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Frederic Malle L'EAU D'HIVER

post #1 of 39
5/4/12 at 2:04pm
Thread Starter 
Hey guys!

Just wanted to share an experience

I've finally got to try some of Frederic Malle's fragrances today and I was really surprised by L'eau D'hiver. I've been reading around but hardly see anyone mentioning about it. To me, the longevity seems alright, slightly less than 12 hours. Projection was good for about two hours before becoming a skin scent. Personally, I feel that its extremely wearable especially during summer.

Just curious, other than MR, PoaL and this, what else did I miss out on my trip today? Hahaha hate to admit it but I think I've got to return for somemore sniffing soon

Edit: Forgot to mention that I aint very good at picking up different notes hence, there isnt a very detailed description of the fragrance except, its fresh/clean hahaa
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post #2 of 39
5/4/12 at 2:09pm
I love L'Eau d'Hiver. Every time I wear it, I appreciate it more. There is so much complexity hiding inside it. Whenever I feel fatigued by the rest of my collection, it's the thing I reach for. And that happens quite often.

Carnal Flower is also pretty outstanding. There really aren't any bad scents in the whole line. It's just a matter of finding the ones that suit your style. Angèliques sous la Pluie does have some longevity issues, but it's so good, I don't care.
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post #3 of 39
5/4/12 at 3:44pm
L'Eau D'Hiver is one of the better ones in his line IMO. A very nice refreshing scent.
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post #4 of 39
5/4/12 at 4:08pm
Love L'eau d'Hiver as well. Gorgeous I still haven't gotten around to buying a bottle though.
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post #5 of 39
5/4/12 at 4:20pm
L'eau D'Hiver is beautiful. Out of what I have and have tried I can echo Carnal Flower as stunning, and Bigarade Concentree is also very nice. Also if you like vetiver at all check out Vetiver Extraordinaire.

The ones I didn't care for were Noir Epices and Dans Tes Bras. The former being too busy for me, and the later just smelling odd (though I could see what it was going for)
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post #6 of 39
5/4/12 at 4:34pm
I'll second Brian's recommendation for Carnal Flower - it's easily my favorite from this line.

I'd also check out Vetiver Extraordinaire, Bois d'Orage, Bigarade Concentree, and Noir Epices.

I love En Passant, but it's too fleeting on my skin.
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post #7 of 39
5/4/12 at 4:37pm
If you like l'Eau d'Hiver, you ought to try L'Artisan's Bois Farine. Ellena created both of them the same year, and they're similar.
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post #8 of 39
5/4/12 at 4:43pm
Apart from Bigarade Concentreé and En Passant that are not to my tastes, I pretty much like or love the rest of the entire line. That said, in addition to Portrait of a Lady that is my favorite scent outright, I feel Une Fleur de Cassie, Angeliques Sous La Pluie, Vetiver Extraordinaire, Carnal Flower and Une Rose are the standouts in an overall very strong line (in that order).
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post #9 of 39
5/4/12 at 5:19pm
Lys Mediterranee
Une Fleur de Cassie
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post #10 of 39
5/4/12 at 6:30pm
Totally enjoy this one as well, it fits me like a glove and i really love that dipping in warm water sensation from this almondy water like fragrance. Paul & Joe have one named Blanc that's also done by Jean-Claude Ellena and there many people found the similarity between these two maybe because of the heliotrope note and the almondy aspect.

The other one from Malle that you shouldn't miss i'd say French Lover.
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post #11 of 39
5/4/12 at 7:53pm
Love it, own it, recommend it to everyone I can.

I remember the last time I was at Aedes in NY, there was a man and his wife in the store - they were shopping for him and they both seemed overwhelmed by the sheer selection of scents in the store...he had this 'deer-in-the-headlights' look on his face like he'd given up. I almost felt like walking over to them and offering them my assistance but then New Yorkers can be freaked out by this kind of thing so I declined (plus I think the woman thought I was staring at her husband...she kept conspicuously putting herself between him and I, in that little tiny store...hilarious). Finally one of the owners of Aedes walked from behind the counter and asked him to smell L' Eau d'Hiver and I swear I saw both of them completely change right in front of my eyes. They both sort of softened and smiled and the guy kept smelling the tester strip. He looked up at me, at this point, and met my eyes and I took the liberty of saying 'That's my very favorite from the line'. Sort of giving him my 'Guys Thumbs Up' vote of confidence...man-to-man. They ended up walking out with a bottle.

I agree with CX827 that Blanc is very similar to LEdH. So is, oddly, Cologne Blanche by Christian Dior. And well, Apres l'Ondee by Guerlain - which IMO inspired all of these scents.
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post #12 of 39
5/4/12 at 11:38pm
L'Eau d'Hiver is one of my favorites from Ellena, and also from this house.

