Products in the “Australian Sandalwood” Category
1,000 Lilies (aka Susinon)
Susinon was a luxurious and strongly scented lily perfume that was made by the Egyptians as well as the Greeks, but the Egyptian version was thought to “excel most’. This fabulous fragrance was also used by Cleopatra to scent the sails of her royal barge, perfuming the air along the Nile as she sailed, proclaiming herself as Goddess and Queen. The exhaustive recipe for Susinon calls for spices and resins to first be soaked in fragrant wine and balanos oil to be prepared. When the oil ready, it is added to the spices along with 1,000 lilies. Interestingly, in our time a lily perfume would be almost exclusively worn by women, but for the ancient Egyptians, Susinon was one perfume deemed suitable for a man.
* 1,000 LILIES PERFUME has been created for Denver Art Museum’s KING TUT exhibit, 2010.
Adoration (Milan)
Inspired by Bonifacio Bembo’s “Adoration of the Magi” (about1455-1460) and Renaissance Milan’s great wealth and status among cities. This fragrance depicts traditional Catholic incense, which is based on the gifts of the Magi to the Christ child: frankincense, gold and myrrh. Even during the Renaissance, these rare aromatic gifts of the East (frankincense and myrrh) were more costly than their weight in gold.
I have included a precious rose note to this design as well, to center the essence and to symbolize Mary.
(*image credit: Bonaficio Bembo, active about 1444-78, Adoration of the Magi, about 1455-60, tempera and oil paint on panel, Denver Art Museum; the Simon Guggenheim Memorial Collection, 1957.167).
* please note: 1 ml sample vials of EdP are 1/2 filled; Perfume / extract vials are filled.
Alba (From Across the Alps)
Many wonderful works of Renaissance Art were created in Northern climes. Tapestries were known especially from the Flemish through France and into Italy. Alba was inspired by one such tapestry from the late 1500′s, woven at a Brussels workshop. The tapestry is made of wool and silk and the fragrance has been designed to convey that subtle sense of texture.
Alba also takes it’s inspiration from alpine flowers, delicate flowering trees and a delicacy of the northern landscape, white truffle.
(*image credit: Flemish designer, active 1500′s, Military Scenes, possibly from the story of Scipio Africanus, late 1500′s, woven at a Brussels workshop wool and silk tapestry, Denver Art Museum, Neusteter Textile Collection, Anonymous Gift).
* please note: 1 ml sample vials of EdP are 1/2 filled; Perfume / extract vials are filled.
American Beauty (rose no. 1)
Caressing. Enveloping. Passionate.
A rich red rose perfume.
* sample vials are 1/2 filled; Perfume / Extract sample vials are filled.
Aphrodisia
ESSENSE’ own aphrodisiac Oriental scent with extracts of flowers, woods and spices known throughout history and folklore for their aphrodisiacal qualities.
Bancha
In alignment with nature, this refreshing fragrance eases us through transitional months, as signs of vitality begin to resurface all around. Bancha’s earthy-green notes are inspired by the fresh tones of the traditional Japanese tea of the same name and comprised of essences used in traditional ayurvedic healing, to ensure complete wellness through the scent’s simple meditation. Let’s welcomes spring’s fresh start…
Bancha is comprised of 100% botanical essences.
*EdP sample vials are 1/2 full.
Bancha Extreme
The long awaited, much requested ‘sequel’ to last Spring’s engaging all-botanical “Bancha” comes Bancha Extreme. While still remaining refreshing and balancing, Bancha Extreme fulfills the wish for an even deeper more enveloping, entrancing aroma experience. (And this time, we even used a favored tea in the composition).
Bancha Extreme is comprised of 100% botanical essences.
* sample vials are 1/2 full.
Beach Roses
Timeless. Wild. Free.
Based on the glorious white and pink rugosa roses that grow wild along the sandy beaches of Cape Cod.
