Joyeux Osmanthe

Joyful indeed! Osmanthus absolute has a very sophisticated apricot-skin suede aroma that, alone, can seem rather discreet. By choosing to pair it with a luxuriantly rich, creamy tuberose, and a rustle of crisp, leafy greenery, Maurice Roucel has put some color back into its cheeks, imbuing it with the healthy vigor of a jungle vine. Osmanthus pulls its own weight, of course, the leathery elegance of the material restraining the peachy, creamy-mentholated tuberose until it emerges smelling modern and well-behaved (for a tuberose).

This enchanting duet of osmanthus and tuberose is delicately spiced with cinnamon, freshened with honeysuckle, and wrapped in a fine, brushed suede pouch. A cashmeran-tinged musk, cedar, and ambery notes perform the perfect supporting role here, never intruding with their own scent but allowing the succulent, peachy florals to shine as brightly as they were born to do. The rich jewel tones of the floral notes never lose their luster, making this the perfect scent for those who think that osmanthus scents are gorgeous but too wan or delicate and those who think tuberose is too vulgar. Joyeux Osmanthe is not only joyful, but the happy medium you may not have realized you were looking for.