Parfums Artimique Shower and Smoke (Cristiano Canali) 2023 + Breathless Giveaway

Parfums Artimique Shower and Smoke

Parfums Artimique Shower and Smoke courtesy of Parfums Artimique

Parfums Artimique is a new independent perfume house from in Venice  which debuted in 2023. Sara Marzocchini, the founder and creative mind behind Parfums Artimique, created a fusion of her two loves, art and chemistry, (art + chimique), embarking on a new venture in the world of fragrance. With her background in chemistry and a passion for the art of perfumery, Sara in collaboration with perfumer Cristiano Canali has delivered to us a stunning first collection, Shower & Smoke, Coconut Blanket and Jasmine Gyokuro, a trio of exquisite fragrances that are both distinctive and effortlessly wearable. Parfums Artimique was one of those magical discoveries; I received this trio of samples with another perfume order from Sainte Cellier and online boutique based in the UK and run by former ÇaFleureBon contributor Brooke Belldon. Sainte Cellier has a beautifully considered and curated selection of perfumes, so I knew I was in for a treat when this trio arrived.

Sara Marzocchini of Parfums Artimique

Sara Marzocchini Parfums Artimique founder courtesy of the brand

Parfums Artimique Shower & Smoke beams with a radiant aura of sunny citruses, delicately seasoned with a touch of black pepper, creating a vibrant effervescent effect that feels like the warm rays of light caressing your skin. Shower and Smoke is packed full of a tantalizing array of thirst-quenching juicy oranges and pink grapefruit, evoking a fresh sensation akin to stepping out of a revitalizing shower. The air is filled with the scent of a luxurious shower gel, its essence collected in moist citrus droplets, intermingling with the lingering aroma of the night before as a gentle smokiness rises up. While I typically shy away from perfumes that mimic the scent of shower gels, Bleu de Chanel comes to mind, Shower and Smoke transcends expectations, exuding a complexity, elegance, and thoughtfulness that makes this composition deeply interesting almost like its part of its mise-en-scène as a tale unfolds. Shower and Smoke’s citrus notes are truly stunning, exuding a remarkable freshness and succulent juiciness that tantalizes the senses. The use of citruses with bitter greens has a contemporary classical Italian feel that’s conjuring images for me from Michelangelo Antonioni film L’Avventura.

Michelangelo Antonioni

Still from Michelangelo Antonioni’s film L’avventura image from Criterion

The addition of cardamom and ginger adds depth to the citrus accord, while a creamy undertone imparts a smoothness that retains a subtle ruggedness from the black pepper. These delicately spiced aromatics infuse the composition with verdant undertones, harmonizing with the fresh citruses and tangy greens of neroli. Pink grapefruit takes centre stage in the citrus symphony, imparting a cool, tart and invigorating quality, while cedar and guaiac wood tease out soft, blonde woody facets that smoulder like incense, like gentle memories of the night before returning as you gently towel off.

The air is filled with a captivating aroma, as the harmonious blend of woods, citruses, and aromatic essences creates a delicate, yet invigorating musky haze. A subtle hint of smoky vetiver lingers beneath, adding a touch of sophistication to Shower and Smoke. The vibrant greens of fresh herbs cut through the fragrance, evoking memories of the previous night. The citruses still effervesce, but now with an herbal and intoxicating allure. The scent of absinthe or herbal liquor haunts the air, intertwining with the ghost of the aroma of a freshly smoked cigarette, creating an atmosphere that is both sensually enticing and intimately captivating. While I do not want to promote smoking, I must admit that the scent of a freshly smoked light blonde tobacco cigarette leaves a gentle and alluring musky haze on the fingers and lips of the smoker, far from the unpleasant staleness that lingers days after. This seductive whisper transports me back to nights spent in clubs, where the scent of cigarette smoke was an integral part of the ambiance. It also making me think of another film, this time it’s Jean Luc Goddard’s Breathless, it conjures that clean and smoke combination feeling effortlessly sexy.

breathless Jean Luc Goddard

Stills from Jean Luc Goddard’s Breathless image from Criterion

It is a soft and delicate smoke, reminiscent of fine paper, soft wood and dry tobacco, with a gentle amber undertone, akin to the scent of a newly opened pack of cigarettes, but much more. There is something undeniably sexy and sensual about the way this soft musky glow, it intertwines, like soft silk melding with the skin and perfume, leaving a taste on the lips and fingers of another. This clean woody aromatic haze that triggers memoires for me and the way it’s cleverly paired and captured here in Shower and Smoke, playing off the fresh shower feel the morning after is reminiscent of how that scent of cigarettes haunts your body, little traces whisper of the night before like swollen lips form intense kisses. The citruses exude an electric excitement, while the gentle and sensually smoky undertone lingers like an unforgettable memory. Shower and Smoke embodies freshness and cleanliness, yet it exudes just enough smoke and musk to evoke a seductive allure, darkening the composition late in the dry down.

