Eau d'Elysee
Pierre Balmain

Peach and bergamot are the two prominent notes that greet me from the start. And it surprises me rather pleasantly how well they work together - the peachy sweetness is counterbalanced by the tart freshness of the bergamot.

The drydown sees the commencement of the addition of a light powderiness. I mean that this is not a stuffy heave and cloying boudoir powderiness, nor do I get a distinct barbershop undertone. This powderiness is discrete with a nigh-fresh character. It is lovely and remains present on my skin, with variable intensity, until the end.

During the second half of the development this scent changes considerably: the fruitiness becomes a bit sweeter, and develops a cinnamon impression and is combined with an overripe characeristic that, at times, reminds me of the aroma of fresh raisin toast. This blends in well with the overarching powdery aroma and they fade out gracefully towards the end.

The sillage on the soft side, the projection adequate and the longevity six hours.

This is a well blended and delicate spring creation, whose sweetness is classically restrained and balanced very well. The longevity is just acceptable, but the performance is limited otherwise. Lovely overall 3.25/5.