Headspace Parfums Cedre (Julien Rasquinet) 2024 + Parisian Chic Giveaway

Headspace Parfums Cedre exclusive to La Samaritaine in Paris

J’s image of Headspace Parfums Cedre

Headspace Parfums Cedre, the house’s latest release is an exclusive to the Parisian store La Samaritaine located in the first arrondissement not far from the Louvre. Creative Director Nicolas Chabot with perfumer Julien Rasquinet have created something very special by taking cedar, a material that is usually used in a supporting role and elevated it to a solinote perfume. This is probably the closet of the line to being what one might assume is a representation of “headspace”, but Headspace Parfums always give us more, with a fresh take on ingredients. Here, there’s a rather clever twist that, gave me a whole new appreciation of this seemingly simple composition. It does what the French do best, taking something simple and elevating it with beautiful materials, imbuing it with elegance and style. In a  two words…Headspace Parfums Cedre is très chic.

Nicolas Chabot and perfumer Julien Rasquinet

Nicolas Chabot and perfumer Julien Rasquinet courtesy of the brand

There’s a lecture by Nick Cave on the history of the love song, it opens with the sound of a match being struck. Headspace Parfums Cedre opens with this moment as the match strikes the pack, igniting in slow motion as soft spices flicker like the lights of the Eiffel Tower. You can feel sharp cedar woods shimmer around you with dark amber facets glowing as the spices oxidise. Nutmeg and cumin almost hit that sulphuric aroma but the woods and a vanillic sweetness pull it back giving you the effect of a struck match with dark swirls of smoke wrapping around you rising from the cedar wood aromas that are bursting forth.

Lit match and cedar tree via Wikipedia collage by J

Both Atlas and Virginia cedar woods are on show here, that soft smoke of Virginia’s is slowly turning white as Atlas’ facets start to shine through. A kind of honeyed floral heather with a nuttiness takes over from the ember of the spices that the flame has gone out leaving a soldering smooth elegant woody aroma in its place. Atlas’s ambery facets tease out a subtle darkness while soft woody abstract floral float around the edges with a gentle mimosa like feel, think fine wood shavings in soft focus. This cleverly plays into Virginia cedar woods facets picking up on some woody sweet ambery notes, along with a leathery darkness that’s waiting to be fully revealed. It’s incense side pulls Cedre together into this beautifully soft woodiness, there’s a real feel of movement here, from the initial match strike with some more wild elements leading to this smooth finish as it’s dries down.

best cedar perfumes

Atlas and Virginia cedar trees via Wikipedia

That rather clever take on a constructed Iso e supra note shines here in the deep dry down. Its minimal contemporary feel brims with sophistication as the cedar notes are now a powdery soft smokiness as a woody vanilla merges with smoky amber incense enhancing the Virginian cedar wood’s facets. Its gentle spices add graceful clean lines to the edges of Headspace Parfums Cedre with a subtle leather trim over soft pencil shavings giving a stunning seamless interplay of textures. That hint of sweetness from the vanilla gives it’s a cosy feel, again highlighting various nuances of both the cedar woods on show here. It is incredibly long lasting too, as cedar is used often as a fixative for perfumes. I’ve always been a fan of Escentric Molecule 01; mostly for its brilliant olfactive concept although many wear it but can’t smell it. Julian Rasquinet has taken this everyday molecule and reignited it using stunning materials, pushing certain elements making the cedar woods shine, giving you a whole new couture version of a contemporary classic. This isn’t a dupe, far from it. Rather it’s like upgrading from an off the rack a polyester tee shirt and trading it for a heavy weight 100% cotton, think of it like Carmy Berzatto’s white t-shirt, Jeremy Allen’s character from television series The Bear. The high-quality materials, heavy weight and beautiful make it stand out without shouting, giving you an attractive new take on a contemporary classic. Headspace Parfums Cedre also has a slightly darker edge to it with a depth to the ingredients giving Cedre a je ne sais quoi one imagines Parisians have as they strut down the street with careless joie de vivre. Very clever and well-designed perfumery showcased here.

Notes: Nutmeg, Cumin, Atlas Cedar, Virginian Cedar, Amber, Vanilla.

Disclosure: Headspace Parfums Cedre was sent to J for review, thoughts and nose are his own.

