When I see the word “blue” in a perfumes title, very often I cringe. It is either some ubiquitous aquatic or a “nice clean” laundry fragrance. When I received Bellyflowers’ Blue Jasmine, for this review, its notes were very intriguing to me. Lotus, jasmine, more jasmine, vetiver, cypriol and sandalwood were all that was mentioned by the perfumer, but there was so much more. The notes here are blended seamlessly and, from the list from the company, you would think this would be a bombastic blend of flowers, flowers, and more flowers on a sweet woody oriental dry down. Think again…this is worth sniffing, and trying out!!

It opens, as many naturals do, with a feeling of essential oils and the carrier fluid. As it sits on the skin, and dries somewhat, it is like a beautiful lotus flower has opened with you in the center. Subtle but strong notes of jasmine add creaminess to the soft lotus aroma. This is “blue” but in the softest sense of the word, like the pale skin of a beautiful Hindu god or goddess. Lotus was a flower that brought enlightenment, prophetic dreams and symbolized the beauty and complexity of the soul. Here, the lotus sits quietly while surrounded by jasmine and creates a feeling of peace and serenity.

 

The heart of this scent is a subtle swirling of two kinds of lotus and three kinds of jasmine with a warm ylang ylang that adds just a touch of sensuality to the mix. Blue chamomile adds a balancing clean and herbal quality that keeps it just this side of feminine and very unisex, and quite balanced despite all the heady flowers. I had a friend of mine (not into perfume at all) smell this when it arrived. He was amazed at how subtle, yet warm and full it was. “That is really nice”, he said, and asked for the website! This was high praise indeed, for a completely natural scent, from a non-perfumista.

After the peaceful opening of lotus and jasmine and the “dance of the seven flowers”, it becomes something else entirely; something woody and dry and earthy (but not “dirty”). Sandalwood (from New Caledonia) and ambergris give it an oriental vibe without clouds of smoky incense and tons of sweetness. Smoothly woody and exotic with the feeling of a dry, almost floral, green vetiver throughout, the dry down settles quite close to the skin but is still enchanting. The addition of cypriol (Indian nagarmotha root extract) adds a slightly medicinal, but not unpleasant, edge to it. Used in ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory and a key ingredient in Tiger Balm, this helps the finish to be warm and cozy.

Not exactly manly and not exactly girly, Elise Pearlstine has created something very interesting and miles from generic (or mass market “blue”). This is the first Bellyflowers creation I have tried, and I am looking forward to sampling many more. The sillage is close (but there), and the longevity is good. I dabbed from a mini sample, myself, but do imagine that if sprayed-this would have a lovely presence and leave a wonderful trail. Blue Jasmine is a delightful olfactory experience that touches not only nostril, but mind and spirit, and makes me feel wonderful.

Thanks to Elise Pearlstine we have three 3mL sprayers of Blue Jasmine to giveaway. To be eligible like the bellyflowers facebook page . If you aren't on facebook  choose  something blue you love and pick your favorite. We will draw three winners on February 3, 2012 via random.org.

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilt perfume

–John Reasinger, Contributor