Idyllwild

This is a lovely, light, fizzy summer fragrance. I don't think this would wear well in winter as it sits close to the skin. It reminds me of some of Guerlain's Allegorias but it doesn't have a floral note--so think a citrus top in those without the base. Cypress, fir and Sequoia are definitely the strongest notes to my nose, but the rhubarb presents a tart-sweetness (hence that citrus quality). It also unfortunately reminds me of D&G Light Blue. So, if you love that scent--either keep going or try this one out for a change. While I love the idea, and the scent itself is reminiscent of walking on the California coast (and I think more northern than southern California), I do not like the lack of silage or the longevity. Both are low and poor, which I find almost inexcusable in anything other than a cologne, and this is very "cologne-like." However there is something "different" about it--so it's not a "mere dupe" for D&C Light Blue, but it's in that genre. Longevity and silage can be made up for with HEAVY application. And then it's really nice, really a sort of "different cedar-citrus" type of offering with the subtle nuances of the above notes. Having grown rhubarb, I can't say it smells like this when crushed fresh, so I'm going with a mix of olfactory/taste impressions mixed with a bit of green. For those afraid of ISO E--I don't think this has it. It presents very naturally, which is perhaps why it has poor performance. I'm not rushing out to get more, but next summer, I think this will be a "go-to." As an aside, we perfumistas often notice beautiful bottles. I have to say of all the perfume releases this year--the name makes my heart flutter: Idyllwild. I think I'm going to name my next cat that.

Holy smokes! Motherf***! For years I have been trying to conjure the smell of the air in the high peaks region of the Adirondack mountains, a blend of firs with predominant hemlock and a kind of inexplicable sweetness that borders on citrus, and I've come close on my own blending fragrance oils, but the opening salvo of Idyllwild has got it dead to rights. Unbelievable- you have no idea how happy I am right now :D Following that, the picture is rounded out with the smell of the understory, an old growth forest with its rotting mounds of deadwood turning back into soil, the kind of forest stink that makes you want to smell it compulsively, dotted with the occasional greenery of ferns. There's also something in here that triggers a sense memory I can't quite recall- it's resinous pine tar, but I have a feeling it's more specific than that. Anyhow, the more dank and resiny aspects fade into the background after a couple hours and leave behind the greenery of the ferns, and surprisingly a return of something citrusy, though I'm fairly certain it's the sharp edge of the cardamom. Gorgeous fragrance, and like someone said, more of an experience. I would still wear it out though. Feels like it rides very close, but my daughters confirmed it was in fact 'very strong' from 3 feet. They tend to be very sensitive though. Seemed to last 4-5 hours on me.

I was in the market for a Christmas Tree scent, and this did not disappoint. Like walking in the deep woods in Montana after a soft rain. Lots of pine and fir. I'm such a sucker for cardamom, and this shines through beautifully on the dry-down. At the start, I get a blast of grapefruit rind mixed with forest trees. The citrus fades pretty quickly into that strong, clean Pine-Sol (but in a good way for me ;-) scent, and then dries down to a woody, spicy musk. A beautifully blended fragrance that has a nice, but not overpowering sillage, and good staying power at 6+ hours. It was one of three samples I took home after smelling dozens at Ministry of Scent in SF, and may be a big bottle purchase depending on the next few wears.

Niche designer Ineke has outdone herself with this coniferous, woody-green masterpiece. Quite simply, it's superb. Evocative of a shaded, romantic walk in a west coast forest during the warmer months amidst one's wood cabin getaway. Begins with a potent, almost sour burst of pure greenery that leads to a soft, elegant, irresistible woody drydown that lingers beautifully (if closely) on the skin. Delicately crafted and blended with loving care, and less of a "scent" and more of an "experience." While Ineke's Field Notes from Paris has long since been the jewel in her crown, Idyllwild is certainly a close second. ★★★★ out of ★★★★

This is a new perfume making a launch by the end of September 2017...I was sent a sample in the mail as I have ordered from Ineke before...and I love this, have already pre-purchased a full bottle...most pine/forest perfumes tend to be loud and dare I say a little harsh, but this isn't...the pine comes on strong for the first second then tranforms down to a lovely tea/light herb calm...very different from just about anything I've smelled before...worth trying - as others have mentioned the new sample set from Ineke includes this...I also love Field Notes From Paris from Ineke and that is included too...