Okay, you guys, I’ll admit it. I’m literally obsessed with perfume. I have upwards of 30 bottles, ranging from Stella to a few Diptyque, Jo Malone and even Serge Lutens, so it’s safe to say that in my time I’ve sniffed a fair few fumes (I dare you to say that three times fast).
One of my greatest pleasures in life is pairing a fragrance with my mood. There are two kinds of perfume lovers; those who find a cherished fragrance and don’t mess with success, preferring to repurchase bottle after bottle, and those who are a fragrance’s fair weather friend, adoring many and exhibiting fickle favoritism. I unquestionably fall into the latter category.
And, of course, as the trees are finally bursting forth from their skeletal winter forms and blooms are popping out of every garden bed it’s only fitting that I reach for a flourishing floral with a strong bouquet, and for that I have recently been drawn to Clean Blossom ($72 for 2.14 oz).
Clean fragrances have been available for over a decade, all owing their popularity to the very first (unsurprisingly entitled Clean), which was said to have been inspired by the beauty in a bar of soap. Since the first smash hit, Clean has released a bevy of “spin-offs” all inspired by simple fragrant pleasures: skin, linen, laundry and rain.
Blossom is the latest release in the deceptively simple range. To my nose it smells of heavy white floral blossoms on a hot summer day. There is a definite dewiness that makes me think of the sunny early morning hours, when the plants are still damp and the smell of night mingles with dawn. Top notes of neroli, lilac and freesia account for the heavy floral burst. Supported by middle notes of orange blossom, lily and magnolia, it is unquestionable that white floral reigns supreme as the chief impression left by Clean Blossom. Musky cottonwood and sandalwood serve as base notes and account for the subtle yet unmistakable deep scent of night that lingers in the floral air.
It’s poetic, and I adore it.
Perfume tells a story, so I always do my best to look up the perfumer’s inspiration. Sephora often provides this information, and I find it provides insight and context into the selected elixir of top, middle and bottom notes:
“Blossom is based on one of my favorite flowers, neroli (orange blossom). Its distinctive aroma fills the air of my childhood places—the south of France, the French Riviera, and the Italian Coast—as well as my current home in Arizona. The name ‘neroli’ is a tribute to Princess Nerola, who made this flower essence famous by using it as a perfume at the end of the 17th century.”
— Claude Dir, master perfumer at Mane and the creator of Clean Blossom
I love the atmosphere created by Clean Blossom. I’m reminded of a particular time of day during a particular time of year. Although I’ll surely be reaching for Blossom during the hot, white floral crowned summer months, I have no doubt that this fragrance will also serve as a summery pick-me-up during the dark winter months that always follow the inevitable beauty of a balmy summer and crisp fall.
From one fragrance lover to another: are you a loyal perfume lover, or do you have a new favorite fragrance based on your mood? What is your favorite white floral?
Rachel says
I have quite a few different perfumes as well and will often wear a different one from one day to the next. Not sure if these are white florals, but I like Estée Lauder Pleasures and Marc Jacobs Daisy.
Karen says
I’m a big fan of Estee Lauder Pleasures too! I used to wear it in college and occasionally bust it out here and there. It’s a classic. 🙂 Have you ever worn the lotion version of it? It’s very pretty.
Becky says
I only have two perfumes I’m pretty religiously wearing currently – Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 and Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium (I know right?! Opposite ends of the spectrum!) but I am in the market for a summer scent when I’m home from Madagascar. This sounds like one to try out!
Beekeyper – Latest post – Aztec Secret – worth the hype?
Karen says
I’ve never heard of the Escentric Molecules brand. What sort of scents do they do?
Becky says
Oooooh Karen, you’re in for a treat! Molecule 01 smells of Parma violets and sandalwood (in a good way!) and escentric 02 is like a really citrusy gin and tonic! Quite unusual but very light and summery. You’ll find them at Cult Beauty online ?
Karen says
I love both those notes, especially violet. 🙂 Thanks for the rec!
Kiss & Make-up says
It’s amazing what a scent can do to you huh? The kind of memories it can stir! 🙂 This one sounds lovely.
Karen says
This one does sound lovely! I can’t wait to give it a sniff.
LindaLibraLoca says
I have three or four perfumes I use on rotation, depending on my mood and the season, but to be honest I am much less a perfume lover than I am a makeup lover.
Karen says
What are the perfumes you have currently on rotation? Right now I’m bouncing between Clean Velvet Flora, Gucci Bamboo and Tocca Emelia.
LindaLibraLoca says
Givenchy “Ange ou Demon Le Secret” or Biotherm Eau D´Energie.
Karen says
Great choices! I’ve spritzed the Givenchy scent before and it’s lovely.
LindaLibraLoca says
I just finished a bottle, which is unheard of for me.
Karen says
This review was a pleasure to read, Jessica. I really enjoyed your descriptions — makes me wish I could smell the scent through the screen, LOL!
By the way your dress (or is it a top?) is beautiful.
Erin says
I can’t wear anything too heavy in the summer. I can’t recommend Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt or Osmanthus Yunnan enough for summer!