Description
TO ORDER: **You will need to tell us which scent(s) you are ordering, and in which products and sizes in the “Comments” box during checkout so that we will know what to send in your order. If you happen to forget this step, we will contact you for the details.
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Archives No.3: Essense Studio Collection : Started with our first perfumery in the early 1990’s on Newbury Street in Boston and continued over the years at our Boulder Studio.
Alchemy, 1994 : A rich and mildly sweet ambery oriental that feels like it morphs into ‘gold’ as it wears and warms on the skin. Over the past few years we have been getting repeat requests… not only for this perfume in particular but for an ambery floriental with just these notes. Notes: Amber, Ambrette Seed, Australian Sandalwood, Bergamot, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, East Indian Patchouli, French Beeswax, Gardenia, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Musk
Amande Délicat, 2004: (updated 2022): A beautifully delicate sugared almond gourmand that evokes a soft, white candied coating and the warm, earthy tones of delicious almond beneath. Although this design is rendered as a “delicate” almond, Amande Délicat has a wonderful tenacious skin scent quality that feel light, sweet, and wonderful. Notes: Ambrette Seed, Bitter Almond, Bulgarian Rose Otto, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Heliotrope, Lemon, Mimosa Absolute, Moroccan Rose Absolute, Musk, Orris Concrete, Sugar Cube accord Vanilla, Vanilla Absolute, White Chocolate
Ancient Air (Accord), 1994: A sensual patchouli accord based on the true meaning of “Per Fumum” (through smoke). It is reminiscent of a time when the air was laden with incense smoke that carried prayers and sacrifice to the Gods. One of our top patchouli designs that incorporates rich resin and incense notes to balance out the intensity of the patchouli. Notes: Atlas Cedarwood, Australian Sandalwood, East Indian Patchouli, Frankincense (Olibanum), Frankincense co2 Absolute, Musk, Myrrh Gum, Siam Benzoin
April, 2001: (*Eau de Parfum and Voile de Parfum only) Just as the name implies, April is a Spring fresh fruity-floral with refreshing leafy green nuances, subtle green fruit notes, and a soft, floral – musk drydown. April Showers bring May flowers… says the old adage. For us, April is replete with soft dewy raindrops and Spring floral beauties. It’s utterly romantic. Notes: American Sweet Grass, Bergamot, Brazilian Vetiver, Cucumber, Dossinia Orchid, Freesia, Green Clover Blossoms, Green Grass, Green Pear, Lily, Moss, Muguet / Lily of the Valley, Musk, Orris Root, Sweet Pea, Violet, Waterlily, White Rose (Accord)
April (poem)
green clear soft white frosty dew • ethereal morning fresh • delicate blossom dawn breath emerge enlighten evolve • imagine breezy serenity rain • shining meadow flowers dream sublime veils smiling senses • relax renew refresh • awaken cherish clean bright light pools glistening shower sweetness • invite pure beauty april be spring
Aquamarine (aka Turquoise Waters), 1994: Summertime sublime… and your best vacation to the seaside in a bottle. Aquamarine is a modern, aquatic musk scent that’s fresh, lightly citric, and very softly floral; fresh and shimmering as the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The ozone / marine, and ‘soapy’ elements are kept in check by soft woods to reveal a very easy-going and wearable unisex design. Notes: Ambergris, Amyris, Bergamot, Cabreuva Wood, East Indian Patchouli, Freesia, Fresh, Gardenia, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Kaffir Lime Leaf, Lemon, Lime Peel, Musk, Ocean, Sambac Jasmine, Sandalwood, Seaweed, Star Magnolia, Violet Leaf Absolute.
Astoria, 1998; (updated 2025): Airy, autumnal, and erudite… that is Astoria. Inspired by a seaside section of a New York borough with lovely parks and rustic spaces, Astoria is a fresh and vibrant vetiver fragrance with subtle spice, citrus, and wood nuances. What could be more charming? Notes: bergamot, petitgrain, black pepper, pimento, tobacco, Atlas cedarwood, Indonesian vetiver, amber, ambergris, sandalwood. musk, and oakmoss.
Bois Noir, 2001 (updated 2025): a rich and bold ‘woody soliflore” fragrance for men that’s as elegant as a polished ebony. Notes: bergamot, rosewood, ebony accord, tobacco, peru balsam, rose, vintage sandalwood accord, Himalayan cedarwood, amber(s), patchouli, oak accord, ambergris, and musk.
bluedaisy, 1999: What could be more summer-fresh than our sky blue tinted daisy scent? An airy spin on a fresh, grapefruit-y floral gourmand. It’s lively and softly sweet, with fresh and tropical fruit notes, green grass, as well as hints at warm candy floss mixed with fragrant woods in the drydown. bluedaisy: the innocent and playful smiling flower; friend of the fields with a sky blue cast. Soft as the petals themselves, filled with light, fragrant breezes, and so happy.
bluedaisy (poem)
blue green white frosty silver • sleek shimmering hip fluid • sexy smart gleaming fresh airy wet iridescent shy soft • creative bright cool alluring • glistening glam smiling face juicy sunshine yellow dew • deep light summer sky moon • luminous spirited sparkle sassy grown child flower • pure playful energy radiant • clear simple daisy be young
Bourbon Vanilla, 1998: Vanilla Bourbon is an intensely rich and warm vanilla note with an almost burnt cocoa bean quality in the dry down. An exotic vanilla bean from an island off the coast of Madagascar. Sooo delicious and rather beautiful on a man. Notes: Bourbon Vanilla, Vanilla.
