Aedes de Venustas

I got a large sample of this from STC after hearing rave reviews--and yes, it's quite good! I would dash out to buy a FB if only I didn't have the entire Serge Lutens lines of Bois ___. This is an amazing, lighter, less intense with lower longevity and silage Serge Lutens. It has Christopher Sheldrake written all over it. But no.... I thought I had mistakenly sprayed some sample of Serge or that STC had mixed things up, but after reading other reviews, I realized that what I had on is indeed what others are raving about. So for those lovers of this frag--there is a plethora of Serge Lutens awaiting you. This has the wine-fruited incense and even jammy quality with the famous autumnal woods in Bois et Fruits, Musc, and the entire Bois line, and even some of the Jeux de Peau and Chene, and Five'o-Clock. That is to say this is strikingly familiar to that "print" of Sheldrake/Lutens. Would I get it? Absolutely. But I have to work my way through some other bottles. However, this is perhaps closer to people's price point, if they are not going to search out a discounted SL, and, it familiarizes noses to the tropes that were in great part what started Indie and Niche fragrances. I too like the L'Artisan line, and find many of the works original. This seems less so viewed through my lens, but very original viewed through mainstream glasses. So I highly recommend, but, if you fall down the rabbit hole, keep going until you find yourself at Les Salons du Palais Royal in France, a lovely purple palace.

I am beginning to fall for L'artisan and might even call them my favorite niche brand - I own more of their fumes than any other line...maybe it's because they are more affordable though. AdV is a stunning creature - it opens with a very bright citrus and incense mixed with cedar. My nose wants to read part of the opening as pepper and cumin as well, but the cumin note doesn't quite stick - it's just a ghost! The incense grows deeper and dryer as the heart of the fume reveals more facets of pepper and dry resins. It doesn't transition much more than this though - which is great of you love what you get...and I do! It is a very potent mix of peppered woods carried by a warm musk that lasts quite some time, although it does quiet down considerably after two to three hours. Every once in a while, I get a very clear green rose and crisp iris note buried deep in the cedar forest - sometimes, even a touch of bitter coffee and dirty patchouli. This is primarily the scent of some lonely soul burning incense deep in a dense and dark forest - it is warm and isolating simultaneously...like a day in the life of a blissfully lost soul. Well, I hope you all find the right words for the important moments in life - and the right scent! Day 34 - A million different words Listening to: Florence + The Machine - Various Storms & Saints

I get a crazy juniper-like, peppery, smokey, cypress and citrus start, softening with warm dry woods and amber emerging and finishing with a deliciously soapy, musk, and a touch of distant rose....I love it. It's full of clashes and opposites that finally find peace. I'm thankful the incense is not to obvious for me as I find too much overwhelming and it makes my nose itch :) I bought this back from Paris - I adore it - any day any time :) 12/2023 update - still love this beauty. Interestingly time has determined that incense is one of my favourite notes 🤣 I adore it. It obviously no longer itches my nose. I will need to get a bottle of the rereleased Aedes de Venustus for when my bottle finishes. I do love this purple bottle as much as I loathe the current soulless grey/green L'Artisan ones.

I tested it at the store and loved the way it smelled on me and my clothes. I have been all about neroli and citrus all summer and really want something dark, sexy and smooth for the fall and winter. This is definitely one that I will be mixing with this season. This should definitely be tested first before purchasing. I just love it! Update Dec. 2014 - I am still using this fragrance two years down. I love it for mixing for cold weather and evenings.

I just can't say in words just how much I love this fabulous fragrance. I love it to death. And the bottle is to die for. It's a totally superb creation, the entire package - perfume and bottle - completely divine and bewitching. A masterpiece in my book. It's stunning, perfect and everything I love. I love love love it. It's beautiful.