The Three Different Company Perfumes You Should be Wearing + Osmanthus, Oud for Love and Une Nuit Magnifique Draw

 Creative Director Luc Gabriel  of The Different Co. and Co Founder Master Perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena  (photos: TDC)   

How many perfume companies can boast they were co-founded by one of the world’s greatest perfumers? Launched in 2000 by Jean Claude Ellena and Thierry De Baschmakoff, The Different Company (TDC) was formed to create “exceptional fragrances embedded in real works of art … freed from the constraints of costs, from the marketing codes.” Creative Director Luc Gabriel joined them in 2004 “to carry the DNA and the development of the brand."

Osmanthus and Horned Owls (detail), Bairei, 1883 and The Different Co.  Osmanthus (Collection Juste Chic)

The first wave of TDC fragrances were developed by  Jean-Claude Ellena and bear his trademark translucent beauty. Of these, Osmanthus is an early gem. Osmanthus was created to distill a moment of emotion M. Ellena experience during a visit to the Forbidden City in China.

Dream of the Dress Fashion Editorial, photo by Paolo Roversi for Harper's Bazaar China, Dec 2013

An intoxicating bouquet of just-cut apricots pours into the juicy tang of orange citrus fruits in the opening of Osmanthus. Just moments later, sweet tangerine, orange and the bittersweet bite of bergamot lift the osmanthus flower right into the heart of the perfume.  Osmanthus’ unique apricot-oolong tea scent is garlanded by bright leafy greenery. While this is a rather linear perfume, it is a lovely one, where the fresher dimensions of Osmanthus are allowed to sparkle supported by fresh, green hay and light musk. Exotic, calming and wearable everywhere. Notes: osmanthus fragrans (China), leaf green, bergamot, orange, tangerine, rose, rose bay, castoreum, hay, musk

Photo by Elizaveta Porodina and  The Different Company Oud For Love (Collection Excessive)

Oud for Love (2012, Bertrand Duchaufour) is a warm, glowing concoction of whiskey, woods and resins, on which an incredibly smooth, rich oud sits like a gilded figurine in a Faberge egg. It opens with a rich, tipsy fruity top note, like brandied plum. A chorus of spice and woods then rushes in: dusty saffron, woodsy coriander, smoky clove, sandalwood and just the lightest tang of cumin tumble over each. While this should have been fragrance mayhem, all these notes work in perfect harmony with each other. In the middle stage, darker flowers move in, the syrupy immortelle and a deliciously fleshy ylang grab hold of the oud and spice and give them a whirl.

Chanel Iman, photo by Peter Lindbergh, US Harper’s Bazaar, September 2009

If you ever loved and lamented the wonderful Incense from Matthew Williamson (created with perfumer Lyn Harris), Oud for Love is that long-lost beauty after spending two decades singing in smoky dancehalls and jazz bars.  It is rich, dark, densely beautiful and just this side of louche. I adore it. Notes: Whisky, saffron, cumin, coriander, aldehydes, angelica, tuberose, ylang ylang, iris, sandalwood, clove, soft musks, amber, immortelle, Haitian Vetiver, Oud, Castoreum, Heliotrope, Caramelized notes, Tolu

 Your Majesty fashion editorial, photo by Chris Nicholls for Flare Magazine, Dec 2011 and The Different Co. Une Nuit Magnetique (Collection Juste Chic)

Une Nuit Magnetique (2014, Christine Nagel) was designed around the concept of magnetic attraction, with notes chosen to represent opposition and congruity. The purple-sweet smell of blueberry and a glint of bergamot lend a fresh vibrancy to the opening.  Sparkly, sudsy ginger tickles its way into the fruit and the sweet and spicy notes play very nicely together. Next comes some buxom florals: A deep pink rose and narcotic jasmine. Then back to fruit, this time, dark, golden-fleshed plum, as Nuit Magnetique seems to slow in tempo, going deeper, sultrier in tone. As it dries down, Nuit Magnetique lays out a carpet of rich, dense amber and benzoin. The blueberry note slinks back in along with the plum before snuggling down with some light woods and musk. Une Nuit Magnetique is the perfect perfume to wear when contemplating bad behavior in the wee hours. Notes: Ginger, bergamot, blueberry, Egyptian jasmine, Turkish rose, tuberose, plum, benzoin, patchouli, amber, musk and woody notes.

Disclaimer: I received my samples from The Different Company's USA Distributor Amerikas– many thanks. My opinions are my own.

