L'Eau du Bonheur (2002)
by Fragonard

L'Eau du Bonheur is a bright, cheerful companion that will considerably lift one's spirit with its light-hearted florals and juicy citrus top notes that sing along with one's step rather than those that burst zestily into the open. It is completely pleasing in its composition with bergamot, mandarin and light jasmine growing on aromatic leaves and woods - a perfect tree of happiness and well-being.

It is the fragrance I wear for myself, to partake in this succulent pleasure, of blithe, lazy days in the sun, or dozing on a sweet-smelling patch in the woods, without a care in the world.

5th May, 2010.

For many perfumers, citrus = clean. My skin tends to emphasise any element of sweetness or fruit, which means that many perfumes with citrus notes develop into on my skin into a smell like a sack of overripe fruit left in a hot car. L'Eau de Bonheur is one of the very few "clean" scents that I can wear without the fruit going too far. The citrus is balanced with mint as well as cedar than citrus, though this comes through more in the middle notes. It's clean and crisp without being overly cold. Putting it on is like that first breath of cold air when you step outside on a winter's morning, but dries down into a nice hot cup of delicious herbals and slight florals, like a warming tisane. I save this scent for hot, muggy days, or on audit or observation days. (days I'll need to be physically close to another person in a close space with often limited air flow) It never fails to get compliments.

Side note: I originally bought this for my husband, and the cedar/mint/herbs were a bit too much for him. He's a sandalwood/musk/spice sort of guy. He likes the scent, but now he can't get it away from me!

6th October, 2009.

Didn't like it. Way too floral at the top, though the drydown was barely acceptable. Still, not a scent that I would ever wear again. Tried it once; gave it away. That said, women might like this.

14th October, 2007.

Notes: bergamot, orange flower, mate leaf, sandalwood, cedar.
This is a refreshing and very light scent. It starts with a hint of plummy bergamot and very appetizing citrus notes. The wood notes are translucent. It settles into a very close-to-the-skin aura that is mild and pleasant. Quite unisex in style. Nice, but not memorable. The dry-down suggests soap and very light wood.

2nd February, 2007. (Last Edited: 4th April, 2011.)