-Senior Editor J Wearescentient, artist & olfactive writer

 Headspace Cedre

Headspace Parfums Cedre courtesy of the brand

Thanks to the generosity of Headspace Parfums we have a 30 ml bottle of Headspace Parfums Cedre for a registered reader in the EU or US. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on J’s review and where you live. Draw closes 6/26/2024

Please read more about Creative Director Nicholas Chabot who was Michelyn’s best creative director of 2016

Julien Rasquinet is featured in Our Young Perfumer Series

Headspace Parfums Tubéreuse was a Finalist for the 2023 Fragrance Foundation France Awards: Best Perfume from an Independent Brand.

Enjoy Danu’s review of Genievre. my review of Kirsch which was in my top 10 of 2023, Lauryn’s review of Sauge, and Rachel Ng’s review of Myrrhe.

Follow us on Instagram: @headspaceparfum @julienrasquinet @cafleurebonofficial @wearescentient @Samaritaineparis

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

 

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47 comments

  • Ramses Perez says:

    I have heard of this house but not too familiar with it and what I gathered from the article is that they make simple, powerful; yet very elevated and innovative fragrances. Taking a cedar note which is pretty common in perfumery and making it the star of the show was certainly a risk and who ever to pull that trick than Julien Rasquinet. He does great work with fruits and ouds but now I know he’s great at working with any note seems like. The cumin note is always a stand out when I see it but this one doesn’t look like it shows up on it at all, making it’s used to calm down the woodsy nature a bit. Tres chic indeed and another great creation by Julien. Cheers from USA.

  • mleenstra says:

    Thanks J for a lovely review. This draws my interest because it sounds like a fragrance that is complex its simplicity and would be great for every day and every season. Marit the Netherlands

  • VictoriaSs says:

    J’s review of Headspace Parfums Cedre intrigues me with its vivid description of the fragrance’s unique twist on cedar. The idea of elevating cedar from a supporting role to a soliflore composition is particularly fascinating. I’m also drawn to the imagery of the fragrance opening with the scent of a struck match, blending spices and woods in a sophisticated manner. The comparison to a couture version of a contemporary classic perfume makes me eager to experience the nuanced interplay of textures and high-quality materials firsthand.

    I am from the EU

  • This almost sounds like something that would come out of Scents of Woods. I like the idea of moving the cedar notes to the forefront. Sounds very appealing to me. Located in the US.

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I also love Molecule 01, and would love to see that concept expanded in a “couture version of a contemporary classic”. I live in Maryland USA.

  • The cozy vanilla really sparks my interest I love a cozy vibe in a fragrance. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    I adore a cedar note in my perfume, and to have it be the standout? Perfection. This is such a treat, this giveaway, as it can only be found at one location, far from me. I loved this reviewer’s take on this fragrance, as it compels me to get my nose on this scent. I live in Oregon.

  • First Thanks for J’s In depth review. What interest about the interview was the perfume was inspired by molecule 101, so im assuming that this perfume will be a strong one. Also, the combination of woods, amber, nutmeg, and cumin spices is a first for me, if ever I get a chance to get this one. The sweet and dark ambery note is interesting. Im from California USA

  • I am absolutely infatuated with a fragrance that unites together two cedars – especially that are from regions of the world very dear to me. Great review!
    I am in the U.S.

  • Living in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, the allure of Headspace Parfums Cedre is undeniable. Your vivid description of the cedar woods, from the initial match strike to the soft, smoky dry down, encapsulates a journey of olfactory elegance. The intricate blend of Atlas and Virginia cedar, enriched with nutmeg, cumin, amber, and vanilla, creates a sophisticated, long-lasting scent. This perfume’s unique take on a classic, with its high-quality materials and subtle, nuanced notes, mirrors the vibrant yet laid-back spirit of Nashville itself, making it a perfect match for someone who appreciates both innovation and tradition.

    I live in Nashville, TN, USA

  • I really like the sound of Headspacd Cedre based on J’s review. The idea of a contemporary and elevated cedar scent as well as the supporting notes and how well they seem to come together is very intriguing. I especially like how J mentioned an incense incense side that brings it together and how there is movement throughout the wear from open to dry down. The spicy, floral, vanillic, and ambery notes along with the 2 types of ceder and iso e all coming together makes me think this is something I would very much enjoy. Thanks for the generous draw, as always. From CT USA.

  • Cedre sounds like a gentle, elegant woody fragrance. The leathery facet J mentions really intrigues me, because I love cedar in its fresher blends, but the pairing with leather, nutmeg and cumin must really elevate it to another class.
    I am also one of the people who like iso E super. To me it smells breezy and soothing, so it will be a welcome element of Cedre.
    I live in the EU.

