Well I've given my sample of Caldey Island Lavender some wearings over the past few days after neglecting it for quite some time. I am looking for a natural, beautiful, and simple lavender and I think that Caldey fits the bill quite nicely. The opening emphasizes the more floral side of the purple herb rather than the medicinal side and is likely composed of natural lavender absolute along with other oils. I feel the quality of the lavender oil is similar to that of Creed's Royal Scottish Lavender (minus the vanilla, spices, ambergris, and woods of course). Caldey's heart is somewhat grassy to me perhaps from hay absolute and/or clary sage. The only part I feel could be better done is the base--a light but synthetic smelling musk--not bad and certainly much better than what's done in designer perfumery. I wish Caldey could use perhaps an all natural ambrette seed musk. I am considering buying a full bottle in the near future. Please share whatever thoughts you have regarding Caldey.
To my mind Caldey is probably the best simple lavender--better than say Caron PUH, Yardley, Czech & Speake, and Atkinsons (though it's nice too) and vies only with best complex lavenders such as Arome 3 and Patou Prive.
To my mind Caldey is probably the best simple lavender--better than say Caron PUH, Yardley, Czech & Speake, and Atkinsons (though it's nice too) and vies only with best complex lavenders such as Arome 3 and Patou Prive.
