Ormonde Jayne Xi’an (Linda Pilkington) + The Route to Tranquility Giveaway

Ormonde Jayne Xi'an

Image of Ormonde Jayne Xi’an by Karl©

Ormonde Jayne Xi’an is a fragrance that I recently discovered, and I am delighted to share my thoughts on this mesmerizing scent. Xi’an is a true testament to the exceptional artistry of the founder and perfumer, Linda Pilkington. It is one of the seven fragrances launched in November 2020 in celebration of Ormonde Jayne’s 20th Anniversary) in the collection “Le Route De La Soie, inspired by the beauty and glory of the ancient Silk Route.

 sculptures in Xi’an via wikipedia

 Xi’an is one of the Chinese Four Great Ancient Capital, and was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Today, it is a cultural center with a population of 12,005,600 people! When I first tried Ormonde Jayne Xi’an, I was immediately struck by its ability to transport me to a different place …a place of calm and tranquility, far from teeming crowds. It is hypnotic, meditative, and soulful, all at the same time. Xi’an captures the essence of serenity and mindfulness, making it the perfect perfumed companion for anyone who wants to feel centered.

best meditative scents

Image of Sunset Yoga by Unsplash.

The amberesque scent is a wonderful blend of nutmeg, rhubarb, musk, and sandalwood. These ingredients work together to create a fragrance that is both warm and soothing. The nutmeg adds a subtle spicy note, while the rhubarb brings a touch of tartness. The musk and sandalwood provide a base that is earthy and grounding, creating a sense of rootedness that is essential for any meditative practice. What I love most about Ormonde Jayne Xi’an is its ability to evoke a sense of mindfulness. The fragrance is like a gentle reminder to slow down, take a deep breath, and be present in the moment. Xi’an encourages self-reflection and introspection, allowing you to connect with your inner self and find peace in the midst of chaos.

Linda Pilkington of Ormonde Jayne

Image of Linda Pilkington courtesy of Ormonde Jayne.

For me, the true beauty of Xi’an lies in its ability to create a sense of quietude. It is a fragrance that is both soothing and uplifting which is much needed in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you wear it during meditation, yoga, or simply throughout your day, Ormonde Jayne Xi’an is the route to tranquility and will connect you to your inner self.

I commend Linda Pilkington and her team for creating such a beautiful fragrance, and I am excited to see what she launches next.

Notes: Black pepper, nutmeg, cedarwood, rhubarb, musk, Indian sandalwood.

Disclaimer bottle of Ormonde Jayne Xi’an sent to Karl for review purposes, his opinions are his own

Karl Topham, Senior Editor and U.K Ambassador

 

Ormonde Jayne Xi'an 2020

Image of Ormonde Jayne Xi’an courtesy of the brand.

Thanks to the generosity of Ormonde Jayne, we have a 50ml bottle of Xi’an for one registered reader in the USA or UK ONLY. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what intrigues you most based on Karl’s review and where you live. What is your favourite Ormonde Jayne Draw closes 5/22/23.

Please read Michelyn’s article on Linda Pilkington in her Creative Directors series here.

Nicoleta review of Tanger and Olya’s review for Levant

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @karl.topham @ormondejayne

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52 comments

  • ianbradleyandrews says:

    I love the comment about the scent evoking mindfulness. I’d love to win this. I live in Indiana.

  • lillian33 says:

    I love rhubarb in fragrances. I think I would really enjoy. Would love to win. From Ct USA

  • Billie says:

    I had no idea that Ormonde Jayne is 23 yrs old. Few niche brands of their quality can survive. Never tried Xi’an but Karl really gets across that this is ambery and woodsy and grounding. Enjoyed learning about the Silk Route in general too. I definitely could use a scented reminder to slow down.
    My favorite Ormonde Jayne is OG Ormonde Man. I have the older glass bottle with the design on it. I also own OG Tolu.
    Uk

  • Maryjean says:

    Love the story behind this Fragrance. Karl said Ormonde Jayne Xi’an is the route to tranquility and will connect you to your inner self. Sounds perfect in this fast pace world. Thank you for this Chance USA

  • liquidasset77 says:

    classic, classy and meditative….provocative! This scent sounds like my signature. Michigan USA

  • sjmin209 says:

    I’m very interested to find out how the rhubarb plays in all of this. I’ve found it to be a surprising ingredient in the past, but also somewhat hit-or-miss. This sounds intriguing. OJ Man has been my favorite thus far. In the USA.

