Byblos (original)
Byblos (1989)

A fruity floral fragrance. Too much fruit; not enough floral. After an hour or two I still smelled mainly fruit. Three hours later I barely got a hint of jasmine or violet. Too vegetarian for me.

Works well for me, mixed with an oud scent.

A "happy, green, fruity floral," as Barbara Herman notes.

The balance of succulent fruits with creamy flowers is what is most impressive in this scent. The base is a happy combination of vetiver, musk and orris, which grounds it, but still allows it to fly rapturously.

Quite an original - and wonder of wonders, subtle. There is nothing loud or vulgar in this gem.

Top notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, Cassis, Peach, Marigold, Raspberry, Grapefruit
Middle notes: Mimosa, Muguet, Rose, Orchid, Heliotrope, Lily, Violet, Honeysuckle, Gardenia, Ylang
Base notes: Orris, Musk, Vetiver

Beware of the re-issue. Buy only the original in the distinctive squat blue bottle with the rose sculptured top. Proliferates on Ebay, thankfully.

I was looking for a unique summer floral and found it in this...the combination of peach, grapefruit, and mimosa make it fresh and distinctive in a world of super sweet fruity florals these days. I can't detect lily of the valley or any musk in the base. Lasted 4 to 5 hours, not bad for $10!

Jan
13
2009

It was one of my favorite perfumes almost 10 years ago. I decided to buy it again, because I needed something sort of fresh, for daily use. I felt the same when I got my new bottle, but I lost my appetite for this one in a short time. Actually, it is still a nice scent, but nobody notices me when I wear it. May be this is the reason for this perfume not being in my favorite 5.

Oddly, I wear this at Christmas only. Perhaps the Mandarin with the incensy dry down in the vetiver and orris make me think of this holiday, but it's my Christmas season fragrance. Then again, Christmas in Seattle tends to be gray and drizzly, and this scent does brighten things up.

I just have to echo with serene111 on this. My aunt bought this for me when I was in my late teens. I fell hard for it and it was my signiture scent back in those days. It is refreshing and perfect for summertime. I have lots of memories attached to this. It has a superb longevity and excellent sillage.