Bois d’Amande by Van Cleef & Arpels

I let it macerate for five months, and now it lasts eight hours on skin with moderate but very noticeable projection. The scent is spectacular, totally different thanks to those almond notes. Excellent quality, it delivers 100%, and it’s a ten-out-of-ten purchase. The Van Cleef collection is extraordinary; I adore them—they are truly fine creations.

Creamy, sweet and delicate, with just the right citrus touch to prevent it from being cloying. I love it.

I went into Saks to pick up a sample of Bois Doré that fascinated me, but when I saw Bois d’Amende was on offer, I didn’t hesitate for long. The notes on paper are different but belong to the same family. I’m in love with the purchase: the citrus greets you upon application, then releases the wood. Afterwards, there’s that delicious sweet, warm blend of vanilla and musk. I wore it to a cultural event in India, amidst food stalls in a closed venue. I walked for two hours, and when I sat down to watch the dance, every time I glanced to the side, I smelled a sweet fragrance; I thought it was from some stall selling sugared treats until I realised it was me, and I was thrilled. The projection is moderate with a trail that’s just right: noticeable but not overwhelming, and people ask what I’m wearing. As it dries down, it reminds me a lot of Jo Malone’s Myrrh & Tonka, though less potent. I think this projection gives it the dimension that the JM scent lacks, which still smells strong and beautiful right up against the skin after hours. I see it as unisex and ideal for cooler climates, those evenings when you need a jacket as soon as night falls.

I stumbled upon this by accident. I was about to smell (for the nth time) Orchidee Vanille, which is now my ritual at Harrods. The sales assistant showed me Bois D’ Amande, and with little interest, I brought my nose to the blotter… My eyes widened. Almond is a note I rarely tolerate unless it’s well disguised, but here it has utterly captivated me. I had never smelled such a beautiful, delicate almond before until I was moved. In fact, I’ve never liked almond notes (YSL Cinema is the exception). That moment of being speechless… it happens so rarely! It’s accompanied by that exquisite vanilla (which I’m so obsessed with) that Van Cleef works so well with, plus the musk and woods that give it a golden frame. It’s a jewel, a red jewel wrapped in indigo velvet. Extremely elegant, distinguished, yet close, warm and delicate. I don’t know what these perfumes from this house have, but smelling them is almost therapeutic. Conclusion: I was determined to buy Orchidee Vanille and returned home with new indecision and consternation at this new discovery.