Celestial Smoke, 1991: One of our very first original designs at our Boston perfumery. A lovely patchouli-centric fragrance softened with sweet frankincense resin, and a glowing skin musk. Notes: East Indian Patchouli, Frankincense (Olibanum), Frankincense co2 Absolute, Musk
China Rain: A white floral bouquet with lily of the valley, honeysuckle, and gardenia mingle on a bed of white musk and subtle green nuances. This is our fresh and musky rendition of an ‘oil perfume classic’. We love this casual yet utterly feminine scent; it’s great for a young girl’s first perfume and your Mother’s Day gift, too. Notes: Gardenia, Honeysuckle, Leafy Green (accord), Lily, Muguet / Lily of the Valley, Musk
Earth, 1992: A deep forest wood scent with rich resinous notes melded with dry woods, and subtle green / herbal nuances. Notes: Notes of: Bergamot, Brazilian Vetiver, Conifer, East Indian Patchouli, Incense Notes, Sage, Musk, Sandalwood, and Atlas Cedarwood.
Echo, 1994: An Autumnal beauty. Echo is an ambery woody design created to evoke the scent of walking through a forest grove of deciduous trees in Autumn: falling leaves, dry earth and woods, and crisp cool air swirling over your head. Notes: Amber, Ambergris, Atlas Cedarwood, Bergamot, Brown Oakmoss, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Carnation, East Indian Patchouli, Fossilized Amber Resin, French Beeswax, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Labdanum, Neroli, Ozone, Petitgrain, Pine Moss, Siam Benzoin
Erotica, 1999: A personal power story perfume from my early days as a bespoke perfumer in Boston… when a bold black leather and a classic spicy oriental accord collide, sparks erupt. This scent is more than unisexy…it channels your inner powerhouse. his is ‘Badass’ in a bottle, people. Notes: Amber, Black Leather (accord), Brazilian Vetiver, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Carnation, Clove Bud, East Indian Patchouli, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Leather, Musk, Spice Notes
Essense de Essense, 1993: Originally created for a Boston Design Collective Runway show, this fragrance became our first signature scent at the shop located at 39 Newbury Street. It’s an utterly wearable and happy scent with youthful notes of grapefruit, jasmine, sweet pea, and warming woods in the base. (And it’s still some of our clients’ signature scent to this day!). Notes: Australian Sandalwood, Cucumber, East Indian Patchouli, Freesia, Gardenia, Heliotrope, Hyacinth, Mandarin, Melon, Muguet / Lily of the Valley, Musk, Orris Root, Peach, Sweet Pea, Tiger Lily, Vanilla, Virginia Cedar, White Grapefruit
Gypsy, 1994: Loosely based on a bespoke perfume created for Madonna on a trip to Boston in 1990. This beauty is sultry and exotic, with notes that fuse earthy and ethereal. (The sandalwood content alone is enough to make you swoon…). Notes: Amber, Bergamot, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Incense Notes, Musk, Mysore Sandalwood, Sultry Rose, Violet
Halloween, 2002: An ambery-woody concoction with soft murmuring spices, gourmand (pumpkin) aspects and a hint of star anise in the topnote. Nostalgic and warming for cool autumn days. This stuff is better than witches brew! Notes: Amber, Bergamot, Blood Orange (Sicily), Carnation, Licorice, Moss, Patchouli, Pumpkin, Spice Notes, Vanilla Absolute
Hinoki, 2003: Soft, dark, Japanese cypress wood note fragrance. “This Winter I found a scent of unusual richness, elegance and singularity. It is a scent of peace and warmth for me: Hinoki, the Japanese Cypress. With this scent, I feel enveloped, warmed and calmed… it’s just what i need for the dark and colder months of Winter.” – DSH Notes: Amber, Australian Sandalwood, East Indian Patchouli, Hiba Cedarwood, Hinoki, Incense Notes, Lemon, Rosewood (bois de rose), White Oak
Impudique (released as Seduction, 1998): A ravishingly sexy unisex fragrance of ambery leathers, spices, resins, and a gorgeous dark rose heart. Notes: Amber, Bergamot, Black Leather (accord), Brown Oakmoss, Carnation, Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud, East Indian Patchouli, Egyptian Rose Geranium, Frankincense (Olibanum), Frankincense (Olibanum), Grandiflorum Jasmine, Incense Notes, Musk, Red Rose, Sandalwood, Spice Notes, Sultry Rose, Vanilla
Ivory, 2007: A mildly soapy-clean-musk scent with creamy wood, warm ambery nuances in the base and bright fresh notes in the top for balance. Pure, clean, smooth, light, fresh, and simple. For all these qualities, we love it! Notes: Bergamot, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Chinese Geranium, East Indian Patchouli, Lemon, Lemongrass, Musk, Orris, Peony, Sandalwood
La Fete Nouvelle, 2003: A warm almond and soft earth scent filled with ease. A country gathering amongst soft flowers and sun warmed plain grasses. This is a moment in time for sharing and enjoyment…a simple celebration of the day. One of our “skin scents” that adds a natural, “not-too-perfumey” fragrance to the skin. Notes: American Sweet Grass, Bitter Almond, Fresh Mown Hay, Green Oakmoss, Green Wheat, Lavender Flower, Musk, Sandalwood, Toasted Rice, Tonka Bean, Vanilla
Le Chevalier, 2006; (updated 2025): a retro-masculine leather cologne with fresh autumn leaves, cured tobacco, and saddle tack focal notes. Notes: autumn leaves accord, leafy green accord, bergamot, saffron, thyme, jasmine, rose, frankincense, amyris, leather notes, sandalwood, ambergris, costus, patchouli, oakmoss, and costus.
