Orange Sanguine (2010)
by Atelier Cologne

Do you like the smell of orange juice? If so, you will like this cologne, as it is aptly named. A very strong, fresh and extremely natural orange scent. I didn't really think of whether this could work as a unisex fragrance before seeing Grottola but now I am in fact wondering how this would work on a woman. It has interesting potential but is definitely leaning in a masculine slant, to my taste.

A distinctly daytime fragrance. In fact, I would specifically say this is perfect for between the hours of 7AM through 12PM. Kind of a breakfast-brunch scent, if you will. And I wouldn't wear this outside of spring/summer though I guess if you live somewhere warm year round, this has much greater utility.

The longevity is adequate and in fact, based on when I would want this fragrance to wear off, basically ideal. The projection is what you would want it to be. I like that this doesn't knock people out, and before you dump half a bottle on, let me say a little goes a long way for me. Unless you WANT to smell like you bathed in orange juice. :)

Overall, I like this scent quite a bit and give a strong thumbs up. Not for everyone but quite an interesting yet simple offering from Atelier. I'm keeping my eye on that house and so should you.

8/10

14th January, 2012.

Comparisons to Eau D'Orange Verte are inevitable, expecially to the Concentre version but where the Hermes stays pretty linear on the unripe effect, this one turns to a sweeter slightly-ambery drydown. Personally? I'm not a fan of either but if you're into true-to-life citruses compositions (actually mandarine and orange), go ahead...

15th September, 2011.

If this opening is synthetic, then the perfumer behind this did one hell of a job executing such an amazing natural smelling citrus fragrance.. well at least in the opening.

The opening of Orange Sanguine is hands down the best orange fragrance that I've come across, meaning well over 1000 fragrances. The opening of this = you pick a Florida orange, cut it open, shove your nose right up in it. This is what you get here. The drawback is when you smell it too close up, it will sting the nostrils and/or even make your eyes water because of the citric acid. Unfortunately, the opening only lasts for about 15-30 minutes for me, before it turns into the typical citrus heart and base that I've gotten from every fragrance from their house that I've tried.. except for Bois Blonds which was a little more unique with vetiver in the base. This seems to me Atelier's signature that they are going for.. long lasting citrus bases. While others have complained about the longevity, particularly on this one.. I have worn this 5 times now, and each time it lasted at least 20 hours on my skin. It just keeps freakin' going.

20th January, 2011.

My lord, this is beautiful! Freshly squeezed oranges with a delicate floral drydown and woody base. Totally unisex. Lasts for a very long time, too.

Definitely gonna buy this one when I get the chance!

29th December, 2010.

A softly sweet citrus that smells very much like satsuma (a variety of clementine native to Japan), with the barest hint of jasmine in the heart. The smooth sandalwood and tonka drydown reminds me somewhat of Monsieur Balmain’s own. Overall, it’s nicely put together but I prefer a little more bite in my citrus.

4th December, 2010.

I was a bit confused by the whole Atelier Cologne line. Traditional cologne-style fragrances that come in EDP concentrations? It sounded a little reminiscent of Hermes' Concentre du Orange Verte, which upped the concentration (and subtly altered) the Eau.

I have to say that while the Atelier is nice, it fades quickly. The initial burst of orange is as close as you will come to that sublime moment when you plunge your thumbs into an orange in order to peel it - and the orange zest sprays its essential oils into the air. Very nice. But then the cologne starts to fall apart. There is a hint of jasmine and geranium in the heart, along with some tonka and woods in the base - but they are muted and grey and don't serve to accentuate the orange.

At the price, I'm going to stick with the Hermes.

Teddius

27th August, 2010.