— Lauryn Beer, Editor

Thanks to the generosity of Luc and Sophie Gabriel of the The Different Company, we have a reader’s choice of  a 50 ml bottle of either Oud for Love, Osmanthus or Une Nuit Magnetique for 1 registered reader in the US, EU and Canada. To be eligible, please leave a comment with what appeals to you about Oud for Love, Osmanthus or Une Nuit Magnetique based on Lauryn’s reviews, where you live, which fragrance you would like if you should win and if you have a favorite The Different Company perfume. Draw closes 1/29/2016.

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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55 comments

  • teresa310 says:

    TDC scents was one of the very first non-mainstream brands I discovered and it will always be very close to my heart. I don’t remember what fragrance I liked most at that time but surely Un Perfume de Charmes et Feuilles was a stunning discovery which I will never forget.
    I have tried Osmanthus which I like, but if I am lucky to win, In would choose (blindly) Oud for Love – I am sure I will like the whisky note. Thanks!

    (EU)

  • cardinalmind says:

    This site never fails to give me new targets for purchases. I have been a fan of Mr. JC Ellena’s work for Hermes but I haven’t smelled any of his non-Hermes perfume. From Lauryn’s review I like Une Nuit Magnetique, the attraction of opposites using quite a varied list of ingredients makes me curious of what this smells like.

    I live in California, USA.

  • Maya says:

    I am very fond of TDC perfumes. My favorite is still I Miss Violet. My daughter’s biggest perfume love is Rose Poivree. It fits her in every way and is beautiful! Osmanthus is lovely. Lauryn’s descriptions of the other two made me smile.” Une Nuit Magnetique is the perfect perfume to wear when contemplating bad behavior in the wee hours” and “Oud for Love is that long-lost beauty after spending two decades singing in smoky dancehalls and jazz bars.” I think I’ll go for the smoky dance-halls and jazz bars – Oud for Love. USA.

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    Thanks for the comprehensive reviews, Lauryn! Oud for Love isn’t one I’ve smelled, but it sounds fabulous! I know that some people find oud too intense, but never having smelled it I’m not sure what they mean by that. This sounds wonderful with the notes listed! I am a huge fan of Osmanthus, too – It’s in my top 10 favorite fragrances of all time (possibly even top 5). It’s not new by any means but I’m so happy to see it reviewed here! Near and dear to my heart. So it is that one I would choose… thanks again for the great review! I’m in the USA.

  • ringthing says:

    Oud for love sounds marvelous, especially when it’s described as being Incense after two decades spent singing in smokey dance halls and jazz bars. I lament that I never smelled Matthew Williamson’s Incense, either, but Oud For Love has me at Bertrand Duchafor and that’s the one I would most like to win. Thank you for the draw, I’m in the US.

  • GrandmaGaga says:

    Although I haven’t had the opportunity to try any of these, the review of the Osmanthus fragrance is appealing as that is a scent that I’ve found is difficult to find done very well. Of the two up for the draw, I would love to have the Oud For Love as I really am drawn to incense in fragrances. I am in the US.

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    I am currently exploring ginger fragrances and would love very much the opportunity to experience Une Nuit Magnetique, thank you! I live in the US.

  • BethMongold says:

    Oh…how I love Bertrand Duchaufour. He is my creme de la creme. No one does fruity boozy woody spicy resinous “fragrance mayhem” like he does. I have no doubt that I would be in love with his creation for TDC, and I would prefer to win a bottle of Oud for Love if the draw falls in my favor. As for other TDC perfumes I enjoy, Adjatay is one of my favorites. I am in the US, and many thanks!

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Never tried any fragrance from TDC and this is perfume house I am looking for & wish to buy some of the perfumes, the Lauryn Beer’s reviews for “Oud for Love” intrigued me & the notes are appealing to me as I love dark woody fragrances.
    Thanks to the generosity of Luc and Sophie Gabriel of the The Different Company, and Cafleurebon for the opportunity by letting my relative address in US to participate in the draw.

  • sillage8 says:

    My dream perfume contains a sublime blueberry note, especially one described as one that “slinks ” so Une Nuit Magnetique for me. So far my favorite TDC is Tokyo Bloom. I’m in the USA, thanks for the generous drawing.

  • Greg Sh says:

    I would absolutely love to win Une Nuit Magnetique! All 3 sound great but this one stands out to me the most. I haven’t tried any scents from The Different. I’m in Canada and thanks for the draw

  • marcopietro says:

    What fascinating review! I love all TdC fragrances, I’ve got their Sel de Vetiver and Charme et Feuilles since many years and I wear them with the same great pleasure. I tried the trio reviewed in the article and I am in total agreement with the stunning description of Lauryn. All of them are ingrained by a considerable balanced sense of beauty and quiet refinement.
    Une Nuit Magnetique is my choice.
    Thank you for the draw! I live in the EU.

