No.09 Vallée de Farney

There are a couple of reasons I almost didn't get this, the first of which is that I don't like rollerballs, but I didn't want something larger than the 3ml sampler. Secondly, the complaints about this smelling like an old man nearly scared me off...but I had a great gut feeling and I'm glad that I heeded my hunch, because I think this is beautiful. It's definitely more traditionally masculine, but I don't mind wearing some male things if they're not overly "blue" or full of bay rum. I don't feel uncomfortable in the slightest wearing this. In fact, I'm wearing a dark olive colored shirt, and it matches the synesthetic impression I have with this scent, it's a dark green. This is just really heavy on the vetiver, so it smells rustic and outdoorsy. However, the grapefruit included alongside the vetiver (these two notes are made for each other, it's almost unbelievable how well they pair) is absolutely perfect. There's a bit of geranium too, which clearly emerges distinctly, though I cannot claim the same for the rest of the notes here. *HOWEVER *; the issue might be my nose, because vetiver feels peppery to me anyway (I sometimes like using straight essential oil, and it has a peppery quality). If black pepper is here, it's deployed in a genius manner, because it doesn't overpower anything and helps to assist the vetiver, which is clear the centerpiece of this composition. Same with the patchouli, it's a supporting feature and it doesn't jut out even as this dries down. This is just...evocative to me, which is a determining factor sometimes between me loving a fragrance or merely liking one. This is grounding and naturalistic, I think of a chilly breeze during Indian summer, toward the end of September. It's cleansing to the palate, and it's going to be perfect for me if I'm ever weary of gourmonds. It's also quite gorgeous on my skin...if I do say so myself, it works with my chemistry. I love things like this. Beautiful perfumery without smelling overly complex nor overly blended and *perfume-y* (though I like that style too sometimes), it puts my mind at ease. 💚🤎💚🤎

Niche quality Terre d'hermes... Kind of a high quality mix of TdH and TdH Eau Fraîche. I really like it! I'll write more later as it develops

My favorite of the Maison Louis Marie line. It reminds me of a men’s soap I once bought at Target because it had an intoxicating wet stony salty smell when dry (orris? vetiver?), but I never used it because it smelled like aftershave once wet. This has the wet salty smell, but doesn’t turn into aftershave! I guess that’s what’s being called “mineral” in the description. It feels pretty gender non-specific when you first roll it on, but after time as the vetiver and cedar rise to prominence it takes on a more manly cast. It lasts a long time on me. My concern is that while I like the overall scent, I often feel that the wrong note dominates at the wrong time. It doesn't feel perfectly calibrated and balanced like a proper perfume should, at least not on me. It has the more thrown-together feeling of a home scent. But in closing I will add that thanks to its oil formulation, this scent never feels like too much or too perfumey, which might be a reason to choose this over a more well-balanced alcohol-based scent.

Oil Rollerball Version: Soapier and richer than spray version. I get a little more citrus. I can smell the actual oil in this, so it's not as great up close (until it melds into my skin more). Application creates a really lovely scent bubble to enjoy all day (9-5!). Consistent and linear throughout the day. Spray Version: A little sweeter, but not as smooth as the oil. Green, fresh and still really lovely. Truly unisex scent in both forms. I love the geranium. Light and airy. I get a slightly leathery note...? (Not sure which notes combo is doing it). Really beautiful up close. Both are clean and woody. I'll have to wear more often to figure the seasons and which form I prefer. The little roller version is perfect for carrying around with you, and I love the simple packaging.

I am really glad I decided to purchase this scent. I was looking for a rollerball of something more unisex, that I could wear in a variety of situations. This oil rollerball is gorgeous, in my opinion. Something about it just cuts through and grabs you attention instantly. Very spicy, bright, and clean. It does start out more unisex, with the grapefruit and citrus on the top. But, as it warms up to the skin, it does lean a little more masculinely. The woodsy smells do shine after a half hour or so. However, I would never say a woman couldn't wear this scent. In fact, I think this scent would be magnetic and powerful as a feminine fragrance. I love how versatile this scent is, and it's quickly becoming my "daily driver".