the blue hour. Life is good! EDIT: I contacted Guerlain to ask them to never retire Apres l'Ondee and received the most elegant email response I've ever read! Allow me to quote a part... "For a perfumer, it is always a pleasure to arouse emotions to people wearing its creations. Indeed, Guerlain has a little supplement of soul that makes the difference which you have been sensitive to." signed Isabelle ROUSSEAU. As we all are on fragantica.

Apres l'Ondee is round; it reminds me of a cricle. There is a completeness to this fragrance that I've never experienced before. It's angelic, but much more interesting than just sweet powderiness. If I have trouble sleeping at night, it soothes me, and makes everything still. It calms my breathing; expands my lungs, and fills them them with a rush of light velvety perfume. I do not know much about Jacques Guerlain, but I feel like I have a piece of his heart in my hand when I hold ALO's beautiful bottle. This is a perfume full of emotion. Like when tears are brimming in your eyes, right before they fall onto your cheeks; a moment of relief before the storm hits. A joy to own, even though the eau de toilette lasts for a mere 40 minutes on my skin. I wish Guerlain would move their operations outside of the EU, maybe to the US where you're allowed to sell anything short of toxic waste, and give us the eau de parfum back. I don't really care if it kills me Guerlain! I want ALO to linger on me for as long as possible.

Apres l'Ondee is my favourite Guerlain scent. It has very light Iris, Anise & Oris root notes. Delicate, crisp & reflective, this is a cool perfume reserved for certain moods and frames of mind. It is true that it has a dignity that feels fitting for wear at funerals but the word ''melancholy'' is not quite the right one - I lean to this when I am in a generally more ''adult'', quiet & reflective mood. I find it poignant, still and introspective, allowing me to reflect with clarity and acceptance. Apres l'Ondee is quite serious and wise but remains a light and simply beautiful scent. I think of sitting on a bench alone by a stream or babbling brook, in the calm spring sunlight, collecting my thoughts and special memories. This is a masterpiece and, to me, is more discreet and subtley complex than l'heure bleu which was made with a heavier hand and followed Apres l'Ondee. This perfume is a work of art that conjures or captures a unique set of emotions and holds a special place in my heart.

I’ve only ever tried a 2021 bottle, but I can see how this perfume has lasted as one of the Guerlain cornerstones. It’s so very fleeting: just as rain showers usually are! After the rain is a time for the sun to warm the dampness, where every flower is plush and the soil rich with earthiness. I get the most magnificent water colored violet and cassia (an almost minty aspect). This is spherical in complexity. I spray it and I get minty violets, followed by an orchestra of warmly painted yellows, stark reds, and chalky cornflower blues! It’s crisp carnations and crackly styrax that quickly ‘hushes’ down to a softly whispered violet as the last drop evaporates in the summer heat. Very fleeting indeed, but that never stops it from being a masterpiece! Guerlain perfumes are an art form that other Houses so rarely IF EVER can compare. On a side note: I imagine this is what the air must smell like when Mary Poppins comes floating down on her umbrella after a thundershower.

Except for a couple of attempts with Shalimar, I am a Guerlain virgin. I ordered a Guerlain sampler set and tonight, I randomly chose Apres L'ondee to try for the first time. The very first thing that came to mind was "candy." The next was "purple," and then "wet." After trying and failing to pull up in my mind what type of candy I was imagining, I finally peeked at the notes and I realized I'm smelling the anise - a licorice note. What an interesting scent this is...there's the anise/sweetness, the soft purple violets, and a sharp sense of wetness. I thought it was going to be a somewhat sad, nostalgic scent, but I find it uplifting and sunny...like well-dressed ladies coming outside to gossip in the garden after being kept inside during a long rain. Now, with the anise fading, it's really beautifully soft and comforting. I liked it upon initially trying it, and now I'm starting to fall in love with it. Soft, sweet and lovely!

UPDATE: I am uncertain as to why this projected SO badly on my skin just a couple of months ago. It had to be stress or the like, because I haven't changed my diet, meds or anything like that. I gave it one last try before officially putting it in the "for sale" box. Boy! Am I glad I did. NOW I get what all the lovers of this are getting at. It is a beeeeautiful powdery iris....which I am digging a LOT lately. This was my previous post. Mucho different, huh?? ****************************** I am unsure what in particular my skin HATES about this fragrance. After reading all the reviews, I was so hoping for this ethereal, rain soaked garden of violet and iris. What my horrid skin projects is a composte heap of years of dead and wet and, well, decomposing violets and iris...violets projecting more. And, with my luck, it isn't fleeting. It couldn't be scrubbed off. It lasted for hours....never changing. Could it be the heliotrope?

As a child, with my parents, I went in glades around Topleţ village to enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of nature. I remember a special moment when we reached a glade with grass woven with threads of violets. Life simply flowed through that lawn, I could feel it. We lay there, on the meadow, all three of us and looked up to the sky, enjoying the sweet scent floating around us. The smell of the moist ground, because there, in my village the soil is never completely dry, as if it will always hold hands with the rain, never letting her go. This smell merged with the feeble flowers. The piece of blue sky that we saw there was the canvas on which we painted our happiness. This is how Apres L'Ondee smells to me: delicate violets mixed with joy, untainted by the surrounding world. Apres L'Ondee is the fragrance that will make you love the rain, even if you do it just to enjoy the wonders that arise after its passing.