  • Cynthia says:

    These all sound interesting. I know the Osmanthus perfume has been around for a long time, but I think it is the one I would pick. I like the sound of apricots, oolong tea, and orange. It sounds light and easy to wear. I like heavy perfumes but the sheerness of this sounds appealing. Thank you for the draw. USA.

  • fazalcheema says:

    I have Une Nuit Magnetique and Oud Shamash so I am really intrigued by Oud for Love. It has woody, fruity elements in addition to oudh and it seems a safer and more version oud offering than Oud Shamash. It also helps that it has been compared to Matthew Williamson Incense. My choice will be Oud for Love. I am in the US. My favorite from The Different Company is the first one I bought from this brand which is Bois D’Iris.

  • Su says:

    I have tried a few from TDC and Adjatay is my favorite.
    I am liking the note of oud and it’s different facets. In different fragrances it behaves differently and gives such a depth to the scent profile, dark,mysterious and brooding.

    Oud for Love sounds wonderful and I will certainly like to court this ‘long lost beauty’.

    In USA.

  • doveskylark says:

    “Just this side of louche…” That sounds like me. The ylang ylang note in Oud for Love sounds so sensual. I would love to wear this at night.
    I love the Different Company’s Tokyo Bloom. It really reminds me of springtime in Tokyo.
    I’d choose Oud for Love.
    I live in the USA.

  • andrei.np says:

    rich, dark, dense, with dark flowers? I am in! so Oud for love for me, if I am to be chosen 😀 I have tried only Osmanthus from the brand, but it seemed too feminine at the time 🙂 I live in Romania (EU).

  • Steve A says:

    Based on the review my choice for the draw is the Une Nuit Magnetique. I have enjoyed the notes of blueberry and/or plum in other fragrances. Lauryn has described this as a complex perfume. I’m interested in how the musk in dry down plays out. USA

  • psebi101 says:

    Based on the review and notes, Oud for Love sounds the most exciting out of this trio. I have tried a few from the regular line and my favorite and the one I own is Sel de Vetiver. Thanks for the draw, I live in Europe.

  • Ellen M says:

    What a splendid review! Bertrand Duchaufour is one of my favorite perfumers, and although I’ve never smelled Matthew Williamson’s Incense, Oud for Love sounds like it is something I would adore. That would be my choice. Thank you so much for the draw. I live in the USA.

  • Schrieder says:

    I have rose Poivree and sel a vetiver and would love to win the oud for love as I think it sounds right although nuit magnetique sounds sexy Everything from this house is impressive. I live in Germany

  • Timea says:

    Wonderful review. I very enjoyed to read it. All of these three fragrances are sounds very interesting and nice from the review. I have never had a chance to try any of The Different Company perfume. If I would be the lucky winner, my choice would be Oud for Love. Thank you for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • Donna S says:

    Wow – all 3 perfumes are described beautifully. Each sounds wonderful. It’s hard to pick a favorite. I think the Oud for Love is my #1 pick. Une Nuit Magnetique comes in as a close second. I was on an oud kick about 2 years ago. this Oud seems to develop wonderfully based on the review. thank you for the draw – i’m in the US.

  • Rae Lynn says:

    It’s almost impossible to pick one! Osmanthus, “An intoxicating bouquet of just-cut apricots” sounds perfect. Oud for Love a” warm, glowing concoction of whiskey, woods and resins, on which an incredibly smooth, rich oud sits”-Yum! And, Une Nuit Magnetique, sparkly, sudsy ginger and buxom florals. They all speak to me. I guess my pick would be Osmanthus. Thank you for this draw. I live in the US.

  • irving says:

    I am a fan of Different company, having owed bois d’iris and Osmanthus. Have never tried Une nuit magnetique, athough it sounds magnificent. So it would be my pick. I live in Europe. Thanks for the draw.

  • eleonore says:

    Thank you to TDC and Cafleurebon for this generous draw! I have discovered TDC a couple years ago and became a fan of many of their scents (especially Osmanthus, De Bashmakov and Sublime Balkiss).
    If I had the chance, I would love to win Osmanthus (one of my favorite flowers in fragrance!). It is so representative of Jean-Claude Ellena’s delicate work, and the tea-apricot accord is delightful.
    I live in Europe.

  • Sylvia says:

    I’d love to win the Osthmanthus! I’ve never tried any from this brand. Edits. Thank you for the chance to win such a beautiful perfume!

