Capsule Reviews - Boucheron & First

Originally posted on Dreamwidth on March 05, 2010.

Boucheron (Boucheron)
Top Notes:Lemon, Basil, Orange Blossom, Bergamot.
Middle Notes :Tuberose, Geranium, Iris, Sandalwood.
Base Notes:Tonka Bean, Civet, Oakmoss, Benzoin.

Reminds me for all the world of Rive Gauche for the first hour, then settles into a beautiful dirty musky oakmoss. If I can get over that first hour* then this is an absolute delight.

*Please note there is absolutely nothing wrong with Rive Gauche and I wore it in my late teens/early 20s. That's why I'm not sure I could wear something like that again. YOU, however, don't have that history and should consider this beautiful classy (if a bit loud to start with) fragrance.

First (Van Cleef & Arpels)

Notes include aldehydes, mandarin, black currant bud, peach, raspberry, hyacinth, Turkish rose, narcissus, jasmine, lily of the valley, carnation, orchid, tuberose, orris, amber, tonka bean, oakmoss, sandalwood, vetiver, musk, honey, civet.

Obviously I get NONE of the fruit, but I do get a HUGE whiff of aldehydes, which for all the world reminds me of Chanel no5. The tuberose is soft and this has a wonderful soapy/powdery effect. Matt smelt it, said "you smell nice" and then jumped on me.

'Nuff said.