There is one perfume I am regularly reaching for, which is unusual for me. Specific perfumes that I enjoy “regularly” are few and far between, as my nose is fickle and sensitive. I either love something one day, then wonder what I was thinking the next. Or love something upon first spray, then have to remove every last trace of it when my nose goes into overload. Don’t get me wrong, I like to wear intense perfumes too, but they have to be masterfully blended. But this one perfume has me mesmerized.

One of my favourite things is to wear perfumes that are rare and unique. Oh don’t get me wrong. I love mainstream perfumes as much as the next person, but there is something so satisfying about wearing something fresh and out of the ordinary. The ones that are less likely to pervade the air in public places. I went to a movie and the entire theatre smelled like D&G Light Blue – ok I get that it is popular, and for good reason. It smells good. But come on people – use your imagination. You don’t have to smell like everyone else, and that’s one of the reasons I avoid the latest greatest department store and Sephora launch offerings.

It was with great joy that I tried the Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger line. I had some samples last year and fell HARD for their Collection des Inédits (translates to Collection Never Before Released more or less) which are based on the classics of perfumery, like lavender, rose, violet, iris, tuberose and the like. However they have a beautiful and subtle twist which makes them deliciously modern. The bottles are works of art on their own. Heavy, substantial white opaque glass with solid ash wood caps.

Being a lover of violet perfumes (my violet perfume obsession is chronicled here and here) I knew I would love Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger Violette Sacrée even before I sniffed it. I just didn’t know how much until I wore it. It smells so beautiful and sensual, as the name “Sacred Violet” would imply. From Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger:

The opening of bright bergamot is instantly captivating as we move to a blend of lily of the valley, roses and white flower. Deep in the woods, wild violets bloom under a verdant canopy of violet leaves as the sun sets. The scent of vetiver and sandalwood appear and the soul of this fragrance is revealed, rich and confident.

Top: Bergamot, violet, violet leaves.
Heart: Rose, Jasmine, Orange Blossom,
Lily of the Valley.
Base: Cedar, Vetiver, Musk, Wood Accord.

The violet leaf ads a rich almost soapy aspect that I adore. It has a green almost grassy and clean note that makes me think of rainforest waterfalls. This takes the violet out of the too-sweet candy category, but it’s still sweet enough to smell delicious. What elevates Violette Sacrée and makes it irresistible is the divine base. All of the flowers in the top and middle notes are beautiful and gentle. They play up the violet top notes and play soft supporting roles – they’re there, but stay close to the skin and just glow. But the rich woods, smoky vetiver and warm skin musks are what sets this apart. It’s soft and sexy, dries down to an enticing and gorgeous skin scent that is irresistible.

If I had to give it a colour, it would be a smoky purple grey. If I had to give it a texture, it would be a silk tapestry, with many shades of purple and grey. Ethereal and soft, but never lacking in substance. This ghost is earthbound.

Verdict – LOVE.

You can buy Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger at Twisted Lily and at Beautyhabit, and in Canada at White Oaks Spa in Niagara on The Lake, at around $125 for a 100ml bottle.