Eau du Soir (1990)
by Sisley

Bought this for my wife's birthday. Classy and long lasting. First I thought it would be cloying and overpowering but it isn't. More for a mature lady.

One of Queen Sophia of Spains favourites.

This was a major discovery, during a recent trip to Paris. Apart from Eau de Campagne (which I was never totally sold on), I had no knowledge of any other Sisley fragrances. However, there was something about the bottle design that caught my eye – heavy, minimalistic and ever so tastefully designed. I grabbed the tester bottle and spritzed my arm. I was then met with this strong, sharp and dry citrus opening that completely blew me away!

But it wasn’t only the opening that clicked with me – this fragrance also had a sense of sophistication, luxury and decadence. The drydown retained some of the citrus notes, becoming more herbal over time (with detectable traces of patchouli, moss and pepper). At first, this worried me as most greens haven’t really worked on my skin. However, Eau du Soir came up trumps, retaining its sparkling freshness as it developed more into a fresh chypre. I seriously couldn’t stop smelling my arm – it was that addictive!

Eau du Soir is a rich and complex fresh chypre, with floral notes that are quite subtle, and its longevity and sillage are excellent. It was only after falling in love with this gem that I discovered it is marketed for women. I would have to seriously disagree – it comes across as more unisex than feminine, especially with the floral notes so far in the background of the composition. Also, for a fragrance that came onto the market in 1990, I’m amazed at how contemporary and modern it still smells. Initially, I assumed it had been released within the last five years, so you could imagine my surprise.

It reeks of class in abundance and, although reviewers have been divided on when best to wear this, I would say that Eau du Soir is probably better for warmer (but not terribly hot) months – it needs the warm air to bring those citrus notes to life and to generate maximum sillage. For those who love Creeds, some of the Ormonde Jayne offerings for men, or even Richard James will find Eau du Soir highly rewarding. As for negative points, the cap is an ugly piece of gold-sprayed plastic, imitating a sculpture - I immediately threw mine away.

It’s expensive stuff but definitely worth investigating. But don’t be afraid – it’s not as feminine as you might think.

I'm still not sure if I can carry off this perfume, but oh, I so wish I could. I agree with those who say it's all about the dry down. I prefer to spray this a few hours before I go out, so it smells its best, as it warms up over time and I know I can count on its excellent staying power.

Notes for this floral chypre are:

Mandarin, Grapefruit, Syringa, Rose of the Orient, Egyptian Jasmine, Iris, Juniper.

Wow! 'Exquisite' is the expression of this beautifully crafted eau de parfum. Juniper is the star here, it is cold, blue-green, and magnetic. The other notes in this blend seem to wrap themselves around the juniper, then gently unfold - like a flower in bloom. I'm so glad it doesn't come off like gin... juniper usually smells like gin to me but not in EdS! After awhile, the powder of iris softens and warms Eau du Soir. I must say, I think the craftsmanship of this fragrance is superb! Kudos to Hubert and Isabelle d'Ornano!

WOW. Fantastic fragrance. Smells luxurious, rich and exclusive. Chpre with complex spicy undertones. Lots of patchouli and musk which definitely hit the spot for my taste. Longevity brilliant. Lasts all day into the evening. Not ideally an everyday fragrance unless it is a very special occasion. Very sensuous, so may attract unwanted attention!! Only down side is the rediculous cheap looking cap. Totally uneccesary, especially for the price tag.

Classic, elegant chypre scent. Cold, luxurious, somewhat citrusy, "fluent gold", rich, like a good cognac. For decided, hard-like-a-rock ladies.