New Natural Fragrance Review: Providence Perfume Co. Heart of Darkness (Charna Ethier) + Lost in the Forest Draw

photo: trendhunter.com

Confronted with the words "Heart of Darkness", thoughts of Joseph Conrad's violent, allegorical tale of 19th century imperialism in central Africa invade my mind.

                                                                                     

Photo of  the forest near Gail's home (Photo by Gail)                       

The title of the perfume aside, I find myself closer to home; I can find a very different heart of darkness – our local damp and dripping woods, forests alive with ancient cedars, supported by humus, fungi, ferns and moss. These dark retreats are at once seductive and sinister, silent except for the occasional shrill cry of a raptor. 

Digitalized Photo apped from Carsten Witte 

I find that I am afraid to step over the sunlit threshold into the gloom, but am drawn by the scents of wet earth and ancient trees and by the spirits of the mosses and lichens that cling to rocks and limbs. Shadowy groves open into still meadows and eerie bogs, but the trail leads back into the darkness. I imagine woodland magic at every turn and fear what lurks behind the arboreal giants.  As I walk the dark path I wonder if I will be lost in this forest forever.

 

Photo: Cuded.com  

 Charna Ethier of Providence Perfume Company's latest fragrance, Heart of Darkness, evokes this same primeval rainforest experience.  The mosses, cedarwood, lavender and nutmeg combine with patchouli to create a fearsome kind of fougère – focused, raw and edgy. This startling opening exhales to reveal a core of humus and the comforting scent of espresso. Heart of Darkness is so powerful and long lasting, that it defies ablutions and clings to skin and clothing for hours. As the tonka, vetiver and labdanum breathe their last, I realize that I can't find my way back into the sunlight. I have disappeared into the darkness and am one with the forest.

Tristan and Isolde IV by Slevin Aaron

"Lost in the forest, I broke off a dark twig

and lifted its whisper to my thirsty lips:

maybe it was the voice of the rain crying,

a cracked bell, or a torn heart.

Something from far off it seemed

deep and secret to me, hidden by the earth,

a shout muffled by huge autumns,

by the moist half-open darkness of the leaves.

Wakening from the dreaming forest there, the hazel-sprig

sang under my tongue, its drifting fragrance

climbed up through my conscious mind

as if suddenly the roots I had left behind

cried out to me, the land I had lost with my childhood—- 

and I stopped, wounded by the wandering scent. – Pablo Neruda, Lost in the Forest

Fragrance notes:  Oakmoss, cedar moss, lavender, patchouli, espresso, nutmeg, vetiver, tonka, cedarwood and rockrose

I received my sample from Providence Perfume Co. thank you; opinions my own

Gail Gross – Sr. Contributor

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Thanks to the generosity of Charna Ethier and Providence Perfume Company we have one 1.7 oz bottle of Heart of Darkness for residents of the US

OR

a 5ml travel sprayer size anywhere else in the world. 

The draw is available to one registered reader (be sure to register or your comment will not count). To be eligible please let us know what you thought of Gail’s review, and where you live. If you have a favorite Providence Perfume Co. fragrance we would love to know. Draw closes 1/27/2017

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

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49 comments

  • merlina says:

    What I liked of this review is the poem of Neruda matching so good to this forest perfume. , Whenever I listen to oakmoss, cedar moss and lichen…I feel it is a perfume I would like to wear.
    Thanks for the draw, I am in Europe.

  • Amber says:

    I enjoyed Gail’s evocative forest experiences and the phrase “a fearsome kind of fougère – focused, raw and edgy.” I love fougere fragrances and all the notes that go into creating them. I’m in the US thank you for the draw!

  • Shauna Rudd says:

    I’ve been a Charna fan for ages — she’s a brilliant perfumer and a lovely person. I loved the ending of this review; like being swallowed up in the most pleasurable way. I’m in Canada

  • hvit says:

    I am trying to imagine the smell of this “fearsome kind of fougère – focused, raw and edgy”, and with espresso note on top of it… and I can’t. But I have a feeling it must be great and I would love to try. Espresso in the forest – what a brilliant idea!

    Thanks for the draw. Greetings from Norway.

  • BethMongold says:

    Beautiful review–I love the description of the fear of entering the forest and how gradually through fragrance it is possible to become one with it. I love Providence Perfume’s Rose Boheme. I am in the US, thank you!

  • karo says:

    I loved the review, especially the thought inducing poem. Being from the Northwestern U.S., close to Seattle, I’ve grown fond of the Indie House forest themed fragrance. This fragrance sounds incredible and very green and forest-like. With my new journey in fragrances to start collecting more green, aromatic, fougere and chypre type fragrances, this one looks absolutely divine to help with this new path. Thank you so much. I’m in the U.S..

  • Aaron Luke says:

    I love Gail’s description of being in a rainforest full of cedar and moss! Really really amazing and it put me into their mindset! I am from New York City!!!

  • Ellen M says:

    I love the reference to Joseph Conrad, and I loved the poem. I’m liking the imagery of the trees and moss and quiet. One can experience that in swamp as well. Thanks for the draw. I live in the USA

  • GrandmaGaga says:

    Great review, Gail! I felt the mysterious forest pulling me in but this sounds too heavy even for me. Loved reading it but no need to enter me.