  • mmerline says:

    I love a good rhubarb note, so that struck me immediately upon reading about Ormonde Jayne Xi’an, though I don’t think I’ve tried a perfume that uses it in the context of a warm sandalwood amber. I’m curious about the spicy pepper and nutmeg aspects of this fragrance as well. Sounds wonderful.

    I’m in the USA. I haven’t tried any Ormonde Jayne perfumes.

  • Arron_Q says:

    I love Ormonde Jayne scents, they all share an effervescent DNA that just evokes class. They smell rich. I am a fan of their hit Montobaco but also like Ambre Royal and Ormondee Man. Xi’an sounds lovely. I love nutmeg in fragrances but it is so often drowned out by cinnamon, clove or other spices. I am happy that it has a chance to shine through in this one. The rhubarb also has me intrigued as I do not think I have smelled it in a fragrance before. I live in NC, USA.

  • INYA says:

    Xi’an does sound like a calming scent. The notes of rhubarb and nutmeg piqued my interest. My favorite Ormonde Jayne fragrance is Tolu. Thanks for another wonderful review and draw. Mich USA

  • soviz says:

    I’m intrigued by the serenity and tranquillity that Karl focuses on in his review, and the way it references a specific city! I am located in New York, USA.

  • chki says:

    Karl saying how grounding and calming the scent is. Slowing things down – is something especially important nowadays with the past few years. A six note fragrance with Ancient China and the Silk Road as the inspiration … could be quite magical. US-CA.

  • FC says:

    Ormonde Jayne Xi’an is inspired one of the ancient capitals of China and it seems to evoke Chinese cultural feel. It makes use of nutmeg to add spice and rhubarb to add tartness. It has a meditative feel. My favorite from Ormonde Jayne is Ormonde Woman. I am in US.

  • Steve A says:

    Intrigued to find out how this fragrance is like a gentle reminder to slow down. I like Orris Noir. US

  • Amaziz89 says:

    For me, the true beauty of Xi’an lies in its ability to create a sense of quietude. It is a fragrance that is both soothing and uplifting which is much needed in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you wear it during meditation, yoga, or simply throughout your day, Ormonde Jayne Xi’an is the route to tranquility and will connect you to your inner self.

    I commend Linda Pilkington and her team for creating such a beautiful fragrance, and I am excited to see what she launches next.

    Notes: Black pepper, nutmeg, cedarwood, rhubarb, musk, Indian sandalwood. A beautiful description by Karl I am particularly intrigued by the notes Black Pepper, Sandalwood and nutmeg. Ormonde Jayne is a special house that holds a special place in my heart just because it was the first house that I discovered outside of the designer realm. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    encourages self-reflection and introspection, allowing you to connect with your inner self and find peace in the midst of chaos. A wonderful piece by Karl I am intrigued by the notes as Karl mentioned the rhubarb, musk, sandalwood and nutmeg create a warm and soothing atmosphere. Thanks a lot from the United Kingdom

  • Jo May says:

    Very interested to read that this scent felt meditative and gave the wearer a sense of space and thoughtfulness, curious to see how it is interpreted through the notes. I love rhubarb and and fresh spicy scents and can understand how their piquancy can feel both clarifying and peaceful. I’ve been the proud of owner of both Ormonde Woman and Tolu from Ormonde Jayne, which I have loved. In the US.

  • TravisO says:

    I’am a huge fan of Eau de rhubarbe by Hermes. Only problem is this does not have any longevity. Xi’an sounds like a Rhubarb that has to have the longevity during the long meditation it take to do yoga. I never wear anything during yoga sessions but this could be one to try.

    Thanks for the giveaway from the USA

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I love the note of rhubarb in fragrances. This one sounds interesting to me. I like the way that it was able create a sense of quietude and mindfulness. I live in Maryland USA.