  • Great to see another review of Julien Rasquinet’s perfume. Where I’m from, Molecule 1 is quite ubiquitous due to being sold in a certain boutique. I wonder how Iso e super smells amped up with cedar notes in the Headspace Parfums Cedre rendition!
    I’m in eu

  • I loved Escentric Molecules 01, an innovative perfume, different from the usual ones, when I wear it it always surprises me, it makes me feel good. Headspace Parfums Cedre is in the same vein, so I’d like to try it, I hope to get excited again.
    Linda (EU)

  • ianbradleyandrews says:

    This sounds awesome. I love Julian’s work. The review sounds great as u love cedar perfumes and this sounds really woody. I live in Indiana and I’d love to win.

  • I know cedar doesn’t get the accolades of some other woods but I happen to think we are just so blessed with it we dont notice it like we should. It truly is a perfect blend of crisp, earthy, green, bright, smoky, “woodsy” and clean. I love a great cedar blend and headspace always has that “lift” that makes their work so wearable! I dont have this one but I would love to. Thank you for the giveaway. I am in US.

  • Interest sparked by this line, “This isn’t a dupe, far from it. Rather it’s like upgrading from an off the rack a polyester tee shirt and trading it for a heavy weight 100% cotton…”. US

  • ScentofAbsinthe says:

    I am also coincidentally named J. I would love the chance to try this out. I live in Virginia, USA.

    I love both Virginia and Atlas Cedar, so I’m curious to see what this would comprise. Love this blog, I read it every day!

  • Kelly Atwood says:

    This sounds incredible! Parisian chic meets upgraded Escentric Molecules 1? Yes please!! I would love to be entered into the giveaway. I’m in Texas 🙂

  • WillRhodes says:

    I recently got a Headspace discovery set, but it did not include Cedre as it’s one of its newest additions, but I truly enjoyed everything I tried from this line so I’m sure Cedre would be another fragrance from this line I would enjoy.
    I love Atlas Cedar and Virginian Cedar as a note and I love what they chose to compliment it, especially nutmeg!
    Cedar does often offer an “I don’t know what” to perfume and I love that about it.

  • J wearescentient makes headspace cedre sound very appealing and two cedars plus Julien Rasquinet makes me very interested. I have wanted to try this one.
    EU

  • I would love to win this perfume, cedar is always a base note in perfumes and here, I admit that I am intrigued by a perfume where it takes center stage. In this article I like when J Wearescentient says: “Julian Rasquinet has taken this everyday molecule and reignited it using stunning materials, pushing certain elements making the cedar woods shine, giving you a whole new couture version of a contemporary classic.” I’ve also always had trouble with iso e super but Julien Rasquinet is the author of one of the best iris in the world Iris cendre for Naomi Goodsir so I know it can work real miracles! In addition, Nicolas Chabot is an excellent artistic director with Le Galion, he resurrected L’Astre, the perfume by Ava Gardner, a simply divine perfume. I live in France, EU.

  • Januarililjan says:

    I like this minimal scent. Wood is favorite note of mine. I enjoy walking in forest and smelling all the trees. Hopefully I can get this and use when walking in the forest, for super good experience. I live in EU.

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    That smell right after you light a match is beautiful to me. Combine that with cedar wood it has to be amazing. A smokey vanilla drydown is icing on the cake. Never heard of this house but definitely interested on getting my nose on this one.

    Los Angeles Ca. USA

  • Danu Seith-Fyr says:

    I am totally and completely intruiged, Headspace create time after time unique and exceptional perfumes, here is one of my favourite components in Perfumery given its head, allowed to run riot dressed in classic style. I would love to experience this, this juxtaposition of style and an edge of untamed chic. A great read J and and certainly one for the list. Thank you

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    The cedar note accentuated by vanilla warmth, a tribute to Parisian elegance, sounds exciting. I am from EU

  • HueloBien says:

    I haven’t tried any Headspace fragrance, but I do know the quality of work from Julien Rasquinet, who by the way, has used cedar in other fragrance I own.

    I haven’t tried Escentric Molecules 01, and I have been interested due to its simplicity.
    Headspace Parfums Cedre would bring a master perfumer as Julien, a fragrance with similar style as Escentric Molecules 01, and trying a new house as Headspace.

