Serpent Bohème by Boucheron

I had only tried it once before buying it and found it a very elegant and unusual aroma. As it wasn’t my first Boucheron and I knew I usually like their perfumes, I took it, but to be honest, I find it very difficult to wear. Firstly, the scent is very different on skin compared to the blotter: on the blotter it smells drier and more unisex, but on skin it develops all its phases perfectly, albeit very quickly with poor longevity. On skin, the opening is powerful, highlighting the labdanum and patchouli significantly. After a few minutes, it moves to a creamy, floral, elegant, and feminine phase thanks to a beautiful sandalwood. Then the sandalwood fades and only the flowers remain. This final phase, where the sum of almost all notes is noticeable, sticks closer to the skin and lasts at most a couple of hours, leaving an almost invisible trail that disappears. It’s true that if I like a perfume I don’t mind reapplying it, but with such an explosive opening and such poor longevity, I get very lazy about it. As for the bottle, it’s a marvel. The textured glass detail is a plus, although I haven’t completely fallen in love with it.

We have smelled thousands of fragrances and, especially in recent years, we have encountered olfactory profiles that offered no novelty and many disappointments. Approaching Boucheron is synonymous with peace of mind. This fragrance embodies the house’s concept: refinement, elegance, and a guaranteed pleasant olfactory experience. The quality of the raw materials is noticeable from the distinction of an splendid bottle. Citrus freshness, slightly sweet precious flowers, and an aromatic base of precious woods on a velvet musk. The peace of mind of being appropriately adorned with a Boucheron jewel of originality. Quality and beauty in all designs, a pleasure.

I’ve just bought it. I did plenty of research beforehand as I love citrus for summer. I looked for reviews here and watched videos on YouTube to see if it was a good idea, and in the end, I think I threw my money away. I didn’t like it at all. It smells very old-ladyish, quite floral. It’s very similar to Lancôme’s O d’azur, which I don’t wear because that scent gives me nausea and makes me feel sick. I know others love it, but it just doesn’t suit me. The musk and patchouli are very strong. Ideal for those who like powdery perfumes. Not for me.

My favourite perfumer, Anne Flipo, sold it to me blind and I was instantly captivated. It’s citrusy, floral, and seductive. At first, it didn’t last long and disappointed me, but after six months, on my skin it lasts 6 to 8 hours and projects beastily for the first two. It’s one of the few that my husband has praised. I love it so much I already have a refill. A hidden gem.

I tried it in the perfumery because I wanted to buy it for my wife (I’m a fan of Boucheron’s men’s fragrances). My impression was that it’s a rich, subtle, and elegant scent for a lady. However, it’s scandalously soft and the trail is very scarce.

It doesn’t last at all on my skin. The opening is lovely, but as soon as it dries down, it disappears. It’s a very subtle fragrance, so I think it can only be appreciated at arm’s length and for a short time. What a pity.

I’m absolutely smitten. It smells luxurious and classy; the sandalwood note is very prominent.