Bodhi Sativa (Patchouli project no.1)
A Summer patchouli design…my *entry* design for the “Summer of Patchouli Love 2011″ / Peace, Love and Patchouli! project. A suave and elegant patchouli perfume with a sexy, bohemian twist: a note of cannabis is hidden in the mix.
100% botanical perfume.
Butterfly Nectar
Only flowers could produce this sensual and provocatively honeyed elixir sipped on summer afternoons by butterflies. Perhaps this is the fragrance of the fairies or just the scent they use to call their lovers…
Cyan
Ethereal. Winged. Pixiliated.
Created for Sniffapalooza Spring Fling 2009, Cyan is an airy, refreshing light blue-green aroma color interpretation. Inspired by the ultra modern bluish color in the CMYK color printing spectrum.
Divine Gardens (Mantua)
Inspired by the allegorical image, “The Triumphs of Time, Fame and Divinity”, by a follower of Andrea Mantagna, Divine Gardens not only speaks to the imagery in the work but also Mantua’s exquisite homes and gardens of the wealthy and powerful.
This green and glorious fragrance is my first green chypre utilizing a tomato leaf note.
* please note: 1 ml sample vials of EdP are 1/2 filled; Perfume / extract vials are filled.
en Vacances
The free and easy going scent of summer vacation… all sunshine and wafting warm breezes. This is a truly refreshing comfort scent for me. I am always filled with a child-like sense of delight when I sense this note in the air. (Even better when I wear it!).
* 100% Botanical.
Guimauve de Soie
A brand new design collaboration with Carrie Meredith from “eyeliner on a cat” blog is an abstraction of texture and synesthetic color (and a slight play on words: guimauve) which translates to “Silk Marshmallow”.
There’s a kind of dada-esque quality to the name, which I love, that speaks to the silky ‘texture’ of the fragrance and it’s overall “grey-blue-violet” tonality (connoted by the main orris note and is the ‘mauve’ reference). The odd (but wonderful) balance of orris – violet – animalic nuances counterbalanced with gourmand notes of anise and cocoa beans is quite unexpected. The gourmand aspects bring the idea of “marshmallow” into a new focus.
Guimauve de Soie is unlike anything else in my collections to date; I am very excited by this design and it’s such a pleasure to present it as my first original creation of 2012.
* EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled ; PERFUME sample vials are filled.
Hand of Buddah
A wildly exotic citron from the far east and so named as the fruits look like graceful hands found on sacred Buddah sculptures. Created for indiescents.com, this all botanical fruity-floral-citrus is both refreshing and euphoric. I never tire of this glorious aroma!
Hanukah Cannelle (Holiday no.9)
This year’s Holiday scent was inspired by my favorite Hanukah dish: one made of apples, cinnamon, nuts and honey. Of course, I’ve taken some artistic liberties to create a Holiday perfume that’s sexy, luscious and a delight to wear.
Indochine
Exotic. Piquant. Balmy.
In the Indochine, where the air is moist and the elements tropical, you will need a light and refreshing scent. This is my ginger etude no.2, a fresh cut ginger perfume that expresses the cooler side of the essence balanced with subtle tropical florals, sandalwood, a soft honey musk drydown.
kisu facial mist – rose & sandalwood
Just as we love our Kisu lip balm, these new Kisu facial mists are incredible and made to the same excellent standard by botanist Pamela Clum. Created with essential oils of sandalwood and rose as well as natural rose water (hydrosol) and glycerin, these mists are not only refreshing , they hydrate and soothe the skin any time.
Kohl Gris
Inspired by a collaboration with 3 Custom Color Specialists, this aroma-color is “Charcoal Grey”. The colors for Holiday 2009 are silver, red and grey and Kohl Gris is the scent of the smoky eye; sexy, seductive and smoldering. Built on a classical base of ambergris, Kohl Gris wafts in sensuality and spicy smoke.
l’eau
After the rain shower, a glistening pool emerges. l´eau is that sparkling freshness. A new take on the ‘Eau de Cologne’ theme that focuses on the refreshing quality of neroli and bergamot.