  • Zoe K says:

    I adore nutmeg as a note – I find it very warm and soothing (currently satisfied my bottle of sadly discontinued Oud Grandeur). The description of this as a source of peace and mindfulness sounds so appealing. I struggle with my mental health and can certainly imagine myself reaching for this when I need some grounding relief from fighting with my own brain. I’m also intrigued by the tartness Karl mentions and how that will sit with the nutmeg.
    I haven’t had a chance yet to sample much Ormonde Jayne – only Evernia, which was wonderful – and would love to try more. I’m in the UK.

  • Ken White says:

    Sometimes I wear fragrances for others around me to enjoy or to attract people near me. Other times this, “It is a fragrance that is both soothing and uplifting which is much needed in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you wear it during meditation, yoga, or simply throughout your day, Ormonde Jayne Xi’an is the route to tranquility and will connect you to your inner self.”
    New Jersey, USA

  • rmsssss says:

    I love how Karl described Xi’an as serene and transportive. Sounds exactly like what I need right now! Not to mention that I love a nutmeg note, which is rare to find. My favorite from Ormonde Jayne is the gorgeous Ormonde Woman. I’m in MN, USA and would love to win!

  • castlemicro says:

    Hello from Florida, and thanks to Karl for the review!
    It’s wonderful when a scent is able to evoke a sense of place, and it sounds like Xi’an really delivers in that regard.

  • TIMOFTE says:

    Lately I heard this “mindfulness” word soooo many times….I am really curious about this Ormonde Jayne Xi’an…it might be like: “and now…..BREATHE!”
    I live in London, UK and I have no Ormonde Jayne favorite….yet.

  • chrisskins says:

    Nutmeg Mama here. If this fragrance opens the door to even 10 mins of relaxation, it’s well worth it. I’d spray the whole family, including wee ones, on all major holidays. I have several Ormonde Jayne fragrances and they are beautiful inside and out. Karl has made this one a must-sniff. I live in NY.

  • RonaldProkes17 says:

    I love how Karl described the scent as being able to evoke a sense of ‘quietude’ I had never heard that and would love to try how Ormonde Jane have achieved it. I also have never tried a perfume with rhubarb in it, but the smell of actual rhubarb takes me back to my childhood home when my grandmother and mother used to grow it.
    California, USA.

  • yana says:

    I’m interested in how the scent evokes a sense of quietude, something very much needed in today’s world. Also the notes are appealing, teaming rhubarb with spices and woods sounds delightful. My favourite Ormonde Jayne is Frangipani. I’m in the UK

  • tooka81 says:

    I love the notes and how Karl pinpoints the tranquilness that this fragrance captures and invokes for the wearer. Being able to wear tranquil fragrances is so nice to have in this chaotic world. I live in the USA,

  • Trinity33 says:

    Rhubarb is a favorite fruit note in fragrances for me. I have an Amouage perfume in my spring rotation that features a prominent rhubarb scent. I like the combination with ambery spices and woods in Xi’an to evoke the Silk Road and sense of tranquility. Favorite OJ is Woman. MD, USA.

  • theo20 says:

    I’ve never had a sandalwood fragrance I didn’t love, Samsara being one of them. Ormonde Jayne is another frag I’d like to add to my collection.

    U S.

  • roblexky says:

    Interesting blend of notes has captured my attention. I do not own any with rhubarb and would love to try this offering. KY/USA. I have not tried any others from the house.

  • Johnmc5000 says:

    Not familiar with this offering from Ormond Jayne.
    It is one of my wife’s favorite houses.
    The notes of amber and nutmeg and black pepper sound very interesting together.
    If it brings a little peace and tranquility for the winner its a winner in my book.
    Oklahoma USA

  • johnmadison says:

    Ormonde Jayne Xi’an presents something very special that I love in fragrance, the ability to center ourselves and offer a vehicle to a meditative state. I love the idea of the combination of nutmeg, rhubarb, musk, and sandalwood, and I can only imagine my nose smelling this amber nectar and being transported to that same place you were. Spicy, tart, and earthy are all things that I would love enveloped by its notes.
    I could use more mindfulness in my life at the moment and I really feel Xi’an could bring me that reminder to take a deep breath and find a place of being present.
    Thank you for the review, Karl. It has me very interested in Xi’an and I would so love to experience this one.
    John – Minnesota, USA

  • cynthmarie says:

    The blend of fruit and spices with musk and sandalwood sound so good. A calming fragrance that has energizing notes like spice peak my interest. Its seems I can’t get enough of meditative and soulful scents. Thank you for the chance to win a bottle. My current favorite is Ormonde Woman. In Tx.