The House of Frederic Malle

Loved after first sniff:
Vétiver Extraordinaire *****
L'Eau d'Hiver *****
French Lover / Bois d'Orage *****
Bigarade Concentrée (another Ellena creation)*****

Loved after some time:
Musc Ravageur *****

Better than average:
Cologne Bigarde ****

OK, but didn't love:
Noir Epices ***
Carnal Flower ***
Geranium pour Monsieur ***
En Passant ***

I still want to try Angeliques Sous La Pluie (Ellena again), Portrait of a Lady and Outrageous from this line.

Does anyone know if we are due a new release from this house soon?
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post #13 of 39
5/5/12 at 8:48am
Thread Starter 
thanks for all the other recommendations!

Really thinking of getting a full bottle sometime soon when I have the extra cash hahaha. Now its time for me to check out some others!
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post #14 of 39
5/5/12 at 7:03pm
Wore this today. Smelled good, but 6 sprays from a sample vial was a little too much. Lasts a long time. My wife really liked it. Reminds me a bit of Chrome and CK One!
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post #15 of 39
5/5/12 at 8:45pm
Thread Starter 
6 sprays!? But Im sure its still lovely without being cloying at all

Anyway, what do you guys think of the projection/longevity? I had PoaL, Coromandel and this on my hands the other day and I couldnt really tell the projection since after awhile all I smell was Coromandel and PoaL. As for longevity, I was in an air-conditioned environment for 12 hours odd and it lasted till about then. From my top 5, I guess I seek stronger fragrances but now I need one that a little quieter but lasts almost as long. Does it fit the bill?
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post #16 of 39
5/7/12 at 8:28am
You'll have to put me in the camp of that deer in the headlights guy : after sampling it, this was the first stuff I actually sought out and paid some money for. I'm sort of into comfort scents, and EdH is certainly one of those.

French Lover : That one's 180* away from EdH, and I reserve it for my alter ego.

I also like the fact that the Malle line is not cluttered with a zillion different releases. A person can feel some ease and familiarity within the offerings of this brand. And their online 4 samples for $20 is a deal not to be missed.
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post #17 of 39
5/7/12 at 8:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Birdboy48 View Post

And their online 4 samples for $20 is a deal not to be missed.

Is there a link to this? I've never seen that before.
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post #18 of 39
5/7/12 at 9:19am
One my favourites from Editions de Parfum. I asked Frederic Malle about this one and he confirmed that it was his and J.C.Ellena's 'tribute' to Apres l'Ondee and how J.C.E had intentionally kept it dry - absolutely 'no vanilla'. I bought a back-up because Turin has mentioned a couple of times that heliotropin has been restricted by IFRA (I don't know the exact details on this substance) and after the recent reformulation of Apres l'Ondee I wonder L'Eau d'Hiver might also undergo some changes - I certainly hope not, but the way things are going you're better safe than sorry.

I agree that Malle has a pretty impeccable line - each release seems to be well considered and created with an intent and care that flies in the face of the prevalent industry rush to 'crank out a new release every season'. They just seem to appear when they're good and ready.

Fleur de Cassie is another favourite, very unusual quality - it seems likes it's from another time altogether.
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post #19 of 39
5/7/12 at 9:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by starshipvelcro View Post

Is there a link to this? I've never seen that before.

I think you need to phone them to get samples now. Give them a phone call and talk to one of the excellent staff about what samples you should get. The number for the New York location is 212-249-7941. The Paris number is+33(1) 45 05 39 02.
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post #20 of 39
5/7/12 at 10:52am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mr. reasonable View Post

One my favourites from Editions de Parfum. I asked Frederic Malle about this one and he confirmed that it was his and J.C.Ellena's 'tribute' to Apres l'Ondee and how J.C.E had intentionally kept it dry - absolutely 'no vanilla'. I bought a back-up because Turin has mentioned a couple of times that heliotropin has been restricted by IFRA (I don't know the exact details on this substance) and after the recent reformulation of Apres l'Ondee I wonder L'Eau d'Hiver might also undergo some changes - I certainly hope not, but the way things are going you're better safe than sorry.

I agree that Malle has a pretty impeccable line - each release seems to be well considered and created with an intent and care that flies in the face of the prevalent industry rush to 'crank out a new release every season'. They just seem to appear when they're good and ready.

Fleur de Cassie is another favourite, very unusual quality - it seems likes it's from another time altogether.

After reading this, I think I should get the splash bottle soon. And I wouldnt have to worry too much about reformulation after that. Did anyone order from Malle's online store before? Any chances of the flacon leaking?
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post #21 of 39
5/8/12 at 1:57pm
I can't access the L'eau D'Hiver page anymore...anyone else having this problem?
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post #22 of 39
5/8/12 at 7:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by starshipvelcro View Post

I can't access the L'eau D'Hiver page anymore...anyone else having this problem?

This one?: http://www.fredericmalle.com/main.cf...b=76&subsub=90
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post #23 of 39
5/8/12 at 7:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeperez23 View Post

This one?: http://www.fredericmalle.com/main.cf...b=76&subsub=90

No, the basenotes reviews section, but it started working again. Thanks though!
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post #24 of 39
5/8/12 at 7:18pm
Has anyone ever owned or worn/sampled the L' Eau d'Hiver Body Lotion? It sounds fantastic!
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post #25 of 39
5/9/12 at 12:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by starshipvelcro View Post

Is there a link to this? I've never seen that before.