Cristiano Canali composed Parfums Artimique Shower and Smoke

Perfumer Cristiano Canali

Shower and Smoke, like the rest of the trio of releases from Parfums Artimique is very easy to wear; yet with enough complexity to keep the more than average fumehead very interested. I’m not sure what magic Cristiano Canali did, but for a fresh perfume the citrus notes linger right though till you yourself shower. It’s a perfume that stayed with me too, something about it has captured my imagination; that pairing of fresh and just a whisper of sensual smoke just works for me in a way I can’t explain, it’s addictive. From exploring the website you get the feeling of perfumes created by people that are lovers of perfume and also the raw materials that go into them, it feels like there’s lots of care and attention given to their perfumes. This is one house I’m very excited to watch blossom.

Notes: Pink grapefruit, Italian red mandarin, sweet orange, ginger, neroli, green cardamom, Virginia cedar wood, vetiver and guaiac wood.

Disclaimer: Review is based on a sample from my own collection. Thoughts and nose are my own

Senior Contributor, J Wearescentient is an artist and olfactive writer.

 

Artimique Shower & Smoke

Parfums Artimique Shower and Smoke by J.

Thanks to the generosity of Parfums Artimique we have a draw for one 50ml bottle of Shower and Smoke for one registered reader in the US, UK or EU. To be eligible, please leave a comment about what appealed to you about J Wearescentient’s review and where you live. Giveaway closes 12/19/2023

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @wearescentient @parfums_artimique @sainte.cellier

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45 comments

  • Jeremi says:

    The description of fresh and sensual smoke really appealed to me. I love smoky notes they’re really fascinating! I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I like the lingering citrus notes and the whisper of smoke. The bottle looks great, and the notes are appealing too. I live in Maryland USA.

  • Eg6964 says:

    As a lover smokey fragrances, reading this review made me excited to try Shower and Smoke. The review’s description of the citrus and guaiac notes further reinforce my desire to try this fragrance. I live in CT, US.

  • SocialQus says:

    He had once he said guaiac wood. I’m a guaiac wood lover. The beautiful incense smell it gives fragrances really take me to my childhood growing up and my dad taking me to an Afrocentric barbershop. There was always incense burning. Which in turn translated to my single days when I was tryna impress those that came to visit. I can’t wait to get my nose on this fragrance.

  • philippsi says:

    Never tried this brand before and I love that J Wearescentient’s review shows nuanced layers of Shower & Smoke fragrance, the fresh citrus notes with a sensually smoky undertone must be a great combination. Truly this description makes this fragrance become an art form!

    I am from the EU

  • Esther says:

    Thank you for the review and the opportunity to get acquainted with these 3 perfumes.
    I’m a lover of citrus and wood in perfumes and always looking for the perfect combination of those in a perfume.
    What appealed me most about the review was the sentence “ the harmonious blend of woods, citruses, and aromatic essences creates a delicate, yet invigorating musky haze”
    And the fact that this is an independent new perfume house makes it even more interesting for me to explore Parfums Artimique further.
    I live in the Netherlands

  • Amaziz89 says:

    lots of care and attention given to their perfumes. This is one house I’m very excited to watch blossom.

    Notes: Pink grapefruit, Italian red mandarin, sweet orange, ginger, neroli, green cardamom, Virginia cedar wood, vetiver and guaiac wood. I am intrigued by the notes especially Vetiver, Guaiac Wood and Cardamom in particular and the fact the perfumer makes citrus notes linger just shows the magic of the perfumer. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    whisper of the night before like swollen lips form intense kisses. The citruses exude an electric excitement, while the gentle and sensually smoky undertone lingers like an unforgettable memory. Shower and Smoke embodies freshness and cleanliness, yet it exudes just enough smoke and musk to evoke a seductive allure, darkening the composition late in the dry down. A beautiful description really fascinated by this house and notes sound great. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • zazazelle says:

    I have never heard of this perfume house before, thank you for describing Shower and Smoke in details. I am interested in radiant and joyful citrus notes, but guaiac base also sounds appealing.
    “Radiant aura of sunny citruses, delicately seasoned with a touch of black pepper, creating a vibrant effervescent effect that feels like the warm rays of light caressing your skin.”
    Sign me in your giveaway, I live in the EU!

