Accord Chic by Yves Rocher

It is the jewel of my collection, now that it has been discontinued. I don’t wear it much as I find it far too elegant and stately for me, but it is an absolute marvel.

A small discontinued gem that reminds me a little of Shalimar EDP: it opens with a touch of amber that fades to let the iris and pepper emerge. It doesn’t smell of incense to me, but it certainly smells wonderful. I perceive it as unisex-feminine, yet if you aren’t of the fragile masculinity persuasion, it looks perfect on a man, especially for walking around the house on chilly days. Its trail and longevity are a bit limited and perhaps leave something to be desired, as it evaporates in about two hours, staying close to the skin, but it is undoubtedly a little treasure.

This is a hidden treasure found in the depths of Wallapop and grey market sales at a laughable price. On the English and Russian versions of Fragrantica, it is recognised as Yves Rocher’s greatest achievement, and I’m not surprised; here, it also enjoys a certain reputation. It has an intoxicating balsamic sweetness with a wonderful touch of iris, without being a sweet and easy-going medley like certain current perfumes whose names I’d rather not recall. If you like Shalimar, you will love this too. I adore it for relaxing after an intense sports session. It is very autumnal and enveloping, like a soft blanket, but addicts like me wear it even in summer. Very bad to discontinue it, Yves Rocher.

Already discontinued in Spain. I managed to get the last bottle at one of the Yves Rocher shops in Madrid, on offer. I quite like it; it feels spicy and oriental. It distils mystery and sensuality. Ideal for cold autumn and winter nights.

It belongs to aromatherapy; it is relaxing, not sumptuous, special and uncommon.

Almost always, a creation by Olivier Cresp brings me a pleasant surprise; if you add perfumer Salamagne, things promise to be agreeable. I tried it a few days ago, and although I am a ‘fan’ of spicy scents and am seduced by compositions featuring an enigmatic incense, I don’t think this ‘Chic’ accord caught my attention: pink pepper and roses… that’s all! Simple, clean and a bit sharp… similar fragrances: ‘Pleasures’ by Estée Lauder. Medium longevity and medium trail.

This Yves Rocher fragrance falls within the Secret d’Essences range and I perceive it as a spicy oriental floral. The opening is strong and liquorish, dominated by pink pepper and elemi, giving it a spicy and resinous character. In the heart, an elegant iris emerges, introducing a softly powdery floral note. In the base, the combination of a warm benzoin with a dry incense note, not excessively smoky, gives this fragrance an unusual depth and personality. In the background, I perceive woody and slightly earthy notes that linger on the skin. I was worried about the incense note, but here it is very soft and perfectly blended with the sweetness of the benzoin. It resembles old-style orientals, unctuous, sophisticated and mysterious. Its character is perceptibly unisex; indeed, I prefer it on a man due to the prevalence of sweet, warm, balsamic and resinous notes. Suitable for an adult woman who knows how to wear it with elegance on chilly winter nights. A bit classic and semi-formal, but by no means boring. A perfectly assembled ensemble of oils and resins that impart warmth and sensuality to the wearer. A dreamy and comforting fragrance. Moderate longevity, about five hours, and very soft with hardly any trail. It doesn’t need to attract attention. Its simple, clear glass bottle is part of this house’s personality. The white ribbed box is served sealed with a wax seal, attesting to the essence within. A modern oriental with a touch of nostalgia and another surprise for this winter.