    From Massachusetts, USA

  • This is definitely on my list for a cozy fall fragrance. Cedar, spice and a vanillic amber seems simple but as J Wearescentient said, tres chic! Iso E super always works well on my skin and ai can imagine the depth it adds to this perfume. MD, USA.

  • The interplay between the different cedars is very interesting. I know there are differences, but I’ve never personally experienced them side by side to know the differences. This sounds quite perfect for the hotter months heading our way! I live in the US.

  • Spices, Cedar and Incense sounds like my kind of fragrance, would love to smell this and the new take on the Iso E super sounds very interesting. I am in the US

  • chamberoflilith says:

    Cedarwood is one of my favorite ingredients. More than just wearing it, I love smelling it from the bottle. The aging process makes it even more beautiful. I know a lot of people don’t resonate to cedarwood – though I can’t accept it! We are used to soliflores when it comes to flowers, even certain herbs, but I’ve never seen a cedarwood one. I’ve never tried Headspace scents but I’m very interested to do so. I’ve been seeing the bottles all around the internet and the lab bottle reference just striked a chord with me. From the review, I like the comparison with Molecule 01, and the t-shirt parallel. Thanks, writing from Romania

  • ericwaynebiscuit says:

    I love the fragrances Julien Rasquinet has created for Headspace already, so I’m veeeery excited, intriqued, and ENTICED by how we interprets the brief on Cedre. J paints a beautiful picture in their review and coupled with the notes list and nose attached, I gotta try it out!!

    I’m located in VA, USA.

  • Oh my god, I’ve been meaning to get into woody perfumes lately, and this one seems like it’d make a perfect addition to my collection. Julien Rasquinet is a perfumer I adore, with every creation of his speaking to my soul (and nose)! I am very intrigued by the sensation and feeling that J describes in his review here, I have to admit. Headspace has been on my wishlist for a while, so I hope I get to try their newest creation!

    I live in Sweden, EU.

  • David Furman says:

    Cedar is a great base note in perfumery. Some call it a fixative because you can build upon it quite easily. I love fragrances with the definite cedar base and the fact that this has two different types I think they have all bases covered. This juice looks serious and I would love to have it, from Jacksonville, NC.

  • While it seems like a simple lineup of notes, it really sounds intriguing. I love scents that have an ambery dry down. The description “woody vanilla merges with smoky amber incense ” really caught my attention. It sounds like a comforting, mysterious, woody fragrance that I’d love to have in my collection.
    I live in the USA.

  • I happen to sadly be one of those people that have trouble smelling the iso super e. But I’d still love to try this. In maryland.

  • cynthmarie says:

    OK, I want to strut like a Parisian, wearing this perfume and being tres chic! I love everything about this review, from the Nick Cave match strike, the glittering spices, to the leathery incense and soft smokey cedars. …and of course who can resist a little vanilla. This sounds like a gorgeous embrace. I would be thankful to be able to try an exclusive like this. In US.

  • sherin thomas says:

    Amazing review indeed !! This draws peaks my interest because it sounds like a fragrance that is complex its simplicity and would be great for every day and every season. From PA,USA

  • I’ve tried cedar-focused perfumes before, but the singular focus of Headspace Parfums Cedre is unique. The struck match vibe of the opening sounds attention-grabbing and the various woody facets have a welcome complexity, while still smelling like “wood shavings in soft focus.” The varied textures and movement throughout the wear are a welcome surprise.

    I’m in the USA.

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    Great review J. Via the description of the initial application through the drydown, has fully captured my attention. From the green start, to the warm comforting base, this is one that has me longing to experience.
    Warmest regards from the USA

  • Patricia R. says:

    Soft spices flickering and the weight of cedar is enough to attract me. I live in the EU.

  • foreverscents says:

    I have always been a fan of the chic and simple style Parisians are so good at pulling off. I love cedar and J’s review intrigued me by describing Cedre as a fragrance with cedar at the forefront. The vanilla note sounds very cozy,
    I live in the USA.

  • Michael Prince says:

    What sparked my interest based on J’s review of Headspace Parfums Cedre. I am a traditional guy in the ways of perfumery and this multifaceted cedar based fragrance sounds amazing. Enhanced with a warm and resinous Vanilla this sounds very appealing and simplistic. I am from the USA.

  • Laurentiu says:

    I really like everything I have tried from Julien Rasquinet. He has no fragrance I would not wear. Knowing this, I am sure Cedre is going to be another hit for me. Thanks!