Functional Fragrance

I've always enjoyed Santal 33 and used to wear it in its oil form. This 'DNA' was pioneered by Frank Voelkl for Le Labo, and it's been explored many times since, including in Matiere Premiere Parisian Musc, Guerlain's Santal Pao Rosa and Armani's Santal Dan Sha. I don't scorn those tips of the hat at all - indeed, I think it's just because this particular treatment of wood with papyrus and cardamom notes is just super pleasing and exciting that others want to explore the possibilities and facets. So, here we have the creator of this combo giving it another go some years later. I believe this fragrance was in the work for a long time, so it's possible FV took the idea forward quite quickly rather than six or seven years later. And I think the fact this first functional fragrance was so long in the works shows the care and consideration that went into it, also working with the neuroscientists at the University of Geneva to make sure it works as intended - to destress and provide a moment of stillness and calm. On Firmenich's website, they quote him: “I believe in creating fragrances that connect with your soul. My goal is to craft scents that will evoke a profound emotional connection – with the power to elicit pure, unadulterated happiness.” So, here we have a perfumer who is a master of his craft, who believes that fragrance has a real impact on how we feel. The Nue Co took a while to get my attention, since as a fragrance collector I had dismissed the line without much thought, assuming it wasn't for me. But now I see this is a fabulous line, with real depth and grace. The OG perfume in the line is one of the best sandalwoods out there, with the cardamom amped up and and a piquancy that reminds you of nature. It's cool, effortless and chic.

Amazeballs. Absolutely terrific. The pictogram above call out some notes, but based on my 30+ years of cooking for a family, I call bogus on the cardamom and cilantro notes. I say nobody can identify this fragrance with anything we know in our experience. I base this on speculation, unencumbered by any formal training except for high school chemistry. Here I go: I think this perfumer is a genius, and dreamed up something in a lab, and FF is one of his utterly terrific creations. A masterpiece. I love natural smells as much as the next person, but I am also a fan of modern technology and Ernest Beaux. The labeling has a molecule on it!!! Too lazy to pull up a chemistry textbook, but I will go to the library tomorrow. This perfume makes me want to go back and get a Masters' degree in Chemistry and apply to ISIPCA, and mess around with aldehydes and other exciting lab goodies. But I'm too old. Maybe this guy will let me work for him.

This was love at first sniff!!!! Absolutely one of the smoothest freshest scents I’ve smelled in a while. It harkens back to Hermès Voyage de Hermès EDP. Probably cause of the cardamom but I actually prefer this. It is not a citrus but extremely aeromatic and green. I get a lot of Dill in the opening but it’s not listed so I’m guessing it’s the Palo Santo and cilantro. Gorgeous. This is a great great bang for your buck. I’ve smelled similar scents that would cost well over 200.00. For a small bottle. But if u r into clean watery fresh aromatic scents look no farther because this is a gem. It also says that it works as a calming aroma therapeutic scent which I get as well. Bottom line is it smells great and is versatile as well. Two big thumbs up!

I feel this is could be a polarising one because of the cilantro but I am squarely in the fan camp. This to me feels like Santal 33 (or quite a niche reference but the scent of Massimo Dutti stores...still trying to deduce what scent they use in there) but more interesting: fresh, sharp and nutty, warm and soothing. My go-to scent for the season and a definite repurchase!

I find this unique and like a blend of different perfumes I've smelled in the past. Straight off the bat I smell lots of Iris, cardamom and wood. The wood becomes drier and more peppery and I smell cinnamon. I love spicy Woody fragrances so I'm loving this. Sillage starts off intense and then comes down to be in your personal bubble longevity is 4 to 5 hours