A Nose for L’Occitane

L?Occitane?is known for its trademark one-note scents, but with its most recent fragrance collection, we’ve been presented with something that’s twice as nice.

La Collection de Grasse?is an homage to both?the?birthplace and the art of perfumery: each scent in the quartet is based around two main accords,?lending them?an east-meets-west kinda vibe. The results are utterly enchanting – if you’re anything like us, you’ll find it completely impossible to pick a favourite. It’s whichever we’re sniffing at any particular time!

Created by L’Occitane’s in-house perfumer, Karine Dubreuil – who has worked on?Thierry Mugler Womanity,?L’Artisan L’Eau D’Ambre?and?Gucci Envy Me?? the scents draw on the best available ingredients, and are elegantly housed in slender, square glass bottles.

But what about the juice? Here’s the low-down on?all four:

• Jasmin & Bergamote:?A perfectly balanced feminine floral, this is the one that’s most within my comfort zone. It’s elegant, light and lovely: if you like Chanel fragrances (and really, who doesn’t?), then this one’s for you.
• Magnolia & Mure:?This fruity-chypre was for me the most unexpected pairing of the four; I didn’t expect to like it but the longer I wore it, the more I was under its spell. It’s sweet, but not cloying, and the blackberry is balanced by the woody notes of patchouli and moss.
• Vanilla & Narcisse: A bright vanilla-oriental that’s rich and creamy, without being’sugary sweet. This smells warm and comforting, like home.
• Th? Vert & Bigarade: A combination of green tea and bitter orange, this unisex scent is sparkling and vibrant, delicious and fresh. Simon Cowell probably bathes in the stuff.

La?Collection de Grasse is available now from all L?Occitane boutiques, priced at €55 for 75ml. Corresponding body milks, soaps and shower gels are also available.

By Emma Henderson @Fluffyblog