En Voyage Perfumes Makeda, Nectars Des Iles and Zelda + Three You Should Be Wearing Draw

Shelley Waddington of En Voyage Perfumes

As perfumistas it’s good to turn off the daily bombardment of new releases and rifle around the cabinet(s) to remind ourselves of how many terrific scents already exist in the world, or scour the back catalogs of a favorite perfume house. You will inevitably uncover new or forgotten beautiful fragrances. This was exactly my predicament one recent rainy Sunday when I decided to look back at a few of Shelly Waddington’s marvelous award-winning creations for En Voyage Perfumes. En Voyage Perfumes, for many years based in Carmel California but now firmly ensconced in Portland Oregon, is a perfume range that never fails to impress; there are so many standouts in Shelly’s range…. Go Ask Alice (2011), A Study In Water (2012), Fiore Di Bellagio (2014), and Frida (2015) among so many others. Here are three scents from the line that always delight and inspire and are worth re-discovering, or trying for the first time if you haven’t yet.

Thebiblicalworldblogspot.com©

En Voyage Perfumes Makeda (2010): Makeda (meaning “Greatness” in Ethiopic) is the name often proscribed to the biblical Queen Of Sheba, a strong, literate, and beautiful woman of color who ruled either the Kingdom of Axum in Ethiopia, the Kingdom of Saba in Yemen, or most likely both. Her love story with Solomon King of Judea is the stuff of legends, and might be the basis of some of the greatest love poetry of ancient history: The Psalm Of Psalms. En Voyage Makeda pays tribute to this extraordinary woman, and presents as a perfect hot weather scent; dry and fragrant as a desert wind, dark and sensual with Jasmine and musk. The oudh and cedar create an exotic foundation on which the fruits, citrus, and milky indolic Jasmine can rule. And rule they do. I wore Makeda to bed the other night and the scent combined with the warmth of the night made my spouse a bit “crazy”. (Wink wink nudge nudge).  According to our Editor in Chief, her perfume  review from 2010 has the  most  page views of any fragrance review since our inception. Notes: Pamplemousse, Mediterranean fruits, Bitter orange, Jasmine Sambac, Cedarwood, Agarwood, Musk

Paul Gaugin Te Arii Vahine©

Nectars Des Iles (2011):The perfect tropical island perfume, Nectars Des Iles transports the wearer to a small, lush, and humid South Seas island rife with blooming plumeria, gardenia, and tiare sitting on a creamy base of vanilla, amber and musk. Like sitting on a white sand beach under a full moon with sapphire seas gently lapping, and surrounded by the heady and narcotic smell of wild jungle foliage, En Voyage Nectar Des Iles is a vacation in a bottle. Perfect for that mid-day getaway when deadlines are looming and an iced coffee just doesn’t cut it. That moment when a deep calming breath is called for, and the beach and the sea beckon, in other words, liquid meditation. Notes: Wild Orange, Mandarin, Green Citron, Osmanthus Nectar, Fresh Gardenia and Tiare petal accord, Absolutes of two frangipani species, Ylang Ylang and Jasmine auriculatum, Sandalwood Absolute from Vanuatu, Tahitian Vanilla, Amber and Fine White Musks.

Magnolia image by Imogen Cunningham/ Zelda Fitzgerald

En Voyage Perfumes Zelda (2014): I know few perfume-loving people who have not discovered the smoky floral magnolia allure of Zelda. Produced in collaboration with Michelyn Camen our Editor-in-Chief, En Voyage Zelda is a time machine back to the Roaring ‘20’s and the frenetic nightlife of Paris and New York City.

Hôtel Belles Rives, France. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald

This perfume captures the very heart and soul of the tragic Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald from her madcap deep Southern roots, through the years as the toast of the “Lost Generation”, to her ultimate descent into madness. As much an olfactive storyline as a tribute to the classic perfumes of the 1920’s Zelda is an unforgettable and mysterious woody floral full of hidden nuance and emotion, and perfect for a summers evening or romantic dinner al fresco. Zelda is a “must have” for every perfume collection.Notes:Spiced Italian Bergamot, Spices, and Iranian Galbanum, Creamy Magnolia Blossom and Garden Florals, Smoky Amber, Vintage Musks, Vanilla, Balsams, Sandalwood and Vetiver, Cedarwood, and Mousse de Chêne

Disclosure: Thanks to En Voyage Perfumes for the samples. The opinions are my own.

-Robert Herrmann, Senior Editor

-Art Direction: Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

In celebration of July 4th, Independence Day here in the US, Shelly Waddington  of En Voyage Perfumes is offering  a reader’s choice for a bottle of either Zelda, Makeda or Nectar des Isles for one registered reader in the USA, and a sample set of all three for our international readers so be sure to register if you have not done so. To be eligible please let us know what you enjoyed about Robert’s reviews, if you have tried an En Voyage Perfume before and which you would like to win (sample set if you are outside the USA) Draw closes July 7, 2018

 We announce the winners only on our site and Facebook page so like Cafleurebon and use our Blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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33 comments

  • Roger Engelhardt says:

    Wink, wink, nudge, nudge love it! I am family with Shelley’s work, from her own line and her work with Zoology. Makeda sounds absolutely wonderful. I would choose that.
    I live in the USA.