  • fazalcheema says:

    Gail’s love of nature is clearly evident in this article. And the notes in the Heart of Darkness such as moss and cedarwood indicate why Gail thinks of mossy forests with an aura of ancient spirits when she smells Heart of Darkness. I could also not help but feel sad when Gail mentions the dark days of imperialism in Africa. Thanks so much for the generous draw. My favorite from Providence Perfume Co is Ginger Lily. I am in the US.

  • Francesca Brice says:

    I was drawn into Gails journey into the forest and that aspect of fear that seemed to be shrouding the elements there….it wasnt scary though, more like the forest that gets misunderstood beacause of the darkness, translated into fear for want of a better word because its simply unknown. Warmth and radience do live there but take another form. I live in NZ- I love the sound of this perfume, sensing as I do that side of my nature it would correspond to :).
    Charna is an awesome perfumer, everything I’ve tried I really liked- not one in particular- all were very special. Thanks for a charming review and the draw.

  • Hootlia says:

    Beautifully written review! Having lived in the Pacific Northwest for many years, I can completely identify with Gail’s description of the allure of the forest. This fragrance sounds mysterious and seductive. I’d love to try it. I’ve never tried a Providence Perfume Co. Perfume, but have heard great things. I live in Canada, thank you.

  • Laura says:

    Captivating review – I feel like I’m being transported somewhere far, far away from sunny Dallas, Texas, where I live. I prefer deep dark fragrances during the fall/winter months though no matter what the unpredictable TX whether is doing, so this sounds particularly interesting to me. Thanks for hosting the generous draw.

  • Cynthia says:

    This was a very evocative review and I liked Gail’s take on it. I own about four of Charna’s perfumes and I tend to like what she does with perfume. I love the name too! Of the Providence Perfumes i own, at the moment I’m favoring Hindu Honeysuckle but I also love Moss Gown and Desire (that name doesn’t seem right, but I’m too lazy at the moment to go look.) USA. Thanks for the review and the draw.

  • MikasMinion says:

    Plugging in a Neruda poem will always get my attention and anything meant to evoke dark greenery or forests makes it even better.
    I’m in the US. Thank you.

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Great read! Impressed with the statement: “Heart of Darkness is so powerful and long lasting, that it defies ablutions and clings to skin and clothing for hours. As the tonka, vetiver and labdanum breathe their last, I realize that I can’t find my way back into the sunlight. I have disappeared into the darkness and am one with the forest” and the last two lines of poem. Oakmoss my most favorite note in perfume so this is definitely for me. Haven’t tried yet any of Providence Perfume but there are some on my want list including Heart of Darkness.
    Thanks to the generosity of Charna Ethier & Providence Perfume Company and Cafleurebon for the opportunity to participate in the draw.
    Peshawar Pakistan

  • m3000 says:

    Stunning choice of pictures! I love the woods and dark green, so this could be right for me. And I actually have Heart of Darkness on my watch list already, from a NST article! 🙂 You mention humus twice and I am curious to find out the differences to Humus by Mad et Len, which I found awful. – That 5ml travel sprayer would find a new home in Switzerland.

  • Jackie b says:

    I found myself getting lost in the forest along with Gail, the perfume tells a whole story it seems. The notes sound inviting, especially on this hot summers day. I live in Australia and this line is new to me.

  • Timea says:

    Wonderful review! From the review this perfume sounds fabulous. I very like the forests, those reminds me of The Hobbit and LOTR movies and the beautiful wood elves. I have never tried any of Providence Perfume Co. fragrance. Thank you very much for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • doveskylark says:

    This reminded me of my childhood when I used to spend hours alone in the forest. I used to build forts and hiding places. I was a loner and wanted to be a hermit. I guess this is why I love dark and mossy fragrances.
    I live in the USA.

  • ringthing says:

    This reminded me of playing for hours in the woods behind the family farm as a child. Gail evokes the magic and mystery, being lost and frightened/fascinated by “whatever lurks behind the arboreal giants.” Lovely poem, too. My favorite Providence Perfume Co. perfume is Rose Boheme. Thanks to all for the review and chance, I’m in the US.

  • Melissa says:

    Every perfume I have from Charna is gorgeous and unusual
    My favorite is Hindu honeysuckle. What I loved about this review is that it was so personal and beautifully written. and the photos are stunning.
    I love Oakmoss and tonka and all thinks green
    I live in the USA

  • Charna says:

    Thank you Gail for your lovely review of my new men’s fougère, Heart of Darkness. I’m so pleased that you were able to eloquently discern my dark-forest-jungle inspiration for the scent. Gratefully, Charna.

  • Richard Potter says:

    What I liked was that first poem and the description of this fragrance. Neruda’s no slouch either.

  • Su says:

    Loved the poem. I have always like earthy scents. I am new into the niche/indie scents but finding new ones and trying them is always exciting. The name is mysteries too. In US.

