Amber: Harvest, Origin...
Amber is a fossilized resin originating from the sap of certain prehistoric trees. As such, it emits no odor. In perfumery, amber refers to an accord obtained by blending labdanum, vanilla, and resins. Amber once referred to ambergris, produced by sperm whales. Used in perfumery for centuries, ambergris was already sold in the 10th century in East Africa and the Middle East.
This ambery accord was first used in a perfume created by François Coty: Ambre Antique, and later found in the collections of Maison Guerlain: Jicky and Shalimar.
What does amber smell like in perfumery?
Amber perfumes evoke sensations of warmth, roundness, and comfort. Their fragrances are complex, often described as sweet, woody, with spicy or powdery touches depending on the accords with which amber is associated.
Why does amber smell good?
Its deep and persistent character makes it an ideal base for long-lasting perfumes with character. The raw materials that make up an ambery accord are intense and very enveloping.
The best amber perfumes
• Shalimar, Guerlain: Created in 1925 by Jacques Guerlain, Shalimar is one of the first oriental perfumes in the history of perfumery. It blends amber wonderfully with iris, jasmine, and warm vanilla notes. This legendary perfume draws inspiration from a fabulous love story: that of the Indian emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Shalimar gardens out of love for Princess Mumtaz Mahal. You'll recognize it by its basin-shaped bottle and its blue cap celebrating the fountains of these sumptuous gardens.
• Ambre Sultan, Serge Lutens: Evoking oriental bazaars, the perfume Ambre Sultan is a nod to Morocco: a country where Serge Lutens has been residing and drawing inspiration from for many years. This perfume contains a concentrate of ingredients: on one hand, aromatic top notes like laurel, coriander, or myrtle. On the other hand, an ambery base combining benzoin resin, styrax, labdanum, and vanilla.
• Ambre Russe, Parfum d'Empire: A celebration of imperial Russia, the Ambre Russe eau de parfum embodies all the grandeur and extravagance of that bygone era: the opulence of its palaces, the excess and decadence of its festivities, etc. Thus, amber is at the heart of this powerful perfume, tinged alternately with spicy cinnamon facets, then smoky tea and incense. A bold creation, without compromise.
• Eau de Mandarine Ambrée, Hermès: A luminous and sparkling eau de parfum where amber blends with the freshness of mandarin. It's a modern and fruity interpretation of amber.
• Eau du Soir, Sisley: The first perfume from the house of Sisley, launched in 1990, L’eau du Soir was born from Hubert d’Ornano's desire to create a perfume for his wife, Isabelle. Thus, we find an enchanting fragrance playing on the contrasts between sparkling citrus top notes, the sweetness of a floral heart, and the intensity of amber and patchouli.
• Amber & Lavender, Jo Malone London: A refreshing unisex eau de parfum that combines the warmth of amber with the freshness of lavender. An innovative olfactory contrast that offers a new dimension to amber.
• Ambre, Reminiscence: This perfume is an ode to sensuality with its warm and refined accords. It blends precious woods of cedar, patchouli, sandalwood, and guaiac with a balsamic and gourmet base composed of vanilla and benzoin.
• Ambre Nuit, Dior: This fragrance combines amber with floral notes of Turkish rose for a creation that is both rich and subtle. A perfect balance between the strength of amber and floral delicacy.
• Baccarat Rouge, Maison Francis Kurkdjian: Offering a modern interpretation of amber, Baccarat Rouge 540 stands out with its unique signature where ambery powdery facets meet the floral heart of jasmine, the radiance of saffron, and the woody tones of cedar. A true modern masterpiece.
• Libre – Yves Saint Laurent: This perfume embodies the spirit of freedom of Maison Saint Laurent. Launched in 2019, this feminine fragrance uses a traditionally masculine ingredient, lavender, which is here associated with orange blossom and jasmine in the heart. In the base, we find a blend of amber, vanilla, and musk adding depth, warmth, and sensuality to this perfume.
Bon Parfumeur perfumes with amber
Our collection contains 3 perfumes with ambery facets:
• Eau de parfum 302 - Bon Parfumeur: A spicy pink berry caressed by amber sandalwood. A spicy, peppery, and woody top with pink berries and cardamom. The ambery heart is sprinkled with iris and vanilla. In the heart, incense is a balm for the fragrance. Sandalwood and musks slow down the sparkling top.
• Eau de parfum 301- Bon Parfumeur: An animalic cumin bridled by milky sandalwood. A spicy start with cardamom and cumin. The heart releases the liqueur flower of ylang-ylang. The milky notes of sandalwood warm the fragrance. The balsamic and vanilla facets of benzoin soften the spices.
• Eau de parfum 501 - Bon Parfumeur: A very gourmand praline caught by smoky patchouli. A head announcing gluttony with fresh green hazelnut lifted by citrus. A crunchy and praline heart. In the heart, iris is the counterweight in the fragrance and holds back the dessert side. A coulis of musks and licorice in the background. Woody notes of patchouli.