  • Uncle1979 says:

    I never knew the ancient history of Xi’an , and the fact it is one of the Chinese Four Great Ancient Capital .Judging by the sculptures in the article i have to say the meaning is clear , soothing fragrance indeed.
    I relate all fragrances to some sort of food, and Karl Topham made me think being in being in China Xi’an region ,making Rhubarb Coffee Cake With Nutmeg-Pecan Streusel , and sightseeings all day long.
    To me Ormonde Jayne almost equals Ta’if Elixir,smells very, and I mean very similar to a traditional Persian cake with rose, cardamom, saffron, almonds , orange water and dates. It’s called Persian Pavlova cake, but more people know it as Persian Love Cake. Love it , my bottle is almost gone
    Appreciate the review, and the giveaway campaign.
    USA

  • Caliwas says:

    Beautiful review Karl Ormonde Jayne Xi’an )*. What intrigued me of this fragrance is the idea of a scent soothing and uplifting where the wearer can do meditation or yoga. Thanks for the opportunity! GReetings from the USA!

  • IvanVelikov says:

    Xi’an I’m sure is…. everything you don’t expect it tobe , such enigmatic , happy woody and spicy fragrances I enjoy . Obviously it clicked well with Karl, feels like it will click with me too.
    Don’t have a full bottle yet, just samples of Ambre Royal and Tolu , and decant of my favorite Taif.
    Thank you Karl Topham, Ormonde Jayne
    USA

  • RonaldJ says:

    Thanks for the review Karl!

    To me Sandalwood is a soothing, comforting blanket of serenity that eases my mind just as you decribed in your review.
    I often find myself wearing Sandalwood fragrances when I feel stressed or as a little pick-me-up.
    This sounds like the perfect self-care fragrances for when I need a little me-time!

    My favourite Ormonde Jayne fragrance is Ormonde Man. Chypres are my signature scents and Ormonde Man is definitely one of my favourites!

    Greetings from the UK!

  • Regis Monkton says:

    Within the past few years, I first heard about Ormonde Jayne, and I’ve been wanting to try something from them since then, but I haven’t had a chance to yet. I’m very intrigued to try “Xi’an” for multiple reasons, e.g. when Karl mentions “its ability to create a sense of quietude. It is a fragrance that is both soothing and uplifting”. I’m under the impression that it would be an interesting kind of ambery fragrance. I live in the U.S.A.

  • petergigov says:

    No matter the more current reviews , and sampling , Ormonde Jayne I will always relate to Cafleurebon and Dana Sandu first.
    Ormonde Jayne Royal Elixir review a few years ago, and my decision to buy it just because I liked the review changed my mind about blind buying.
    Now i have way more experience with fragrances, but back then I was shocked how different Royal Elixir smells to me, compared to how Dana depicted the scent. No blind buys for me anymore, I learned my lesson, luckily for me in a good way because I absolutely love Royal Elixir
    Xi’an i’ll try , I wonder what I’ll get from it, quality joyous and relaxing woody Spring and Summer fragrance , with remnants of ancient Chinese culture , or something else
    Exciting giveaway,USA
    Regards

  • selkienorr says:

    I tend to favour amber and spicy perfumes, as I find them calming yet inspiring, so this one is calling my name. I’m curious to know more about the rest of the collection, too – this is the first I’ve heard of it. The Silk Route really does sound like a great inspiration for fragrances…
    I’m most intrigued by the Xi’an’s ability to evoke a sense of calm and tranquillity – I absolutely love that in a perfume.
    I’ve previously sampled Nawab of Oudh, which I liked a lot.
    I live in the UK

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    Thank you Karl for an in-depth review. Xi’an brings serenity and relaxation to mind. My wife and I had the grandchildren over this past weekend. This would have been a wonderful time for us to get our noses (and inner selves) on this creation 🙂
    Nutmeg does hold a special place in my olfactory heart. Looking forward to relaxing journey this OJ fragrance has to offer.
    USA

  • WaltherP99 says:

