Jasmin et Cigarette (2006)
by Etat Libre d'Orange

I believe that with this one it's all about cautious application. Dabbed on slightly it is refreshing, but put on a little too much and you end up smelling not like the moment one opens a pack of expensive cigarettes, but like an ashtray. I like the somewhat timid jasmine in this, never overpowering or indolic.

8th January, 2012.

This one opens with a very strong ashtray/cigarette smell. Very authentic, but not something for anyone expecting to get a straight tobacco smell. This, however, lasts for a few minutes max before subtly fading into the background of jasmine. Some slight muskier accords later on, but this one pretty much lives up to its name.

25th July, 2011.

I was hoping to love this -- I'm drawn to other fragrances with hay, musk, and tobacco, so Jasmin et Cigarette seemed right up my alley.

Unfortunately, the top note was straight-up dime store jasmine hand lotion -- about as unisex as a Wonderbra. I was hoping for something darker and more decadent, as the name implied, but it wasn't to be. During the drydown, there was a little amber somethingorother that tried to redeem it, but for me, it was too little, too late.

11th April, 2011.

The opening is a floral / fruity buquet that has an acidic feel similar to a fruit salad left marinating for a whole day with a little sugar. In the drydown things get a little better with a shy note of tobacco recalling more of a tobacco leaf than an ashtray. Nothing spectacular or particularly interesting. I was so curious about this fragrance as I loved the concept behind it but, honestly, I expected something more challenging and uncompromising. All I got is an ok scent with a moderate sillage and no more than reasonable lasting power.

9th April, 2011.

Because I avoid top notes as much as possible I must have missed the "ashtray" quality. I didn't like it at all (bitter) and basically just ignored it (just did a little wrist dab). However, I'm writing this to mention that if you want a fragrance with a jasmine ashtray accord that lasts a very long time, sample Escada Collection.

29th March, 2011.

I gave J et C a full day wearing, and I don't think it lives up to the expectations. It opens with a strong jasmine and ashtray note, which is rended beautifully, but it only lasts few minutes. The next stage is a sort of bitter jasmine, not much tobacco and a herbal note (hay?), when you probably expect something excting to happen. There's no Marlene or Greta here, it rather reminds the jasmine incense you can buy at your local Indian corner shop. For that matter, it's more on the feminine side. It's a neutral rating for the brilliant ashtray note, it should be a thumb down for the disappointment...

28th March, 2011.