Yasmin (2006)
by Ayala Moriel

This is lovely! I love jasmine and have been looking for soliflore. I was turned off jasmine for a while after a mediocre experience with Shopper's Drug Mart "essential oil" (I was young and broke.) I liked Montale's Jasmin Full but it's a bit too strong and harsh to my nose, almost chemical. Yasmin is more rounded and well-balanced. However, since it's a natural scent, it needs to be reapplied or it vanishes, but I'd rather reapply than have it linger and get sick of it, as I do with the Montale.

This starts out as candied jasmine floral blend, with a hint of baritone woods. The supporting cast of gardenia and mimosa do wonders to add sweetness and roundness to the sometimes bitter, sharp note.

However, like most jasmine notes are prone to do, the gorgeous first impression lessens with every passing moment. The soft, heady jasmine fades quickly, and the light, woody base comes out more and more.

I like it, I'm just bummed that the dry down isn't more like the opening.

Yasmin - This is NOT a good jasmine. It is a GREAT jasmine. I can't think of enough complimentary words to say about it. Highest marks for a jasmine soliflore. I used to hate jasmine because of a horrible experience involving a cheap bottle of head shop essential oil, which I accidentally spilled. It is only because of my recent exposure to high-quality jasmine that I have forgiven this note. Incase you wonder where my tastes lie, I like Montale Jasmin Full, too. The Montale is paired with orange blossom, but Yasmin has a better partner. Gardenia is the accompanying note. Gorgeous, rich, full gardenia and jasmine--like putting your nose straight into the soft, cool flower petals and inhaling until you pass out from bliss. Ecstatic jasmine. I'm going to buy some of this. Enough said.

Top notes: Frangipani, Mimosa
Heart notes: Jasmine, Gardenia, Jasmine Sambac
Base notes: Amber, Sandalwood, Cassie

I have been searching for a jasmine soliflore for years. Upon first application of Yasmin I thought my searched had come to an end.
A pure unashamed jasmine that envelopes, intoxicates compelling total surrender and yet leaves you still craving more. Here is jasmine in all her full blown heady glory making me feel completely feminine – I am woman, hear me roar!
But sadly, it is not meant to be.
The jasmine in Yasmin is already fading and as the scent settles and melds with my skin, it morphs into a caricature of its former beauty. Somehow the lilting, heady delight of the intense jasmine has now sadly become heavy and ‘mealy’. Even the amber and sandalwood listed in the base notes, which usually turn to smooth, creamy sensuality on my skin, cannot save this scent.
Like a tragic heroine, I am once again bereft, left aching with the memory of a brief perfect love that was not destined to be. My search for my ideal jasmine soliflore goes on...

Mmmm - this is niiiiice. When you wear this you don't want to stop inhaling. Makes me feel calm and happy.

A tender, gentle but persuasive floral that asserts it's jasminity (is that a word?) from the get go. Yasmin has a lovely roundness that is deepened by the amber and sandalwood notes. A year-round favorite for the jasminiac (is that a word?)