Continuing to sample Le Jardin Retrouvé’s scents passed on to me from cpf via LJR.  The flower scents: Citron Poivré (Spicy Lemon), Eau de Tubéreuse (Tuberose), Jasmin (Jasmine), Verveine (Verbena), The Lys (Lily), and Chèvrefeuille (Honeysuckle). I reviewed the roses in a separate category.

And the last:

Eau de Cologne

Notes: the very best essential oils - Lemon and Bergamot from Italy, Neroli from Grasse, Orange and Mandarine, enhanced with touches of Oak Moss, Sandalwood from Mysore and Musk.

What is the history?

If you have been to Cologne, you know Cologne is famous for its own Eau de Cologne which was created at the end of the 18^th Century, as well as its Cathedral.  Tradition has it that Napoleon wore this during his campaigns.  It was extremely popular during its time and has lasted to this day as more than a tourist souvenir.

What is it like?

Any time you have lemon and bergamot, you know it will be refreshing.  The initial notes are very crisp.  Next comes the orange and mandarin, which sweetens it just a tad.  The longer it is on, the more a sweetening comes from the orange, but at first it is not there.

At the same time, underlying it are the base notes that anchor it, so it isn’t fleeting.  It is so well blended that I don’t catch any of the individual notes of oak moss, sandalwood or musk.  But they are there taking it out of the realm of being strictly citrus.  The longer I wear it, a subtle spicy note comes up on my skin, almost, but not quite, a cinnamon.

What does it remind me of?

It reminds me of Guerlain’s Eau de Fleurs de Cedrat, which is a magnificent lemon, but unfortunately it only lasts 10 seconds.  I’m not exaggerating!  Eau de Cologne is much more long lasting.  That sounds funny, because anything would be in comparison, but Cologne keeps on keeping on.  It is less sweet that Cedrat.  And it does remind me of the Cologne from Cologne.

Who can wear this?

To me, it is more of a men’s cologne, at least in the initial moments, but as it settles, it is very nice for a woman.  I’d love to smell this on a couple who both wear it well.  I would imagine it would pull different notes on each of them.  If you are looking for a scent that you could wear together, this might be it.

Is it modern or traditional?

This is a very old traditional fragrance.  That is not a bad thing.  It just has a very old world, European allure to it.  I wish I had my cologne from Cologne to compare it to more exactly, but it is long gone.  Using my memory, this is less sharp, but definitely in the same tradition.  It feels like better quality.

Could you layer this?

I dunno.  It’s quite distinct on its own.  If you do, please leave a message.  I’d love to know what works with it.  I would wear it on its own.

What I like about it:

It is fresh and invigorating, dry and a bit spicy.  It is a traditional men’s scent. I think it would wear well through the day.

My take:

This is not my favorite of the LJR fragrances I have tried, but I feel that it could easily be someone’s favorite who was looking for this scent memory.

I give this fragrance a  3 out of 4 for a man and a 2 out of 4 for a woman.

What do you think?

Have you tried this one?  Do you have a favorite?

Have you tried any of his fragrances? (If not: Ask Le Jardin Retrouvé for Free Samples - All around the world.) If you have, do you have a favorite? Learn more about Le Jardin Retrouve house and Yuri Gutsatz.

Best,
Karin

This post is by Karin of Savvy Thinker, guest blogger. Karin loves perfumes, especially vintage or artisan. She has a wide range of interests including but not limited to books, cosmetics, business, and jewelry, including beading.

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Categories:

Guest Blogger, Le Jardin Retrouvé, Men's Fragrance, Perfume Fragrances, Yuri Gutsatz, cologne

Tags:

amazon, bergamot, cathedral tradition, cpf, Eau de Cologne, flower scents, grasse, Guerlain, honeysuckle, initial notes, jasmin, mandarine, musk, mysore, neroli, oak moss, sandalwood, tourist souvenir, tuberose, verveine