The By Redo scent I was always most curious about was Gypsy Water- of course I wasn't alone in this and it's been the hardest one to get a sample of- but now I have one courtesy of the ever delightful Les Senteurs.
I was initially fascinated by the name, Gypsy Water. Les Senteurs describe it as 'The smell of a lost childhood, of a vanishing race'- yes, yes I am totally drawn in by the words as always.
Happily the scent is as good as the words. I would agree with other reviews I have read that say this might not be what you think of when you think of a 'Romany lifestyle'- but I think that might have more to do with what you expect than the scent itself. The official notes are:
Top: Bergamot, Lemon, Pepper, Juniper Berries
Mid: Incense, Pine Needles, Orris
Base: Amber, Vanilla, Sandalwood
By Redo finally have their own site and they describe the scent as smelling of: 'The scent of fresh soil, deep forests and campfires'.
This is a scent that seems to be inspired by and redolent of the place where you might find Romany people living- rather than of the 'lifestyle'. The top and basenotes are particularly noticeable and the lemon stands out. This has something in common with Shalimar Light- in it's various forms and editions- again not what I expected but it's what I found.
I enjoyed wearing this. Lemon is always uplifting and energising but this is a happy scent with a cerebral quality- it's not just here are some bright shiny Italian lemons mixed with vanilla. It is a little cooler and more contemplative than a normal citrus. It's very wearable but it's not an 'easy' fragrance. It doesn't shout and it a scent you can enjoy for yourself. It has a slight touch of En Passant in that it has a whispering soulful quality that is known to it's wearer and only those who get extremely close to it.
17 comments:
Hi Rose,
This is off topic, but wanted to write a few words. My husband was in London last week (not me, passport woes) on business and visiting friends from our old neighborhood. I had him stop in at Laduree, for some macaroons (after reading your post some months back). He brought me back a bottle of SMN Melagrano, as well (also from one of your posts). Both delightful, thank you for the recs.
Sounds delish Rose, xv.
Hi Kathleen,
It's lovely to hear from you. Your husband sounds like a gem- and also like he would have quite a fun afternoon hunting for those treats!
I'm really glad you liked the macaroons but particularly the Melograno because it is unusual and I wouldn't have thought it would be for everyone- but it's wonderful and surprising I think.
Hi Vicki- it's good! I was happy, although they have launched new scents and now I'm obsessing over those as well as Gypsy Water... of course.
Dear Rose,
Like you, I have a sample of this courtesy of Les Senteurs, and your post absolutely sums it up - I think it's gorgeous. It is really a "close up and personal" fragrance, but I thnik your word "Soulful" describes it excellently. Do you know, I may order a full size bottle?!
Best wishes!
Dear Linda, I'm so glad you like Gypsy Water too- and thank you, I'm glad you think the review was accurate!
I know I'm quite tempted by a full bottle... the bottles are very cool too- sort of minimalist but with a bit of a vintage look too.
I do so enjoy these posts, even if I know so little about scent, and have little to say apart from ooo that sounds good! Lemon and Sandalwood in particular sound a nice combination. And your last sentence in particular draws me in - this sounds the sort of scent for me!
Incense, pepper and orris always catch my attention and I'm afraid I'ma total sucker for the name as well. Thanks for the review!
I love the packaging... BTW- the weather in London is fab right now, n'est pas?
Dear Jayne, I'm really glad you enjoy them. I didn't know anything about scents to start with. It's funny it's like one day I was someone who had a perfume I liked and didn't really think about others and the next day I was running around the perfume counters trying them all!
Hi E, It was the Gypsy Water name that got me interested in all the By Redo's. So far this and Green are by far the best. I think you would really like this one!
Hi Daily, I know the packaging is really great- I want some in my perfume cupboard.
I know the weather has been great- am very glad you are getting some sunny London time!
This sounds like it will be lovely in the summer; I feel a contemplative mood coming on.
this sounds like such a great scent. I adore bergamot. I enjoyed your review.
Jeska
Hi Jenavira, yes it will be very nice in the summer because it has citrus qualities but it isn't too 'clean' or typical. Rx
Hi Jeska, thank you. I've really grown to appreciate bergamot. Love your blog, did you get any further with your perfume quest?
I'm really intrigued by this line. And I love the simplicity of their bottles.
~T
Post a Comment