* 88% botanical.
La Vie en Rose
La Vie en Rose: Paris Perfume: c.1983
Taking a cue from YSL himself, I was as much inspired by the dress (The Paris Bow Dress) as by the original design of the 1983 perfume itself. YSL allowed himself to be inspired by the perfume to create the dress… La Vie en Rose is an expanded version of the original rose, violet, aldehydic perfume with added sparkling notes to suggest a gloriously youthful exuberance and a champagne fete along a Springtime Champs Elysees.
*EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled.
Lautrec
Inspired by the inimitable French artist Toulouse-Lautrec and his images of Parisian high-life in the 19th Century. This luscious fruity, floral chypre-oriental speaks of nights of gaiety and memories of the Moulin Rouge!
Les Petites
A scent for babies and children. Les Petites is a subtle essence that does not take away from the natural beauty of baby’s scent, but adds a bit of freshness and sweetness. The gentle aromatherapy essential oils and absolutes used in Les Petites promote tranquility and happy smiles. Les Petites is delicate and lovely and can be worn by children and adults as a refreshing and uplifting aromatherapy spritz. It is perfect for those who prefer a light, subtle scent.
* 100% botanical fragrance.
Ligne Trapéze
Ligne Trapéze: The Dior Years: c.1950
Inspired by YSL’s very first collection as the new art director at Dior: the Ligne Trapéze and the gorgeous silver evening gown found in among these first designs. The absolute aesthetic of French chic at this time was a sense of coolness; an ultimate air of elegance. The perfume displays this same, slightly aloof, beginning and warms into the aldehydic-animalic drydown found in most fine fragrances of this period.
* EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled.
Lili
Delicate. Feminine. Elegant.
The delightfully poetic scent of a ‘jolie Parissienne’. A floral-fresh scent with a subtle airy, fruit-like nuance of apple-melon-lime.
*EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled.
Lumiere (Holiday no.7)
A hushed candlelight perfume; warm, delicious and pulsating. Lumiere brings dark and light together with shimmering spice, rhum and deep coffee notes. Let’s celebrate the season of lights with lovely Lumiere!
Ma Plus Belle Histoire d’Amour
Ma Plus Belle Histoire d’Amour: The Late Years: c.1994-2002
“Ma Plus Belle Histoire d’Amour”, is the song sung to YSL by one of his great muses, Catherine Deneuve, at his last Haute Couture show. It speaks of the great love story between YSL and his dedicated clientele. By the later years, YSL had become and icon; a legend. Ma Plus Belle Histoire d’Amour speaks to the sense of greatness of the man and his work but also of the his clientele of this time; first ladies, heads of state, socialites and powerful, established women. The fragrance is an elegant ozone, floral-floral inspired by the “Linden Wisteria Evening Coat” found in the collection. It is modern, yet timeless and truly lovely.
* EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled.
Memory & Desire no.1
A perfume interpretation of Ezra Pound’s poem: In A Station of the Metro:
“The apparition of these faces in the crowd; Petals on a wet, black bough.
A fragrance collaboration with the art blog Memory and Desire”.
*EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled; Perfume samples are filled.
Mirabella
Mirabella perfume encompasses the energy of a mature, sophisticated woman and the sense of a grand floral perfume that has morphed into a rich fruity-floriental – chypre. This is *not* a perfume for a young girl.
90% botanical perfume.
* 1 ml sample vials: EdP samples are 1/2 filled and PERFUME / extract samples are filled.
Muguet Cologne
Limited Edition Spring 2011:
Here is my Muguet Cologne, stated for men, but really it is for anyone. Designed in the ‘eau de cologne’ style, the concentration is lighter and the overall feel is woodier and greener than a soliflore. For me, there is something about it that rings very true to an element of Muguet… kind of stylized like an art deco figure. It’s fresh and refreshing and I feel very approachable and easy to wear. I just loved the concept of creating a Muguet Cologne for men to enjoy this delicious Spring treasure.
