With cooler nights and a new breeze whispering the approach of autumn, I have started to desire scents that still feel like summer but with a little more depth: Its the time of year again for Fragonards Eau des Garrigues. Being a huge fan of Fragonard, ever since having traveled to Paris and toured the museum as a teenager, I have slowly been further exploring this reasonably-priced and too often under-rated range. Last summer, I received a bottle of Eau des Garrigues in a swap and the experience turned out to be one of those divine moments when something totally unexpected and perfect falls into your lap. A unisex fragrance, Eau des Garrigues (which translates to something along the lines of water of the scrublands) has notes of bergamot, bitter orange, neroli, magnolia, freesia, cardamom, nutmeg and oak moss.
As a guy I enjoy floral notes in fragrance but dont often come across mens scents that highlight their beauty. Generally, when they are used they are muted into middle notes and limited to florals such as carnation, neroli and jasmine. Eau des Garrigues is surprising in that it makes good use of the white floral magnolia note, a rarity in both modern and unisex perfumery, while taming it with high notes of orange and bergamot and lower notes of nutmeg and oakmoss.
I find the overall effect of this composition to be like a late afternoon sunset, when the orange rays of the sun break through the white clouds set against an amber sky. The combination of the magnolia and cardamom create an almost fig-like effect, albeit subtle and airy. Dont let the notes fool you - Garrigues never feels heavy and, considering the floral notes, doesnt really come across as feminine. Though not terribly complex, the aroma is comforting and settles into the skin nicely with adequate lasting power. While wearing it, a few of my male friends offered inquisitive comments one thought it smelled like his Dior Dune for men, while the other asked if it was Fahrenheit.
An unusual fragrance that is not widely known or available, Garrigues might be that certain scent that captures the attention of both men and women alike!
Eau des Garrigues may be purchased directly from Fragonard at a price of 18 Euros or $22 for a 100ml refillable spray. Visit <http://www.fragonard.com>
As a guy I enjoy floral notes in fragrance but dont often come across mens scents that highlight their beauty. Generally, when they are used they are muted into middle notes and limited to florals such as carnation, neroli and jasmine. Eau des Garrigues is surprising in that it makes good use of the white floral magnolia note, a rarity in both modern and unisex perfumery, while taming it with high notes of orange and bergamot and lower notes of nutmeg and oakmoss.
I find the overall effect of this composition to be like a late afternoon sunset, when the orange rays of the sun break through the white clouds set against an amber sky. The combination of the magnolia and cardamom create an almost fig-like effect, albeit subtle and airy. Dont let the notes fool you - Garrigues never feels heavy and, considering the floral notes, doesnt really come across as feminine. Though not terribly complex, the aroma is comforting and settles into the skin nicely with adequate lasting power. While wearing it, a few of my male friends offered inquisitive comments one thought it smelled like his Dior Dune for men, while the other asked if it was Fahrenheit.
An unusual fragrance that is not widely known or available, Garrigues might be that certain scent that captures the attention of both men and women alike!
Eau des Garrigues may be purchased directly from Fragonard at a price of 18 Euros or $22 for a 100ml refillable spray. Visit <http://www.fragonard.com>