  • allaces says:

    I really liked this review. I liked how Conrad’s novel was referenced but that instead of text from it, a description of being in a forest is used. And I love Neruda so referencing some of his work was great and really helped me envision this fragrance better. The notes sound like an amazing combination.
    Would love to win. I have not tried any from the Providence Perfume Co. but the names of their fragrances alone are sufficiently intriguing.
    I live in the USA.
    Thanks for the opportunity!!!

  • yogamarc says:

    I’m always so intrigued by scents that seek to evoke the forest and Gail’s review has certainly peaked my interest. Her description of the feel and sound of the environment as well as what to expect scent-wise makes this doubly appealing. I’ve sampled a few from this line and found them very high quality and unique. From Boston, MA 😉

  • Toblerone says:

    Primeval rainforest experience sounds like something mysterious, unsettling, scary, dark and challenging. “Forest” fragrances often become my best perfume friends, like an antidote to a city life. This is why I’d love to try Heart of Darkness. I live in the EU, thanks!

  • LaDomna says:

    You had me at dark retreats both seductive and sinister… That’s exactly what i want form a forest inspired perfume. I love Slumberhouse Norne because it brings me the hallowed depths of an ancient coniferous forest and it sounds like The Heart of Darkness could bring me the depths of a more damp and mossy one! The Neruda quite is absolutely beautiful!

    I don’t think I’ve tried anything from Providence Perfume Co. so far but there are several that look very interesting. Apart from this one I’m really intrigued also by Provanilla, Samarinda, Moss Gown, Osmanthus Oolong and several others too really. Just have never gotten around to purchasing samples.

    I’m in Finland.

  • Suzanne says:

    I like the review! Loved the visual pictures. Oakmoss. Music to my ears! Its been missing out of compositions for so long..glad its back with a vengeance! My favorite Cocoa Tuberose Providence Perfume Co id Cocoa Tuberose. I bet heart od darkness is fabulous. Hope to try it.

  • concertslover says:

    I don’t know why, but I felt while reading as if this reminded me much of the irish/scotland moor areas with fog rolling in. Probably the moss notes included, those along with the vetiver and especially the coffee seems like a possible winning combo. Love to try this out.
    From the USA, so the 1.7 is fine.

  • Dubaiscents says:

    This scent sounds amazing from the description as “a fearsome fourege” and i love to hear when natural scents last a long time, disproving the stereotype that they never last. I would love to try this one! I live in the UAE.

  • teresa310 says:

    I love the poem, the notes, the review – everything about this fragrance appears to be beautiful and fascinating. I’d love to experience a bit of this woodland magic.

    (EU)

  • cardinalmind says:

    I like the combination of his perceived journey through the scent and the right poem to end it. Considering the current regulation for Oakmoss this might be one of my last chances to get a long lasting perfume that can tell me a story similar to your journey for hours. From the US.

  • Greg Sh says:

    Amazing review! This one definitely sounds warm and dark. Something about it makes me think of a seductive woman in a long, black dress. Thank you for the draw and I’m in Canada

  • kbutler says:

    This review read like a chapter of a good dark fiction book. I could see Mr Gaiman wearing this fragrance himself. I’m intrigued as I know this will give off a presence unlike anyone in the room. I’m a huge fan of fougère and this one has my motor running. I’m from not-so-sunny anymore Southern California.

  • Filip__ says:

    “A fearsome kind of fougère” sounds like nothing I have smelled before, so I am more than interested! Never tried Providence Perfume and this fragrance would be a great start. Thank you for the draw. I’m in the EU.

  • aire says:

    I usually wear “brighter” and less mysterious fragrances, but there is something in Heart of Darkness that attracts me and speaks to my imagination. I liked the pictures, especially the one with a girl’s face – expressionless, but so full of meanings!

    I live in Europe, thank you for the draw.

  • echinacea says:

    I like scents of the forest and this is just amazing: “The mosses, cedarwood, lavender and nutmeg combine with patchouli to create a fearsome kind of fougère – focused, raw and edgy. This startling opening exhales to reveal a core of humus and the comforting scent of espresso. Heart of Darkness is so powerful and long lasting, that it defies ablutions and clings to skin and clothing for hours.” What can I say, I have to try this beauty. I live in the EU, thanks for the draw.

  • L.Small says:

    I would loooove to win this! I loved the whole review! But the Neruda poem tied in especially well. Beautifully done! I’m in California, USA.

  • sea says:

    Reading the poem and the review I think I could lose myself in that forest and never return. Fabulous!
    Thank you for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • cinnamon tree says:

    Thank you for so great review. Heart of Darkness sounds nothing like Conrad’s novel, its notes are energetic and optimistic (these are, and always will be, my associations with forest). I must try it! I ive in the EU, thanks!

  • Lubulla says:

    I agree with description that dark forest has a smell of humus, fungi, ferns and moss. Wet forest with the old trees decaying in standing swamps. Never been in the rainforest. But been in our old forests and they are really dark. Thanks for the review. I am in EU and I would like to enter this draw.

  • Miss Almond says:

    Beautiful review. I think the addition of espresso to moss, lavender and cedar notes is a brilliant idea and makes this forest more metaphorical, promising a new and surprising experience. I’m in Europe and I have never tried Providence fragrances yet.