100% Botanical.
As well, an original art work (acrylic/ sumi ink/ interference pigment on rice paper) was created through the inspiration of creating the perfume design.
Oude Arabique
Rare. Mystical. Sacred.
A warm and softly wooded Oude perfume.
Oude is one the rarest (and is the costliest!) aromatics in the perfumer’s palette with a mystique all it’s own. It is a sacred and revered as the ‘Aroma of God’ in some cultures.
* EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled ; Perfume / Extract sample vials are filled.
Padme Lotus
Universal. Spiritual. Illuminating.
Lotus, the universal symbol of beauty and enlightenment, encapsulated.
* EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled.
Pamplemousse
Alive with light and air; of golden Dawn and spray to refresh. A bubbly tonic all smiles and personality.
* 98% Botanical Perfume.
Pandora
Pandora: A Beautiful Evil
The “Beautiful Evil” is a quote from the story of Pandora as told by the Greek, Hesiod. She is the all gifted, all giving one, a singular woman and synonymous with Eve in many respects. It is she who opens humankind to the knowledge of good and evil and ultimately breaks the utopian ideal. With Pandora, mankind has plagues but also knowledge and maturity. She opens the door to truth and hope.
What began as an all-botanical design for a project changed direction with the addition of a subtle synthetic influence. It made all of the difference. This is also a perfume that also utilizes some new and exotic botanical materials…in Pandora, the ancient meets the 21 century.
97.5% Natural (Botanical / Natural Animal Essences)
Pompeii
What enchanting aroma pervades the Villa dei Mysteri? (Only the Gods know…) All we know is that it’s seductive, sultry and so exotic; an aroma of the Ancients.
* oil sample vials are 1/2 filled. water-based spray concentrée sample vials are full.
Prana
Power. Light. Harmony.
The embodiment of the One.
A lively and energizing Ayurvedic fragrance that balances citrus, herbs, spice, florals, woods and resins.
100% botanical perfume.
Pretty & Pink
A modern fruity floral that balances youthful folly with rich sophistication. Our re-launched version puts the emphasis on a rosewater, true Bulgarian rose and fresh Spring floral bouquet heart mixed with a new plummy nuance in the top note. There’s still the ultra-modern vibe of the crystalline musk drydown and a soft sandalwood note finish. This is our prettiest pink (rose) scent yet!
Rose Vert
In a dream, I am lost in fields of roses. They are dew-drenched and velvety against my skin. Their rich scent pervades my waking hours with remembrances of deep red and green…
* EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled; Perfume / Extract sample vials are filled.
* 100% Botanical.
Ruba’iyat
Inspired by the Persian poetry form of the same name, and traditional oudh designs of the region. Created for indiescents.com, Ruba’iyat is a glorious all botanical middle eastern oudh, incense, saffron, and spice perfume. I don’t need to tell you that it’s as complex and intriguing as the patterns on the walls of a sacred mosque.
* EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled.
Sacred
an ancient aromatic blend that helps with anxiety and upset by inspiring deep meditative breathing and emotional balance.
* sample vials are usually filled with water-based spray concentrée.
Saving Grace
When I get over tired and frazzled, this is my saving grace! Light and fresh-rosy, Saving Grace works powerfully, yet subtly, to calm sensory overload and give balance.
* 100% Botanical.
Silver Fir (Holiday no.8)
Get into the Holiday mood with Silver Fir, our delightfully refreshing, spirited and festive new unisex scent. Inspired by crisp winter evenings, the sparkle of glass Holiday ornaments and the infamous radiance of “the tinsel tree”, Silver Fir is an unexpectedly unique twist on the ‘Conifer’ scent.