  • perfumelover67 says:

    Happy 4th of July and thank you for the draw.
    A great tribute to American perfumer Shelley Waddington of En Voyage. It is always worthy to take a look back at perfumes that have been released in the past, that are amazing and that are always a pleasure to wear and enjoy. I had the opportunity to sample Zelda, Durango and A Study in Water and they are beautiful scents. I am in the USA and I would love to win Makeda.

  • Edward St. Grey says:

    I liked how descriptive the reviews were about the atmosphere and historical references as well as the notes. Makeda or Zelda both sound excellent to me. I live in the USA.

  • Alen says:

    I’ve never tried this house before. This will be a great chance to test all of them. I would pick a bottle of Zelda. Those bottles are looking fantastic. Thanks for this wonderful draw, thumbs up.

  • INYA says:

    Thank you for introducing me to another great brand. I enjoyed the photos and the history. All three sound fantastic. I would choose Nectar des Iles. Thanks for the draw, I’m in the USA. Happy Independence Day to all ☆☆☆

  • fazalcheema says:

    Shelley creates beautiful rich perfumes. I will choose Zelda because it has been inspired by the past of great cities like NY. I am in US.

  • NiceVULady says:

    Robert’s words always paint such beautiful pictures. They have an amazingly evocative quality so that the fragrances fairly leap off the page. I would love to win Makeda. Thanks so much for the draw. I’m in the USA.

  • Monica Beaton says:

    I love reviews that are based around the story of or inspiration for a fragrance – Sheba, Zelda, Tropical Oasis. It helps to put the notes into context and allows the reader to get a better feel for the mood it is meant to create. Robert captures these stories and moods, and revisiting wonderful scents rather than focusing on what’s new & now is wonderfully novel! I would love to try the sample pack. I live in Australia.

  • Harbinger says:

    I tried Makeda a while ago and loved it. I would be happy to own a full bottle. Thank you for this draw. in the US.

  • esz says:

    Going by how hard and fast I fell in love with Zoologist Hummingbird, I am MOST excited to be given the opportunity to hopefully win a sample set of Shelley’s own line.

    Hummingbird wowed me so completely and utterly – how can something be so light and jubilant while also being densely juicy and unctuous. A true wonder.

    So it’s not hard to imagine what these three scents might smell like, especially with Roberts wonderful words – and I am beguiled by all the descriptions too.

    Please enter me in the draw for the samples – I am in Melbourne, Australia

  • Steve A. says:

    I have not tried the new Makeda. The description of the notes and wearing of Makeda has me interested. The “wink wink, nudge nudge” part was a bit vague. I would choose Zelda if chosen. USA

  • Barbara Carter says:

    Robert, your words never cease to be spectacular. You know well how fond I am of Shelley, and I own several of them, including Lorelei, 7% solution (do I have that right?) Zelda, Go Ask Alice, and Fiore del Bellagio. I love them all, most especially Go Ask Alice and Zelda which are a smash on my skin. I am asking for you not to enter me, but I will probably go today online and order up Nectar des Iles and get a sample of Makeda. She has some other new ones I am also looking to try as well. In addition, Shelley is one of the most lovely people on the planet, and so in addition to her perfume genius, she is someone you want to get to know.

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    I have tried Cafe Cacao so far from En Voyage and also her work for Zoologist, and am impressed with her range. If Zelda is a must-have, then I need to add it to my sample list and thank you for the recommendation. I should like to try Nectar des Isles if selected–you had me at vacay in a bottle, who doesn’t need more of that in their life?! I live in the US and thank you for this chance to experience something new and interesting.

  • Diana D says:

    I loved this article! I have never heard of En Voyage Perfumes. But each of their fragrances sound so lush and full bodied. I’d have a tough time picking just one. But I think I will go with Makeda.

    I live in the US.

  • Belladonna says:

    Hello! As always I love your beautiful artwork which can capture the essence of a perfume so completely! Also, that is a warm, lovely photo of Ms Waddington. Have tried and loved Zelda before – that would be my pick as it’s already on my list along with Go Ask Alice – and I also have a sample of Frida in my purse just waiting for me to have a quiet moment to reflect! Will be looking up your other reviews to enjoy! Thank you for the generous draw – am in USA – and happy Independence Day weekend to you!

  • Annatar says:

    Robert’s review of Shelly Waddington’s creations makes them all sound so tempting. I have to confess: I’m one of the few perfume-obsessed people who haven’t tried Zelda but I’d love to do just that. That’s one of the reasons I love reading CaFleureBon: I keep discovering new perfume artists every week!

