L'Occitane Osmanthus -
L'Occitane's latest fragrance, Osmanthus 2021, presents a timeless interpretation of the osmanthus flower, capturing its essence with a peachy, jammy, leathery, and sweet aroma. This fragrance embodies a refined, feminine, and innocent quality, combining fruity, flora, and hay-like elements that evoke memories of summertime punch, marmalade, boiled sweets, and the essence of a horse's mane. Its luminosity radiates a golden hue, making it the perfect scent for the summer season. Osmanthus 2021 exudes a whimsical, hopeful, and deeply romantic mood.
 |
| L'Occitane Osmanthus |
In addition to the familiar velvety apricot skin, ripe peach, and banana-sweet suede notes often associated with osmanthus, L'Occitane has infused this fragrance with a beautiful sandalwood and ambrettolide base. This addition introduces buttery, baked elements reminiscent of shortcrust pastry and berry custard, creating a rich and creamy undertone that complements the dewy and refreshing top notes of pear and bitter orange. The vibrant and tart fruit notes intermingle with the warm and glowing osmanthus, creating a harmonious blend that resembles the captivating interplay found in scents such as Atelier Cologne's Gold Leather. The overall result is a fragrance that is both pleasingly tart and comforting.
One of the most captivating aspects of Osmanthus 2021 is its emphasis on a humid, round, and syrupy sweetness. Instead of evoking the typical honeyed sugar notes or the juicy pulp of fruit, this fragrance simmers the osmanthus blossoms in a steamy, gummy stew infused with woody and wine-like undertones. This process transforms the petals into a smooth puree that exudes a waxy, caramelized, and dulcet aroma. In this sense, Osmanthus 2021 bears resemblance to L'Ile Pourpre, albeit without the focus on lactonic facets. The fragrance's texture is akin to thick and sludgy apricot jam, yet with a fermented and tannic quality reminiscent of luxurious leather.
 |
| L'Occitane Osmanthus |
As the fragrance develops, it takes on a soapy and sudsy character with a drier and frillier edge. This stage brings to mind the image of cut pears left to dry and darken in the kitchen, releasing a slightly mossy and sour scent. The richness of peach and orange transitions into a wrinkled and pruned fruit effect with a frothy, aldehydic bite, similar to the aroma of peach schnapps. Despite this evolution, the fragrance remains playful and carefree, while a cool breeze gently signals the end of the festivities.
In conclusion, L'Occitane Osmanthus 2021 encapsulates the essence of the osmanthus flower through its delightful blend of peachy, jammy, leathery, and sweet notes. With its golden light, it perfectly complements the summer season, evoking a whimsical, hopeful, and deeply romantic atmosphere. The addition of sandalwood and ambrettolide base adds a rich and creamy dimension, enhancing the fragrance's overall appeal. Osmanthus 2021's unique emphasis on humid, syrupy sweetness sets it apart, creating a captivating and alluring experience. As the fragrance fades, it leaves a trail reminiscent of cut pears, drying to a bruised brown, with a soapy and sudsy touch that adds an intriguing twist. Osmanthus 2021 is a fragrance that invites you to revel in its playful nature while bidding farewell to the festivities with a refreshing and nostalgic breeze.
Read More 👉 Jin Abe: The Visionary Perfumer
 |
| L'Occitane Osmanthus |