Skye
The essence of floating on a cloud. Skye is restful yet joyful and illuminated. Let’s just open up the windows and let the morning in.
100% botanical.
* oil sample vials are 1/2 filled. water-based spray concentrée sample vials are full.
Sud de France
In the South of France life has a different pace; a feeling of ease and the elation to be at one with Nature. No wonder so many delightful aromatics flourish in this environment; the lavender sings, the bergamot shines and the hay fields glisten with the warmth of the day.
* oil sample vials are 1/2 filled. water-based spray concentrée sample vials are full.
* 100% Botanical.
Sunny Yellow
A sunny yellow day when you’re feeling blue… This aromatic blend helps combat fatigue and depression. It helps to get you through the deepest of Winter doldrums.
* 100% Botanical.
The Beat Look
The Beat Look: c. 1958-1964
The Americanization of French culture was at it’s height in the late 1950’s and YSL was not immune to it’s influence. Inspired by the street looks of youth culture, the beats and the motorcycle chic of the “Wild One”, “The Beat Look” was revolutionary. The perfume is not only inspired by YSL’s collection and French culture of the time but also by his very first perfume launch “Y”, a fruity-aldehydic chypre, of 1964.
* EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled.
Thé Vert
Classical. Refined. Minimalist.
A light and refreshing, yet classical chypre design green tea scent. Thé Vert imparts a wonderful simplicity and delightful sophistication.
*EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled.
Three Kings
“We three kings of Orient are…Bearing gifts we traverse afar…Field and fountain, moor and mountain..Following yonder star…”
The traditional carol tells the story of our new Three Kings scent, so filled with precious resins, balms and woods from the Orient. There is nothing modern about this darkly textured and earthy perfume; it speaks to us of the Ancients.
* sample vials are 1/2 full.
100% Botanical.
Tubereuse (Tuberose)
Its milky white and flesh flowers bear the secret of attraction. In India, this flower is called “Mistress of the Night:” The most sensuous and intoxicating of perfumes.
Vanille (Vanilla)
A classic. My own version of a cherished favorite; luscious and decadent but not too sweet. Based on the French tradition, it is the ultimate in richness and love in a fragrance.
Vanille Botanique
A striking and original vanilla design created for indiescents.com; we have had such overwhelming interest in an all botanical vanilla for our Garden Bathe collection that we had to release it in a limited capacity here as well. Vanille Botanique is a luscious, balsamic vanilla in the classical style. A soft jasmine heart and bergamot top note balance and round out the bouquet. Such deliciousness!
* 100% botanical.
** EdP sample vials are 1/2 filled.
Vert pour Madame
Inspired by the utterly chic and sophisticated style of the late 1970′s and early 1980′s classic green floral chypre, Vert pour Madame has power but more than that, she has depth. She’s achieved it. As well, Vert pour Madame is the perfect harbinger of Spring with notes of hyacinth, jonquil and lily of the valley sewn into the earth with cedarwood, patchouli and moss.
* sample vials are 1/2 filled; Perfume/ Extract sample vials are filled.
Vintage Patchouly (aka Patchouli)
Nostalgic. Worldly. Belle Epoque.
Inspired by the Orientalist movement in Europe in the late 1800′s and rich turn of the 20th Century perfume designs.
Violetta di Murano
Deep. Saturated. Glorious.
My Italian Journey No. 4: Based on a dark and mysterious deep purple violet I found in a hidden garden on the Island of Murano. I fell in love at first sniff.
* sample vials are 1/2 filled.
Viridian
Organic. Sultry. Enchanted.
Based on a semi-transparent, green-blue-green artist hue (paint). A abstract green scent that speaks of dark woods and deep forest floors.
* sample vials are 1/2 filled.
Yuzu
Based on a piquant and aromatic citrus from Japan, our Yuzu is the essence of refreshment and revitalization.
* oil sample vials are 1/2 filled. water-based spray concentrée sample vials are full.
Updating…