And with that thought, I'm jumping back into the fray with a true favorite: Ambre Fetiche by Annick Goutal.
As the name suggests, this scent is all about amber. The picture I chose to the right is pretty much what I imagine when I wear this. I feel like I'm enveloped in a drapey, flowing, gauzy saffron-colored silk.
This amber isn't furry and sweet. In fact it has a bit of bite in the beginning, in part thanks to frankincense. It's not medicinal and sharp, rather it's a bit boozy. Nearly heady, it jolts you a bit before eventually lulling you to sleep - just like a nice whiskey. After the nightcap, a sexy leather shows up. It's not birch tar-heavy, thankfully, since that gives me a headache. And it's not butter-soft-leather like an expensive purse. Nope, this one is a little aged, a little weathered, but still smooth.
Later, when the cozy part starts, the raw silk opening and supple leather turn into the softest caress. And boy does it last! I applied it yesterday morning and can still smell wafts today.
Honestly, I wasn't sure I'd like wearing this in the Summer. I initially tried (and instantly purchased) this in December. It's definitely the perfect late-Fall, chilly winter amber for me. I'm glad I tried it on a hot and humid day, though. It's like wearing a silk blouse that cools you in the Summer and keeps you warm in the Winter. I found out that the heat surprisingly brings out the best of the silky nature of Ambre Fetiche, while cool air brings more of the spice. I'm so glad to know that this staple perfume is even more versatile than I gave it credit!
Do you like ambers? What's your favorite? Do you wear them in the hot weather, or reserve them for colder times? Do you have a favorite Annick Goutal scent? Let me know in the comments!
We all have to start someplace, and that's at the beginning :)
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of this perfume greatly! I love amber, the jewelry, because it's like crystalized sunshine right on my skin.
I like creating amber accords, because it's the scented equivalent.
As you know I'm a natural girl, so I can't tell you which Annick Goutal scent I like best, though I CAN tell you this sounds divinely amberishly yummy from you description! Cozy silk, well broken in leather, and fine whisky? What more could you ask for?
Amanda
Thanks for this review! I'm a beginner and I haven't yet smelled any amber perfume. From your review I think I would like it! I'm putting that one on my to-try list!
ReplyDeleteAnnick Goutal fragrances were among the first I smelled, and it's one of the lines I tested the most. My favorite has to be Eau de Camille, with Eau du Sud and Ninféo Mio being also quite nice. I haven't yet fallen completely in love with any of them, but I might want to get a bottle of Eau de Camille for next spring!
Amanda, I love amber jewelry, too. There's something comforting yet primal about it. I am always on the lookout for amber in great settings.
ReplyDeleteWhen I get soke decanting suppiles, woupd you like to try Ambre Fetiche, or do you exclusively wear naturals?
*jen
Alnysie, welcome to my blog! It's great to have other young noses around. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried any of the AGs you mentioned. I lpve Ambre Fetiche (clearly), Le Mimosa, La Violette, And Songes. I have tried a few others that were pretty, but not full-bottle-worthy - at least not yet!
*jen
I'm still in the testing phase for Ambre Fetishe. I think I like it but I'm not sure on the FB yet (which is a pity because I really like that black bottle and would love to add it to my collection).
ReplyDeleteI have strange relationship with Annick Goutal line: I think about it as of the brand that I like but there are only two perfumes that I really love (Petite Cherie and Heure Exquise), two about which I'm still thinking (Ambre Fetishe included) and everything else I'm either indifferent to or dislike. But still I have warm feelings about Annick Goutal. It's interesting what direction it will take now, being sold.
Jen, I have been wearing AF a lot this summer, and I completely agree with your assessment--- it's utterly silky! I was as surprised as you at how well it translates into hot weather, and I'm so glad it does! I can't imagine only getting to wear it a few chilly months per year...
ReplyDelete:)
I'm pretty nervous about AG being sold, Undina. I hope not too much changes - except maybe being sold in my area? ;) I have to drive from Richmond, VA to Washington, DC to see it in person, now. Boo!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how you can have a soft spot for a line and yet... not really have a great track record with it? lol
*jen
Dee, I feel in great company with you as a fan of AF, too! I'm glad it's versatile, so we can maximize our time with it. :)
ReplyDelete*jen
I've had this one on my to-try list for a while , and now I feel I really should give it a go. Thanks for inspiring me :)
ReplyDeleteLove your post on Ambre Fetiche! I've been wearing it a lot this summer too, and quite often to bed (it blooms beautifully under the covers) and often in combination with Frapin 1697. The two of them together -- one on upper arms, one on lower arms -- give me the sweetest of dreams. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely (well said!): the heat brings out the silkiness of AF, while cool air accentuates its spicier facets.
@Fragrant/Flavour Fanatic - I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, Thanks. I really need to try Frapin 1697! I can't remember why I have hesitated - is there a tobacco note?
This is the perfume I have been waiting for. I'll be buying this perfume sometime around next month.
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