Rare Mimosa

Henri Bendel RARE MIMOSA edt is a very strange fragrance which develops through a series of quite distinct yet fleeting stages in a whirlwind progression from opening to drydown. Initially, a burst of sweet mimosa and, apparently, violet--very reminiscent of Guerlain METEORITES--makes it seem as though this is going to be a straightforward sweet mimosa composition. But no, within less than a minute a strong hay note emerges, completely nullifying the sweetness of the opening and reminding me of the only other perfume in my olfactory history with a marked hay note: Jean Patou 1000. Shortly thereafter, however, RARE MIMOSA defies expectations again, as the Dentyne/Trident minty fresh note which I've found popping up in all sorts of unexpected places makes its appearance here, too. This middle, fresh minty period lasts fairly long, making me think that RARE MIMOSA is going to dead end as a disappointing personal hygiene aid. But, no, wait, there's more! The mimosa re-emerges after several minutes, taking back control of the perfume, as though the poor flower had been temporarily beaten down but finally mustered up the strength to stand up again. The drydown becomes an only barely sweet, slightly woody mimosa. RARE MIMOSA is certainly not boring. And it's definitely worth a sniff for anyone who likes fragrances that unfold in stages, and appreciates mimosa, hay, or Dentyne/Trident notes.

I purchased Rare Mimosa blind but overall I really like it. As with most mimosa scents I find it a delicate floral with a hint of grass or hay. The longevity is better than other scents; today I had Rare Mimosa on one arm and the other had Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Flora Nerolia - as I could not decide which one on a hot summer day. The Guerlain was absent within 2 hours, but the Mimosa still present, soft and comforting.

I think this is the epitome of ladylike scents. Mimosa is a gorgeous scent and this is shown true to form in this lovely fragrance. It's airy, womanly, light, and long-lasting. I also got a soft creaminess as it dries down. Beautiful, and this is coming from someone who is a real niche for fruity floral gourmands.