When I woke up this morning I felt the unstoppable urge of reviewing, this does not happen often. Good, because I was actually planning a review for today. The problem was I didn’t know what to review. Luckily life gave me a sign! I was doing a plum confiture with my Mum today and then it struck me that I should reach for something sweet. In my career I didn’t have much experience with foody perfume, rather known as gourmands. Melissa, a gourmand lover (check out her blog) supplied me with nice pack of “edible” perfume. Thank you dear!
Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille is a fragrance that appeared in the market in 2003. It’s described as oriental vanilla which is quite right. Perfumer who created this fragrance is Christopher Sheldrake. In the opening I smell a lot of yummy coconut milk combined with sweet licorice. It has a blast of sweetness, but only for a moment. After few minutes it becomes much better when sandalwood reveals its presence. This stage reminds me of my favourite scented candles for autumn and winter seasons. Awhile later Un Bois Vanille is more dry woody than sweet although all edible ingredients of this fragrance are still perfectly perceptible. This phase remains for some time effusing nuances of warm vanilla and honey. It’s simply delicious.
Few hours from the moment of applying I could smell a touch of spiciness, provided by benzoin and tonka bean I think. There’s also a scent of bitter almonds tingling here and it’s easy to notice as the smell is specific. Musks create a nice base for Un Bois Vanille from Serge Lutens. Thanks to them a slightly animalic character is added. There’s also guaiac wood in this fragrance and it gives sensation of something burning. It’s somehow smoky and it creates depth to it. Overall – it’s charming fragrance.
When I first tried this fragrance I was really impressed by the quality, it’s whole day longevity and nice, not overwhelming projection. The smell of Un Bois Vanille brings memories of long autumn and winter evening spent on reading a book or sitting by the fireplace with a big mug of favourite chocolate drink. It’s truly a cozy scent that gives sweet aura to it’s wearer. I imagine myself wearing it to the meeting in local cafe, where smooth jazz quetly plays in the background and light is always dim. Un Bois Vanille suits pleasant conversations.
By the impression I get after wearing it, I dare to say that this Serge Lutens perfume will smell best in colder weather of autumn and winter, it would be too cloying in summer and spring probably. Un Bois Vanille is all about different aspects of sweet, edible things and woodiness of sandalwood. It’s marketed as feminine but “brave” guys will definitely pull it off. This Serge Lutens is sold in 50 ml bottle with stopper (spray included in box) and the packaging design signature to this brand. A good choice for gourmand lovers and those who crave something different.
Chemist in the Bottle 