Yeah, it's kind of hidden. Over on the left hand side of their homepage, where it says "Your Scent".

http://www.fredericmalle.com/main.cfm#!/yourscent

You fill out the questionnaire, you get the recommendations back, but then you can replace them with any of the ones you want. If I remember correctly, they give you the option of replying by e-mail, or you can call them in NY, and if you are lucky, you get to talk to a nice SA with a sexy French accent.
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post #26 of 39
5/9/12 at 1:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Chambers View Post

I love L'Eau d'Hiver. Every time I wear it, I appreciate it more. There is so much complexity hiding inside it. Whenever I feel fatigued by the rest of my collection, it's the thing I reach for. And that happens quite often.

Ah - one of 'those'. The scents one turns to in a state of precocity and enervation often form the skeleton of one's wardrobe of scents. For I, at least (as do you, it seems), find myself in that state often. I will have to test this.
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post #27 of 39
5/9/12 at 1:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Chambers View Post

I love L'Eau d'Hiver. Every time I wear it, I appreciate it more. There is so much complexity hiding inside it. Whenever I feel fatigued by the rest of my collection, it's the thing I reach for. And that happens quite often.

Ah - one of 'those'. The scents one turns to in a state of precocity and enervation often form the skeleton of one's wardrobe of scents. For I, at least (as do you, it seems), find myself in that state often. I will have to test this.
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post #28 of 39
5/9/12 at 3:19am
Thread Starter 
Just to ask again, did anyone order a splash bottle of L'Eau D'Hiver from Malle's online shop before? How was the packaging like and was there any risk of leakage? The last time I heard was that Aventus flacons are prone to leakages so I was just wondering about the splash bottles for FM.

By the way, the splash bottle will smell exactly like the 50/100mls right?

Sorry for the questions
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post #29 of 39
5/9/12 at 4:26am
I'm not a fan of L'Eau d'Hiver, as I despise iris 90% of the time. As previously said, you MUST try Carnal Flower, it's probably the best in-your-face floral out there.
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post #30 of 39
5/9/12 at 6:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by teemas View Post

Just to ask again, did anyone order a splash bottle of L'Eau D'Hiver from Malle's online shop before? How was the packaging like and was there any risk of leakage? The last time I heard was that Aventus flacons are prone to leakages so I was just wondering about the splash bottles for FM.

By the way, the splash bottle will smell exactly like the 50/100mls right?

Sorry for the questions

FM uses screw cap for the 250ml so i guess it wont be that easy to cause any leaking during shipping. No worries.
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post #31 of 39
5/9/12 at 9:09am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by CX827 View Post

FM uses screw cap for the 250ml so i guess it wont be that easy to cause any leaking during shipping. No worries.

Thanks! Really appreciate it and i suppose its the same juice as the 50/100mls right?
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post #32 of 39
5/9/12 at 8:39pm
^It should be the same
Are you going to place the order on web? i mean why not take one from the store and they do have an outlet in Singapore..
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post #33 of 39
5/10/12 at 12:30am
Thread Starter 
Yea I was thinking of ordering the splash from their website. I went to the store and the SA told me that they only had 100mls when I asked for 50mls. Not too sure if they have the splash though. And it seems a little cheaper to order online
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post #34 of 39
5/10/12 at 1:31am
^ic, maybe a good idea to send them an email before and request some samples along with your purchase, i wont they won't mind it at all.
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post #35 of 39
5/10/12 at 6:31am
Lys méditerranée and Une fleur de cassie
Fleur de cassie is the best mimosa/cassie i have found on the market (second is Farnésiana), complex and tricky.
It's actually (may-june) the ideal period for wearing Lys med, i'm enjoying my lys in this season.
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post #36 of 39
5/10/12 at 6:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LloydLlewellyn View Post

I'm not a fan of L'Eau d'Hiver, as I despise iris 90% of the time. As previously said, you MUST try Carnal Flower, it's probably the best in-your-face floral out there.

I completely agree with this. L'Eau d'Hiver just didn't impress me. Carnal Flower is stunning.
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post #37 of 39
5/10/12 at 7:56am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by CX827 View Post

^ic, maybe a good idea to send them an email before and request some samples along with your purchase, i wont they won't mind it at all.

Thanks for the advice. I guess I shall email them soon and ask about the splash bottle too
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post #38 of 39
5/10/12 at 9:43am
L'eau D'Hiver smelled great when I sampled it on paper at Barneys, so I purchased a bottle. However, it smells a bit "off" on my skin, last time I wore it. Shame, I have a fairly new/full bottle. I'll try it out again soon and see if it changes. Otherwise, it might have to be a quick sell.

Cheers,
-M
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post #39 of 39
5/10/12 at 2:46pm
I found it too feminine for my taste. Perhaps I should give it another wear sometime.
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