Most Loved Perfumes in Paris for Spring 2020
As spring approaches and the weather begins to change to warmer temperatures, so does our mood and taste. I visited Dover Street Parfums Market, located at Rue Elzevir in the 3rd arrondisement, to discover what scents Parisians are loving this spring season. Among its many chains launched by Rei Kawakubo, only the Parisian boutique focuses on the most exquisite collection of raw and luxury perfumes.
Terminology (explained by the brand 19-69)
Top Notes: The first impression of a fragrance are the top notes. Usually lasts for around 10 to 15 minutes. This is the aroma you smell first at the counter.
Mid Notes: The main body of the perfume. Emerges just prior to when the top notes dissipate. Scents from the mid notes appear anywhere from 2 minutes to 1 hour after the application of the perfume.
Base Notes: The foundation of the fragrance and slow down the evaporation of the lighter notes. The base notes are usually not perceived until 30 minutes after the application of the perfume or during the period of perfume dry-down. The bottom notes of a fragrance last for some 4 to 5 hours on your skin.
Named after the notorious Rainbow Bar off Sunset Blvd in LA, this scent is for those that want to smell like sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. The first hit is like an after-burn of a strong liquor, but then gradually eases into the lighter, fresher, and freer dimensions of the perfume as times goes on.
Top Notes: Davana, Bergamot, Cypress, Warwood, Cardamom
Mid Notes: Marine Breeze, Fresh Basil, *Elemi, Artemisia, Grape Seed, Hints of Bourbon
Base Notes: Nutmeg, Vetyver, Clove, Guaiac Wood, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Pimento Seeds
*Elemi is similar to frankincense but not as thick or deep
Closeup shot of Rainbow Bar / Image Credit: 19-69
In this creation orchestrated by perfumers Christian Astuguevieille and Lucas Sieuzac, they wished to recreate the scent of Osmanthus. The aim was not only to capture the smell of the flower but to reproduce the mysterious allure that penetrates the air of a park filled with Osmantus trees in bloom. This scent is for those that want to smell fresh but with a tinge of spice.
Top Notes: Leafy Greenness, Bitter Orange, Pepper
Mid Notes: Osmanthus Absolute, *Olibanum
Base Notes: White amber woods
*Olibanum is the proper name for frankincense.
Closeup of Comme Des Garçons Dot perfume in the middle of other perfume bottles / Image Credit: Aira Xeneli
Mother-son duo Baptiste Bouygues and Marie-Lise Jonak launched Ormaie back in 2018 with a mission of sustainability. Jonak’s work that landed several FiFi Awards, the highest honor for fragrance, and Bouygues’ work for Louis Vuitton and Givenchy came together and produced a collection of 7 fragrances. Each unisex scent uses only natural ingredients, bottles that came from French glassmakers, and toppers made of wood from renewable Beech forests. 28° is perfect for those looking for a scent during warm, pleasant nights.
Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Mandarin, *Schinus Molle
Mid Notes: Rose, Sambac, Jasmine, Tuberose, Orange Blossom
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Vanilla, Everlasting
*Schinus Molle, or pink pepper, adds more of a rosy note than a spicy one. It allows the perfume to stay away from over powdery or retro smells.
Closeup of Omaie's perfume bottles / Image Credit: Aira Xeneli
All of these fragrances can be purchased online or in store. I ended up buying and loving Ormaie's parfum the most. It's soft, warm, a little spicy, but has a hint of freshness on my skin.