    I’ve been a Linda Pilkington fan for a long , long time , a fighter and a dreamer at once.
    I know not all, but most of Ormonde Jayne fragrances, and if I have to rate my favorite ones depending on the mood
    1. Frangipani Made to Measure
    2. Ta’if Elixir
    3. Tolu /Montabaco Verano
    Like Karl said Xi’an is mediative woody and spicy fragrance, and personally I get a bit of incense lurking in the background.
    All profiles I already follow , @waltherp99bg
    USA

  • Gig84 says:

    Comfortable high quality fragrances I adore , sunny Spring timelessness is what I’m thinking right now thanks to Karl Topham , Xi’an is what I need for such occasions.
    From the Ormonde Jayne perfumes I’ve smelled Tolu and Vanille d’Iris are my favorites.
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • JulieeCee says:

    I’m excited to try a perfume that evokes a sense of “mindfulness,” as Karl says. The spicy & warm notes of the Silk Road sound wonderful and unique.
    In Maryland, U.S.A.

  • Phillip_Barkley says:

    Greetings again
    I think Xi’an is the area where the Theracotta Army was found, correct?
    Ormonde Jayne fragrances are available at Jovoy Paris, Xi’an i actually smelled last week and if my memory serves me right the way Mr Topham pictured it is the way I perceive it, very spicy , woody and tangy.
    N1 Ormonde Jayne is Ormonde Man
    Thank you, American living in Paris France

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    The soft Chinese melody echoing in my ears , like a song with rhubarb, nutmeg , and creamy sandalwood , i’m eager to try Xi’an
    As for Ormonde Jayne fragrances , I told the story multiple times , but I’ll do it again, I had Tolu back in 2014 , but my younger cousin broke dropped it from the second floor of the house , and everything shattered.
    Tolu is still my favorite after all this time. The bigger 120ml bottle is back in my collection
    Thank you for the opportunity
    USA

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    What intrigued me most was when she said. “When I first tried Ormonde Jayne Xi’an, I was immediately struck by its ability to transport me to a different place … It is hypnotic, meditative, and soulful, all at the same time.” Sounds good to me.

  • Michael Prince says:

    What intrigues me based on Karl’s review of Ormonde Jayne Xi’an is learning more about this amazing brand. Linda Pilkington founder and perfumer of Ormonde Jayne is one of
    Ormonde Jayne’s 20th Anniversary) in the collection “Le Route De La Soie, inspired by the beauty and glory of the ancient Silk Route. Xi’an is one of the Chinese Four Great Ancient Capital, and was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Today, it is a cultural center with a population of 12,005,600 people. Karl describes it as a calm meditative and woody fragrance that I would love to try. My favorite Ormonde Jayne fragrance is Ormonde Jayne Man. I am from the USA.

  • Maestro says:

    Karl’s description particularly caught my attention, especially the combination of Black Pepper, Sandalwood, and Nutmeg notes. Ormonde Jayne holds a special place in my heart, not only because of their exceptional designs but also because they were the first fragrance house I discovered outside of the perfume realm. I admire the ability of Xi’an to evoke a sense of calmness, which I find to be its true beauty. In today’s fast-paced world, where tranquility is much needed, the fragrance acts as a soothing and uplifting presence. Whether you choose to wear it during moments of meditation, yoga, or simply throughout your day, Ormonde Jayne Xi’an is a pathway to the serenity that helps you connect with your inner self.
    I want to express my appreciation to Linda Pilkington and her team for creating such a captivating fragrance, and I eagerly anticipate their future releases.
    Thank you so much from Florida, US

  • liquidasset77 says:

    the classiest and most distinguished perfume house in my humble opinion. I would love to smell this on skin and in the air of my surroundings. Michigan USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the neat review on this fragrance Karl. This is a really interesting set of notes, one that I would not have expected to go together.
    Indian Sandalwood has been known for its meditative qualities, so combining this with rhubarb, black pepper and nutmeg is truly an interesting idea.

    Would love to sniff this, as I’ve not smelt this brand before.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Lovely review! What intrigues me most based on Karl’s review is learning that Ormonde Jayne Xi’an blends the unusual and very striking ingredient of tart earthy rhubarb with the more usual warm ambery-woody suspects of musk, sandalwood and spices such as nutmeg. I rarely see rhubarb in fragrances but when I do I always appreciate them! So I would definitely like to try this one!

    I live in the US. My favourite Ormonde Jayne is Nawab of Oudh