Haute Provence 89

My favourite from the Discovery Kit so far, although they are all pretty amazing. Even if I am not a fan of a particular type of scent, I can still confidently say that it is a very good example of that type that I wouldn't mind smelling on someone else. If that makes sense.... :) So anyway, Haute Provence / 89... My childhood holidays were often spent in the Provence and my father loves the area so much that he bought an estate with an olive grove and some forest around it right on the border of the Haute Provence. Smelling this was like opening a memory box of early summer days sat eating fresh melons in the shade of fig trees out in the countryside, the wind wafting the scent of lavender from across the fields. There is also that particular scent of sun-warmed stone, earth and tree bark that is only noticeable if you know that it's there, like an earthy undertone. As the sun goes lower and the earth stops "radiating warmth" so much, the lavender becomes more noticeable, the wind is cooler and smells more aquatic. That is what this perfume smells like to me on my skin, like such a breezy Provence afternoon, with a similar development of the scent. First sweet and fresh, with a melon and fig leaf note over the lavender and as the day wore on, the lavender was more noticeable without ever having that "old lady perfume" vibe. As someone who finds a strong sillage rather vulgar, this scent is perfect; people remark upon it when they come close but those further away simply notice a pleasant addition to the room's atmosphere rather than identifying it as someone's perfume. I can't stop sniffing my wrist when I wear it and definitely plan to buy a full bottle ASAP.

I disagree with below - it’s a soft rockmelon scent with additional watermelon sweetness given texture with some dry lavender that’s not too in your face. Amazingly workable for men, somewhat gourmand, though as passing quick whiff you’d think it’s for women - when you let the smell linger a bit you realise it’s quite complicated. Fresh for summer, not a huge bubble but powers away in enclosed spaces or when someone is near or intimate. Vaguely reminds me of Sean John 3am which I quite like. Ironically 3am is probably stronger in impact but is brighter even though it’s an EDT - like juice in a cup where as this is more like the flesh sitting nearby. Well done - I get the back story - blind bottle purchase made my day as did the arrival of Heeley Zest de Gingembre...

Love at first sniff. Lavender is not usually my go to floral note. Fragrances with dominant lavender tend to smell very old school and heavy for me. Hence I never got why people recommend lavender aromatherapy for a better night sleep. But this is something else! The best lavender perfume for sure. Melon and watermelon gives the sweetness and lightness that lavender lacks and by that showcasing the best in lavender. Smells like spring/summer in a bottle. Sea breeze, melons and lavenderfields. Sadly it did not last on my skin for very long, on my clothes it did though. Tried it in winter, maybe it will perform better in summer with more humidity in the air.

If all bubbles had one smell, that smell would be Haute Provence. I led my friend on a tour of my fragrance collection. When we got to Haute Provence I described it as the smell of bubbles. His eyes lit up and he excitedly agreed. And so there you have it. Bubbles. Perfect for spring and summer mornings.

Very classy haute couture lavender for the European summer temperatures i.e. 30-35 degrees. I enjoyed this and it has effortless chic vibe. Well done.