  • Filip__ says:

    My choice would be Osmanthus because I like this note and there is also hay in this perfume. It must be a wonderful combination.

    My favorite TDC is my girfriend’s Aurore Nomade which I don’t wear myself, but like the way the scent fills the room when she is using it.

    Thank you for the draw. I live in the EU.

  • karo says:

    My favorite from The Different Company is Aurore Nomade. The reviews are awesome. Une Nuit Magnetique souds very appealing to me because of the blueberry in particular. It’s a note I’ve grown very fond of. The accompanyng notes are an added bonus. Especialy the floral rose and jasmine. Plum is another fruit I love. Fruits, berries and zingy/spicy ginger sitting on a woody and amber base sounds amazing. I would choose Une Nuit Magnetique as my bottle and I live in the US. Thank you somuch.

  • echinacea says:

    I haven’t tried any of the fragrances reviewed but Une Nuit Magnetique sounds like something I would love. First, it has a beautiful name. Second, it has plum and blueberry notes which I love. Thanks for so generous draw – I live in the EU.

  • Miss Sunshine says:

    Wow! Great review! All of these sound amazing but I’m dying to try Une Nuit Magnetique because I adore plums and plum note in perfumes.
    I haven’t tried any fragrances from TDC. Thank you for the chance!
    (EU)

  • Ellen says:

    Great post, Lauren! I’m not sure I’d say it’s a “favorite”, but TDC Sel de Vetiver is something that I’ve worn a lot when I want a scent that’s low-profile. Oud for Love sounds like my style – oud, booze, spices, and resins – I’m sure I’d enjoy it. I’m in the US. Thanks for the draw!

  • Patty P. says:

    Lauryn’s description of Oud for Love sold me on that one. With it’s smokey clove and touch of cumin it’s sounds ideal for this time of year. That’s my choice for this draw, thank you. 🙂 U.S.

  • sea says:

    I am so impressed by the review of Oud for Love: “A warm, glowing concoction of whiskey, woods and resins, on which an incredibly smooth, rich oud sits like a gilded figurine in a Faberge egg. It opens with a rich, tipsy fruity top note, like brandied plum. A chorus of spice and woods then rushes in: dusty saffron, woodsy coriander, smoky clove, sandalwood and just the lightest tang of cumin tumble over each. While this should have been fragrance mayhem, all these notes work in perfect harmony with each other.” I love woody and spicy scents and have not tried this fragrance, it must be great. It would be such a joy to try it! Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • nsquared says:

    “Oud for Love” sounds like something I would really fall in love with. Smooth notes like whiskey, resins and oud sound like they would be heavenly mixed with immortelle, which sometimes to me smells of maple syrup. All together it sounds dark and mysterious.

    My favorite scent that I’ve tried so far from The Different Company would be Aurore Nomade. It’s a very interesting spicy fruit and rum creation.

    “Oud for Love” would be my pick for the draw.
    I am in the U.S. Thanks!

  • Iuno Feronia says:

    Thanks for this review of this wonderful perfume house. I like them all but the description of Osmanthus sounds wonderfully – especially in winter time. Apricots,orange citrus fruits, bergamot, osmanthus, this would be my choice.

    I live inthe EU, thanks for this generous draw!

  • tasa says:

    I’ve tried a few TDC creations (and have a couple of full bottles) and am a huge fan. It’s always interesting how differently we all perceive, and describe, fragrance, and these reviews are no exception. I was really intrigued by the discussion of use of blueberry note in Une Nuit Magnetique. I would have expected that kind of a note to be too light and ephemeral to appear anywhere in the development of the fragrance and only to get it in the opening. I’d love to see if I could tease out the blueberry/plum pairing in the dry down.

    Naturally, Une Nuit Magnetique would be my pick. I am in the US.

  • Hootlia says:

    Wow, these all sound wonderful! Osmanthus is one if my favourite florals, but Oud for Love is the one after my heart. It has all of the things I look for in a winter scent, and then some: spices, resins, smoke, and flowers. Lovely! I live in Canada, thank you.

  • concertslover says:

    I concur with several of the above responses, the description of the oud just wants me to try it even more. I have been longing to add an out to my collection, I bought a blind one a few months back but dropped it unpacking it and haven’t had the heart to replace it.

    Oud for Love
    from the USA

  • Pine says:

    My choice would be Osmanthus. It sounds the simplest and yet the most intriguing of the three. My favorite TDC fragrances are Sublime Balkiss and Sel de Vetiver. I live in Poland, EU. Thanks for the draw.