  • dagod44 says:

    Beautiful bottle, interesting name, and intriguing note breakdown. I love new and small houses because of the attention to detail put into every bottle.

  • Helene says:

    I am looking forward to trying this fragrance. The notes are very much what I like and are interesting in combination.

    Excited about this.

  • aurora_ru says:

    Shower&Smoke, hmm, interesting contrast. I guess, it is not really the smoke, but the foggy smokiness of the guaiac.. And the shower “tantalizing array of thirst-quenching juicy oranges and pink grapefruit, evoking a fresh sensation”, sounds great for me as a citrus lover. I like how the pictures are full of light, i can feel the fresh cool wind and i hope the fragrance gives that feeling, too.
    I am from the EU, thank you for the giveaway!

  • Ken White says:

    The depiction of a fresh and sensual smoke caught my attention. I’ve always had a fondness for smoky notes. Back when I used to smoke, I’d take in the scent of a freshly opened pack. The review’s mention of citrus and guaiac notes has fueled my interest even more in trying out this fragrance. New Jersey, USA

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    I have never smoked but I did probably catch enough second-hand as a child that I get the secnt references J. made. This offering seems like an intriguing mix of clean shower gel and smoky essence. I’d enjoy adding this to my collection. Appreciate the generosity of the giveaway. Many blessings from Virginia, USA!

  • Steve A says:

    A very unique sounding fragrance. A very inviting description, one that really makes me want to smell this. US

  • Timea says:

    The perfume bottle look beautiful as well. And the perfume itself sounds amazing from the base of the review and the notes. Thank you very much for the draw. I’m from Europe.

  • womaningold says:

    Interesting, never had the opportunity to test it or smell it. I am interested.
    Thank you!
    USA

  • Frank G says:

    I enjoyed how the perfume is described as that out of the shower revitalizing feel coupled with the sensual smokiness from the vetiver. Citrus notes tend to fizzle out pretty quick in the top, so the fact that the citruses used here linger for a while sounds amazing. Thank you for the opportunity. New York, USA.

  • gggg says:

    I love citrus-based scents with an edge, so this sounds right up my alley! Thank you for offering the giveaway.
    I live in the UK.

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I’d like to try something from Parfums Artimique, and “Shower & Smoke” sounds good to me. I think J’s review was a good description of what the fragrance is like. I liked this part about it: “Pink grapefruit takes centre stage in the citrus symphony, imparting a cool, tart and invigorating quality, while cedar and guaiac wood tease out soft, blonde woody facets that smoulder like incense, like gentle memories of the night before returning as you gently towel off.” I thought that the smokiness would come from the woods aspect of it. I live in the U.S.A.

  • Salem says:

    Loved Wearescentient’s article, with its personal and poetic description and several cinematic references.
    Shower and Smoke sounds so simple and impressive at the same time – a citrus which lasts until the shower, a subtle blond tobacco note and depth given by ginger and cardamom. All classic notes in a classic combination, and sometimes that’s all one needs.
    Commenting from the EU.

  • castlemicro says:

    Hello from Florida, and thank you to J for the review!

    Shower & Smoke sounds like such an intriguing combination of fresh notes and deeper, more rugged notes. I’d love to give it a try!

  • skye says:

    It’s an interesting mix of notes; citrus and smoke, reminding me of charred orange I add to my negroni. I appreciate the inclusion of cardamom and guaiac wood as well. I enjoy the sophisticated spicy notes these two impart. I’ve not heard of Parfums Artimique before. Thank you for the introduction. I’m in MD, USA.

  • Teresa C says:

    Sounds like memory lane! I smoked for years before quitting gor health, and love the idea of cleaness wih fresh tobacco smoke! I live in the US.

  • cnii says:

    Ok, I don’t want to encourage smoking either: I don’t smoke and never have. That said…I am a sucker for a perfume that claims to hint at cigarettes. Shower and Smoke sounds like just such a perfume and I would loooooove to smell it. Thanks to J for this romantic review, and to Parfums Artimique for this giveaway!
    I’m in WV, USA

  • karolinab023 says:

    This reviews really captured my imagination. I’m a big fan of citrus and fresh green smells, the review regally made me wondering and intrigued how this fragrance citrus notes would blend with smoky notes. Thank you introducing us to new fragrance house.
    I’m based in EU.