Luckyclover, 2005: A true clover scent; wild, with green grassy overtones and ripe, with a honey-floral heart. Notes: Bee Balm, Bergamot, Brazilian Vetiver, Clover Leaf, East Indian Patchouli, French Linden Blossom (accord), Green Clover Blossoms, Honey, Honey Beeswax, Liatrix, and Moss.
Mesopotamia, 1993: Born of ancient magic and sacred aromatics of the fertile crescent, Mesopotamia is a sensuous, earthy beauty. Notes: : Amber, Bergamot, Brazilian Vetiver, Brown Oakmoss, East Indian Patchouli, Frankincense co2 Absolute, French Beeswax, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Juhi Jasmine Absolute, Mysore Sandalwood
Mountain Sage, 1999: The fresh, green, spicy, and earthy yet clean note of Rocky Mountain wild sage. Refreshing and somewhat bracing, there is a distinctive scent that accompanies a walk through high desert sage. This outdoorsy and unisex perfume is the pure aroma of Rocky Mountain Sage. There is nothing else like it…. Notes: Balsam Fir, Bay Laurel, Bergamot, Mountain Sage, Musk.
Nantucket, 1995 (updated 2025): Sea breezes and crisp linen; madras shorts and sunglasses… Nantucket is a retro-preppy bright citrus-aquatic fragrance for men with a big dash of fresh lime mixed with salt spray, subtle green notes, clean musk, and ambergris. Notes of: Bergamot, Lime Peel, Lime essence, Petitgrain, Bitter Orange, Sea Spray Accord, Cotton accord, Sandalwood, Musk, and Ambergris.
Northwest Passage, 2000 (updated 2023): A glorious excursion into the dense balsam forests of the Pacific Northwest. Quite literally like a walk through dappled sunlit tree lines… winding around paths of fir, spruce, and pine while inhaling the scent of needle, bark, and subtle hints of woodsmoke from nearby encampments. There’s even a bit of a warming cognac nip in the top note accord. Notes of: Amber, Bergamot, Balsam Fir, Birch Tar, Bitter Orange, Brazilian Vetiver, Cognac, Conifer, East Indian Patchouli, Fir Needle, Green Oakmoss, Incense Notes, Pine Moss, Sage, Spruce, Musk, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Texas Cedarwood, and Atlas Cedarwood.
Poppy, 2001: A spiced, fruity-floriental perfume with rich peach and fig leaf topnotes that blossom into a fiery heart of jasmine-tea, carnation, and nutmeg. The drydown is a warm and enveloping base of amber, patchouli, clove tobacco, and musk. Fire in flower form. A crazy, intoxicating frenzy of color adorning the fields and blossoming beautiful ‘paper-ribbon’ flowers for as far as the eye can see. This is the image and inspiration for our Poppy perfume: a riot of vibrancy infused with the spark of life itself. Gorgeous. Notes: Amber, Black Pepper, Black Tea, Carnation, Clove Bud, Clove Tobacco, East Indian Patchouli, Eastern Lily, Egyptian Blue Lotus, Fig Leaf, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Incense Notes, Mandarin, Moss, Musk, Nutmeg, Oppopanax, Peach, Russian Rose Otto, Sandalwood, Tolu Balsam, Tonka Bean, Vanilla
Poppy (poem) red orange fire flower bloom • rich vibrant sexy life mine • yellow stars blue night sky cozy warm day enveloping • romantic lover kisses glow • opium senses dancing abandon seductive intoxication touch • spiritual insight heart mystery • vermillion candle light world elegant tapestry body soul • exotic bohemian journey • forbidden smoky fields oriental moon POPPY be wild
Powder, 2001: Powder is the delightful and delicate scent of talc. Notes: Bergamot, Brazilian Vetiver, Egyptian Rose Geranium, French Sweet Vanilla, French Vanilla, