Simon Constantine of ånd fragrance “Unstink the World” via @and_fragrances Instagram
“We bridge the gap between the old world and a new world. Not just because we use ancient and revered ingredients. But by actively addressing social justice.
By standing in solidarity with indigenous communities and those protecting precious ecosystems.
By hand-sourcing and hand-formulating pure essential oils and essences. We’ll go further. This is just the start.
But if we can reduce the stench of exploitation, mindless consumption, flagrant and disgusting over-indulgence and pointless opulence, then it’s a smart place to start.
So let’s unstink the world.” ~ Simon Constantine, founder and nose for ånd fragrance
Indigo Perfumery header for ånd fragrance
Simon Constantine, we’re all ears. We welcome your refreshingly candid philosophy. Ever since I learned of the brand ånd fragrance, I’ve been eager to sniff these out – but they didn’t mail to the U.S. Now they are finally available in the U.S.A at Indigo Perfumery – and very recently Ann Bouterse kindly sent me a sample kit for my delectation. I’m here to attest that there is something for everyone in this collection. True to previous form as a creator for LUSH and Gorilla Perfumes, Simon Constantine continues to garner sustainable olfactory materials from around the globe which he employs in his compositions. I would venture to say that the ånd fragrance collection appears perhaps tighter than his previous perfumes; they are beautifully finished and maintain the perfumer’s proclivity for that unexpected element which renders his scents so appealing and original.
There are certainly gourmands here to tempt virtually anyone – and I’d include his lemon-shortbready (think lemon meringue pie atop a Kerrygold butter crust) får, exotically floral vanilla måd, and inventive, headily anisic/floral/fruity/tonka beån among them. For those who crave an edge, bårk will fill the bill nicely: an eclectic take on rosewood in which the varied players consist of mango, marijuana, and neroli. Earthiest hippies (then and now) will delight in påtch – the nuptials of dark Sumatran patchouli, oud, and osmanthus. Drawn as I am to the woody ones, I chose ånd fragrance frånk, båre, and sånd as my favorite trio. Let’s put it this way: I enjoyed them so much that I went ahead and purchased a little of each.
ånd fragrance frånk collage by Michelyn using images from Indigo Perfumery
ånd fragrance frånk: frånk is a delicious surprise, playing upon the lemony facets which incense can manifest (elemi is renowned for this, but a citrusy aspect is characteristic of frankincense as well). The exquisite aridity of myrrh makes an instinctive partner as the two form a loving sacrosanct liaison. You might surmise that this fragrance would seem overly dry and dusty, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. frånk commences with a brief tonic blast which morphs into a soothing, tender scent, soft and sweet. Lemon remains lemon, but it smells neither astringent nor acrid; there’s a kiss of effervescence about it which retains its freshness into the drydown. frånk is a marvelous choice for summer wear, or any time one desires becalming. Notes: Somalian frankincense, myrrh, lemon
ånd fragrance bare collage by Michelyn
ånd fragrance bare: Taken at face value, båre appears as an intense conifer grocery list: appearances can be deceiving. While båre opens with a sylvan trumpet fanfare upon first application, this stage doesn’t persist. The fragrance truly develops and takes the wearer on a journey through the forest, complete with twists and turns along the way. It reminds us how complex and jammy certain conifers smell in absolute format, which they most certainly do. The Western red cedars of British Columbia embody the deliciousness of anise and fruit; Douglas fir is like confiture for the nose, with its red raspberry and blackcurrant nuances; shore pine is light, bright and terpenic. Rosewood (aniba rosadora is a member of the magnolia family – and an evergreen) has qualities which endear it to us: deeply balsamic, fruity/floral and camphoraceous with a touch of pepper, it is naturally rich in linalool – a naturally-occurring substance which promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being. Notes: Western red cedar, shore pine, Douglas fir, rosewood
ånd fragrance sånd collage by Michelyn
ånd fragrance sånd: It’s not nice to play favorites, as everyone knows – but I’m going to go out on a limb and declare ånd fragrance sånd as my favorite. Ever since I sampled it, I’ve been besotted; this is yet one more instance where listing notes doesn’t do a fragrance justice. Toss your prejudices into the trash and trust your nose: you don’t have to love banana, or mimosa (who doesn’t love mimosa?) to appreciate sånd’s warm, engaging personality. From beginning to well into its drydown, this perfume is pure pleasure: mimosa, banana and spice contribute luminosity and character to luxe sandalwood and vetiver. Labdanum adds a crepuscular aspect, with benzoin helping to anchor and round out the composition. The end result is a fragrance which is as supremely comforting as it is sophisticated; it possesses superior longevity as well. Notes: Australian sandalwood, mimosa, Madagascan vetiver, banana, cardamom, black pepper, labdanum, benzoin
Sample set of eight kindly provided by Ann Bouterse of Indigo Perfumery – many thanks! My nose is my own…
~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor
Deputy Editor Note: In the interest of disclosure, you’ll need to know that I have sweet-amplifying skin: our Editor-In-Chief Michelyn Camen was wont to note that both former Managing Editor Mark Behnke and I possess “peacock skin”, as she referred to it – skin that tends to showcase scent and make nearly any fragrance smell good. My issue is that if there is just a scootch of sweetness, it will declaim its presence boldly upon application. This is why I’m careful with gourmands; I either smell like a pâtisserie on legs, or run the risk of being bitten by the hungry. Even the woodiest of fragrances tend to skew honeyed when I wear them – which explains my choices above.-Ida
Photos at Indigo Perfumery (the testers look well used :)) båre sånd frånk
Thanks to the generosity of Indigo Perfumery, we are offering a 50 ml flacon of any of Ida’s three from ånd fragrance: frånk, båre, or sånd for one registered ÇaFleureBon reader in the USA (if you are not sure if you are registered click here.) You must register or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please tell us what appealed to you about Ida’s reviews and which fragrance you would prefer should you win. Draw closes 7/10/2023
Editor’s Note: PLEASE JOIN INDIGO PERFUMERY’S ANN BOUTERSE AND SIMON CONSTANTINE IG LIVE ON THURSDAY JULY 13th at 1PM EST
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