    Thank you for the draw! I’d like to try En Voyage Perfumes sample set. I live in Russia.

  • jeremyn87 says:

    I thought the idea of fragrances intent on taking you to a time and/or place is interesting. Of the ones reviewed, Makeda interested me most. Sounds very fresh, and dry. Also seems like a less typical way of using oud. So that’s the one I’d like to win

    I havent heard of this house before. I’m in the US

  • Dosva says:

    I read this review wuth big pleasure. Thank you, Robert.
    Especially I liked descriptions of Makeda- dark and crazy perfume.
    I find great and unusual idea to creat perfume inspired by biblical Queen Of Sheba!
    Unfortunatly, I have never tested any Ms. Waddington’s perfumes.
    I would love to win Nectar des Isles.
    US

  • kwick says:

    All three of these scents sound luscious, but I’d choose Nectar des Iles if luck favors me in this drawing. As a mom of a toddler, a sniff of my perfumed wrist is what grounds me when things get chaotic. And Robert’s review of this scent as being “like sitting on a white sand beach under a full moon with sapphire seas gently lapping…” drew me in. I’ve never tried a fragrance from Shelly Waddington before, so would be delighted to do so! I’m in the US.

  • Vahagn says:

    I agree that all 3 perfumes sounds very beautiful. But if consider that there is hot summer I will prefer En Voyage Nectar Des Iles-as Robert said- “vacation in a bottle”.
    I’ve never tried Waddington’s perfumes.
    US

  • James2473 says:

    Hi, great review, Robert! I agree, it is nice to revisit some of those forgotten treasures! Thank you bringing Shelley and En Voyage Perfumes to my attention. I really like how you described each of the fragrances and made them all sound appealing. I also have a significant other, so if I were lucky enough to win the draw, I would choose Makeda. I’m located in the USA.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    I didn’t know Shelley moved to Portland. I’m going to check her website, I hope she has a shop! The Makeda sounds a bit dangerous like it needs a warning label! I think if I’m the lucky winner I would choose Nectar de Iles, I just got home from a vacation, but I always enjoy a vacation in a bottle! Thanks for the chance. US.

  • tooka81 says:

    I love that Robert went back and reviewed fragrances that came out on the market years ago, because all the new releases can become overwhelming and you tend to forget about lovely and amazing fragrances from the past! I love thar 2 of the fragrances are lind of tributes to women in hidtory like Makeda from the Old testament love story and I love the notes in that fragrance and Zelda a woman who had a great love story with a sad end! I would love to try Makeda and I live in the US and have never tried a fragrance from this line!

  • audesko1 says:

    Great article Robert! I have Go ask alice and love the fragrance. I would be up for winning Zelda, Thank you for the chance and reading a great article. I live in the US.

  • Scented Hound says:

    Great article, Robert! These fragrances sound so very intriguing that it is difficult to decide. He says that Zelda is a “must have.” But Makeda produces “winks and nudges!” Nectar beckons a flight to some place luxurious. So to sum it up, I must have winks and nudges on a flight to some place luxurious. Alas, I can only choose one.
    This is my first exposure to Shelly Waddington’s creations. I am sure that every scent is spectacular. I used to live in Carmel, CA. and my mother was born in Portland, Oregon. Therefore, I can “feel the vibes” already. Zelda is the one I choose as my selection and thank you for this opportunity. Waving from California!

  • ChanteusedesIles says:

    I have never tried any of Shelly Waddington’s perfumes, but Robert’s article is making them sound very tempting!! I found the history of Makeda really beautiful and I think i would like it because I love milky jasmine and fruits! I’m also partial partial to Nectar des Iles because it has one of my favourite flowers, frangipani! (Which I never get to smell where I live, alas) It has has my name in it which is kind of fun 🙂 I live in Canada, I would love to win the sample set. Thanks for the chance!

  • Lori Laws says:

    Great article Robert! I haven’t tried anything from this line before, but Makeda sounds amazing! Thanks for the draw and I live in the US! 🙂

  • Robert H. says:

    Thanks for all the comments, I hope everyone gets to sample Shelly’s wonderful range at some point. They’re all so wonderful! xoxo

  • Catanosmia says:

    I have never tried En Voyage Perfumes. I only know Ms. Waddington’s work for Zoologist but Civet and Hummingbird are so different that I couldn’t say I know her “style.” I’d love to try Zelda (even though the “liquid meditation” description for Nectares des Iles is tempting). I will have to carve a place in my budget for some samples! Thanks for the draw, I’m in the US.

  • Old Herbaceous says:

    I haven’t tried any En Voyage fragrances yet and would love to try Zelda, the one I would choose. A woody floral sounds like one I would like. I enjoyed Robert’s description of its “olfactive storyline.” Thanks for doing this! I live in the US.

  • Beth says:

    I’ve wore many of Shelley’s scents and loved them! The article was very interesting. I’d love to win the Makeda. Thank you!!