Created by Mandy Aftel, a renowned natural fragrance specialist, Aftelier Perfumes are high-quality and made with exceptional essences.
When I received my two samples of Cacao & Secret Garden, I was in awe of how beautifully wrapped they were. A gorgeous metallic round box kept the two bottles safe during the shipping.
If you’re looking for evocative strong scents. Aftelier perfumes are made for you.
Secret Garden: named after the famous book of France H. Burnett (happens to be one of my favorite authors!) it’s a sensual, vitalizing, vivid, sweet and spicy scent which contains the following notes:
Top: bergamot, bois de rose, Geraniol, blood orange.
Heart: jasmine sambac, raspberry (compounded isolate), Turkish rose.
Base: civet, castoreum, vanilla, deertongue (plant), benzoin, aged patchouli.
Cacao: an enveloping, warm, vivid scent, with the following notes:
Top: blood orange, pink grapefruit.
Heart: jasmine sambac & grandiflorum.
Base: chocolate, vanilla.
The scent of Cacao is spot-on! The strong scent of Cocoa blended with the Vanilla note creates an echanting effect. After the Cocoa lip balms. body creams, and lip glosses, I now have a Cocoa perfume. Cocoa galore! 😉
It’s an explosion of aromas and I didn’t get any headaches despite the richness of the scents. Aftelier perfumes add a touch of luxury and well-being. I gotta say, I feel like a lady when I wear those perfumes as they’re quite sophisticated.
It’s a pure olfactory delight!
I shortly introduced this set in a previous post on this lovely brand (here). Vegan, alcohol-free, with a coconut oil base, the fragrances are named after literary heroines and 19th century classics. This women’s fragrance kit included : Jane Eyre (notes of rose, bergamot and clary sage), Elizabeth Bennett (basil, anise, lemon and mandarin), The Secret garden (lavender) and Anne of Avonlea (ylang ylang, lavender and sweet mandarin). Aside from the cool literary references, the fragrances are incredibly pure. I didn’t notice any irritations, even when applied directly on to the skin. A less strong lasting power than Aftelier Perfumes, those are ideally suited for sensitive skin and noses 😉 If you’re not fond of musky scents, this is for you! I also find them great for Spring/Summer seasons as they’re fresh and the subtle herbal, floral scent is lovely. Delicate, soothing and pure, that’s how I’d describe the feeling that these perfumes leave.
Honore Des Prés fragrances are 100% natural and Ecocert certified organic, gluten-free and vegan. The sample kit that I ordered is from their “We Love NY” collection and included :
Love Coconut : One spritz, and you’re transported into a tropical island. It’s pure coconut bliss and if you enjoy Coconut smell, this one is a must. Sweet, fruity and a great lasting power. I got compliments several times wearing Love Coconut :).
Love Carotte : A scent rather…interesting haha. It smells like fresh carrots, but I’m not sure how to wear this. Also the scent doesn’t really lingers, it quickly evaporates, so I have to admit that this was my least favorite.
Vamp à NY : A smoky, ambery and vampy scent. With notes of Tuberose and rum, and Benjoin, Perou Balm and Tolu Balm (Peruvian
Balsams), this is a a strong, spicy invigorating smell, that will boost up your confidence. Tuberose brings a sense voluptuousness, while Peru balsam is often used in Hermès fragrances and oriental fragrances, to add a touch of cinnamon smell.
Have you tried any of these? What is your favorite natural fragrance?
Take care,
Liz
* Those were kindly sent to me
16 Comments
The Love Coconut fragrance sounds amazing! Think I might have to get a sample of that with the Cacao perfume as well 🙂 x
Love Coconut is absolutely lovely! So does Cacao (but it's much much stronger 😉
Hope you get to try them soon 🙂 xx
I've been lusting after the Love Coconut for the longest time now!
Love Coconut is pure delight! And I don't know if you've seen the packaging, but it's also super lovely 🙂 Hope you get to try it soon! xx
I typically have never worn perfumes because of my allergies but I would like to explore natural brands some more, this post has given me some ideas, Love Coconut has my name on it 🙂
I totally understand. Lots of perfumes give me headaches, but none of these did. I hope you get to find one that suits you perfectly. Love Coconut smells divine, let me know if you try it 🙂 xx
I'm currently using Korres' Paeonia Vanilla Amber Pear perfume and it's absolutely amazing! I have never been so in love with a fragrance before. Unfortunately, it's not 100% organic but they tell you exactly what's in it. True organic perfumes are so hard to find and even harder are the ones that smell nice.
Korres' scent sounds great 🙂 At least they are transparent about the full ingredient list. I know some brands which proclaim themselves as natural, and when you ask them the full ingredient list, they ignore you completely! I agree, the quest for a great organic perfume is not easy, and the main problem remains the lasting power, but I'm pretty happy with these 3 brands 🙂 xx
I'm not using any perfumes at the moment so this post was perfect! 🙂 The Ravenscourt A. ones sound like something I'd really enjoy! 🙂
Yay! I'm glad it could be useful lovely! You'll love Ravenscourt Apothecary. I hope you get to try them soon 🙂 xx
Those look so lovely, I especially love the literature-inspired names!
Absolutely, Ravenscourt fragrances are delicate and not overpowering. There's also one with Lavender 🙂 xx
Such a lovely post! It's funny because I'm also planning a post about natural perfumes (great minds think alike!) and I also love Love Coconut (you know how I love anything with coconut!) xx
Thank you so much darling! Twinsies! 😉 I'm really looking forward to you post! I knew you'd love Love Coconut, you have the best taste 😉 xx
I absolutely adore Love Coconut and Vamp a NY! Such amazing scents. Discovering more and more interesting perfumes lately – the Aftelier Cocoa ones sounds like another great one to check out.
Mayah x
I agree, Honoré des Prés makes incredible scents! Let me know if you try the Cacao one, it's definitely a great perfume 🙂 xx