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    I enjoy citrus scents and vetiver scents…and I really enjoy a citrusy, smoky, vetiver fragrance that has good performance. This sounds quite addictive with the notes listed. Simply complex has captured my attention per J Wearescentient’s review.
    USA

  • Shibuichi2000 says:

    Before reading the review, the name of the fragrance quickly made me think about a fire extinguished by rain.
    But the notes pyramid of Shower and Smoke promise to deliver something more cheerful than that
    I’m in EU.

  • Danu Seith-Fyr says:

    Dear J, thank you once again for a fabulous read, I know very little of Parfums Artimique, but you have certainly engaged my interest to delve further. I am also a huge supporter of Cristiano Canali’s work. Showers and Smoke unfolds an array of marvellous components, sensual yet fresh and airy laden musk and smoke. I would love to explore it further. Thank you again.

  • psebi101 says:

    I like citrus notes and by your review, this seems to be an amazing citrus opening. The smoke part seems to come from the vetiver and tobacco (though not listed in the notes) and I love vetiver. Honestly this seems like a no brainer to me, must smell very good.
    I’m in the EU.

  • mmerline says:

    Excellent, detailed review, J. The combination of clean shower-gel smell with the tang of smoke is an interesting juxtaposition. It sounds like Canali balanced it perfectly in this Parfums Artimique fragrance, playing up the woody aromatic aspects of the smoke, and limiting the strength of that accord so it doesn’t overwhelm the juicy citrus and bitter green notes. Shower and Smoke also sounds like it has better staying power than most citrus perfumes. I’d love to try it.

    I’m in the USA.

  • Scentofme says:

    Artimique is a new interesting perfume house and I would like to test it. Shower and Smoke is packed full of a tantalizing array of thirst-quenching juicy oranges and pink grapefruit, and it is also filled with the scent of a luxurious shower gel, and smoke. Sounds like a great combination. Greetings from EU.

  • olgAPOISON says:

    I looove this combination of notes. This seems very intriguing. Blood orange, neroli, yay! Im from eu

  • mleenstra says:

    Thank you for this review of the artimique fragrances! These are high on my wish list from Sainte Cellier as well.
    Shower and smoke sounds great as this easy to wear clean fragrance with a little bit of edgy “dirtiness” in this case the smoke. Marit UK

  • MatthewKeilwitz says:

    Sounds lascivious and indulgent. Clean, yet spicy, lewd, and lusty. Evokes imagery of a time and place when simple things like skin and smiles meant just a little bit more.

    FL, USA

  • wandering_nose says:

    I love the combination of approachability and wearability with the sensual aura Slightly nonchalant, effortlessly alluring. J Wearescentient’s references to the new wave movies as that creates a special aura around Shower and Smoke. I love an impression of clean tobacco in fragrances, whether it comes from the note itself or from a mix of herbal and woody components. Shower and Smoke sounds like a fantastic choice for the days when I don’t want to scream with my fragrant presence but also don’t want to go unnoticed. Thank you from the EU

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the lovely writeup J Wearescentient.

    The note evolution of the fragrances is beautifully illustrated, from the initial burst of citrusy freshness reminiscent of a vibrant morning to the subtle and intoxicating hints of smoke that evoke captivating memories. The intricate details in describing the citrus accords, their vivaciousness, and the sophisticated addition of spices and woods make the fragrance come alive.

    The references to cinematic experiences like Antonioni’s “L’Avventura” and Godard’s “Breathless” add depth and context, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the scent’s atmosphere and allure.

    I have my own fond memories of opening a pack of blonde tobacco cigarettes and taking a deep whiff of that ambery honeyed sweetness, before setting one alight and taking a long drag.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Torax says:

    Great review by J Wearescentient here.
    Parfums Artimique is a lovely discovery I made today. Shower and Smoke is something I will surely love at first smell.
    The juicy oranges and the shower gel vibes, adding the smoky vetiver notes is just glorious. I hope I try this one soon.
    USA here.

  • foreverscents says:

    The citrus notes to suggest stepping out of a shower and then the wood notes to suggest a cigarette sound extremely unique and, I must add, very sexy and sensual. I love J Wearescentient’s allusions to L’avventura and Breathless. Those film references make me think that Shower and Smoke will definitely evoke something haunting and timeless.
    I live in the USA.

  • bobi.boj says:

    Parfums Artimique Shower and Smoke took inspiration from Italian classic citrus cologne , beauty products and movies , but there are also some interesting spins with delicate paper and tobacco.
    I can tell J , the fragrance journalist loves both the Shower and Smoke , and the such style of perfumes .
    Thanks to J for the read , and the giveaway
    From EU