I like sniffing out scents that you can’t find on every beauty shelf and every fragrance counter, and this one, Maria Christofilis Fleur 09 Eau de Parfum Spray, definitely catches my nose’s attention. It’s an unabashedly bold and upfront white floral and citrus blend very much like a Tom Ford perfume, and it doesn’t back down from start to finish.
The official fragrance notes sound a little like a travel brochure: Sicilian yellow mandarin essence, Calabrese bergamot essence, bitter orange tree leaf water absolute, Moroccan orange flower extract, Tunisian orange blossom absolute, Indian tuberose absolute Orpu, Mexican Vanilla bean absolute and benzoin tears extract from Laos…
Benzoin tears?
Yeah, I also stopped in my tracks when I read that one.
What are benzoin tears? Apparently, they are secreted from ducts formed on deciduous and evergreen shrubs after they receive a severe wound.
Fascinating.
Unofficial fragrance notes include designer high heels, glorious white floral centerpieces at fancy weddings, pink tweed, Chanel bags and white gloves, and tea with ladies who lunch. 🙂
This is an expensive scent ($160 for the 1.7-oz. bottle pictured here), and it smells expensive, too.
Not new money expensive, though. We’re talking royalty.
FYI, Fleur 09 is not a lightweight perfume. If you’re all about that bubbly and light body splash life, this fragrance will probably kick the crap out of you…but it’ll do it in the most ladylike, refined way.
A scent released yearly in limited quantities, you can find it now online and at Neiman Marcus stores.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Allison C says
May 28th, 2015 at 3:57 pmHmmm, I love unique fragrances, but not sure if this one is too floral for me. I need to sniff it out next time I’m at NM. The benzoin tears is quite the interesting addition!
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Karen says
May 28th, 2015 at 4:23 pmHi Allison,
Isn’t that note interesting? Ya learn something new every day. I hope that you get to sniff this soon…If you do let me know what you think!
Jennifer says
May 28th, 2015 at 4:42 pmBenzoin tears? I googled that. Apparently it is a thing.
I’m thinking I need this fragrance in my life. I’m all about citrus and wearing things no one else has.
Karen says
May 28th, 2015 at 4:45 pmIt is a thing! Now you are ready for Final Jeopardy. My work here is done, lol!
Honestly, I don’t think you’ll find anybody else wearing this. It’s currently so under the radar at the moment, which is why I like it.
Is it Friday yet?!
Pavithra says
May 28th, 2015 at 5:39 pmCitrus scents don’t do well on me me, but I’m totally digging the unofficial notes is this one 😉
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Kiss & Make-up says
May 29th, 2015 at 6:07 amI like my fragrances strong, so bring it on! I kinda rolled my eyes at the benzoin tears though. lol 🙂
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LindaLibraLoca says
May 29th, 2015 at 12:39 pmThe unofficial scents made me crack up. “Having tea with Ladys who Lunch”? I´m in!
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Sarah says
May 29th, 2015 at 2:07 pmIt sounds like something I would like. I wish that there was a NM where I lived! I miss living in LA where I always knew I would have an a opportunity to check out the latest and greatest. Maybe I can find a sample bottle for sale on eBay
Anastassia says
May 30th, 2015 at 7:53 amInteresting!