  • Dusk says:

    They all sound great to me and I loved reading these reviews, but Oud for Love especially, so I would love to win that one. You had me at “warm, glowing concoction of whiskey, woods and resins, on which an incredibly smooth, rich oud sits like a gilded figurine in a Faberge egg”! Currently my favorite TDC fragrance is Adjatay because of the lovely play between tuberose and leather, but I haven’t tried many from them. I am in the US.

  • aire says:

    The Different Company offers so many great fragrances! As a rose lover, I like Rose Poivree best and I hope I will find some spicy roses in Une Nuit Magnetique too. And there is also blueberry in it! This must be a lovely scent.

    I live in Europe, thanks for the draw!

  • Miss Almond says:

    I am a big fan of TDC. My favorite is Bois d’Iris and I think Osmanthus would be much this style: delicate, sensual, a little powdery. “Exotic, calming and wearable everywhere” sounds great.
    I live in Europe, thank you so much for the draw.

  • Nat says:

    Thanks for the beautiful review Lauryn! I’d love to sniff Une Nuit Magnetique beacause the list of notes sounds gorgeous.

    I ‘ve never tried any from this perfume house. I live in Europe.

  • Toblerone says:

    Whisky note are one of my favorite gourmands, and when it’s combined with such delicious spices as saffron, clove and coriander, I’m already in love even without trying the perfume. I would pick Oud for Love which sounds fantastic.

    I love several fragrances by TDC, now I own Un Parfum d’Ailleurs et Fleurs and Aurore Nomade. I live in the EU, thanks for your generosity.

  • Lemnada says:

    Maybe it’s because it’s Chinese New Year and as a Chinese-Canadian having just moved to Reims, France – I am feeling nostalgic, missing all the Chinese things of home and my family…

    Osmanthus sounds like it is a beautiful scent with the notes of sweet tangerine and orange – both some of the traditional fortuitous foods of my Chinese heritage! If I were to win, I would love to have this to remind me of my Chinese heritage while I am living in Europe.

    The notes in Osmanthus are complementary to my favorite The Different Company scent – Charmes & Feuilles! I’ve been wearing this scent for years because its green freshness helps give me the energy and drive to pursue all my passions with happiness and charm!

  • Lauryn says:

    Thank you, everyone, for your kind comments. TDC is a house that is really worth getting to know. The quality is consistently high and many of the scents imaginative and quite lovely.

  • openmind says:

    Please enter me for Une Nuit Magnetique. Deep pink rose and narcotic jasmine sound fabulous and I can imagine how sexy and confident could a woman feel while wearing it. I love this kind of perfume. Thanks for the draw, I live in EU.

  • rodelinda says:

    The Different Company was one of my early favorite houses when I fell down the niche perfumery rabbit hole, and Jasmin de Nuit is one of those rare perfumes that had me whipping out my credit card to buy it about two seconds after the scent of the sample hit my nose. The simplicity of Osmanthus sounds lovely (although Oud for Love is very tempting too), so that would be my pick. I’m in the US. Thanks!

  • ntabassum92 says:

    They all sound great, but your description of the base of Oud for Love really caught my attention – the syrupy immortelle (love immortelle) and ylang-ylang (love ylang-ylang) mixed with all those dying spices sounds perfect. I’m in VA, USA – I would like to win the Oud for Love. I have never tried The Different Company perfumes, but there are a number on my list to try!

  • cinnamon tree says:

    Several months ago I thought I got bored with oud scents and I even gave a few of them away. But now I love oud again. It feels so warm and comforting. From the three perfumes described, I would choose Oud for Love because oud is a note I love most at the moment. And all these spices make it even more desirable.

    Thank you for the review and the draw. I live in the EU and my favorite TDC is Rose Poivree.

  • mozaik says:

    Thank you for so interesting review! My favorite fragrance by TDC is now Tokyo Bloom.
    All the three sound great and the choice is difficult, but I would pick Une Nuit Magnetique because I love ginger scents.
    Thank you for the draw. EU.

  • Lubulla says:

    I ve never tried any of the Different Company fragrances. But I like the bottles with their geometrical briefness. I would like to win Oud for Love – to try oud scent and because of spicy notes in it. These oriental woody fragrances suit me very well. “a warm, glowing concoction of whiskey, woods and resins, on which an incredibly smooth, rich oud sits, a chorus of spice and woods then rushes in. I believe that all these notes work in perfect harmony with each other. Thanks for a draw, I am in EU.

  • Vick G says:

    Great review as always. I’d love to win Une Nuit Magnifique! Have never tried anything but this house but it looks like an amazing scent. I’m a Canadian reader and thanks for the draw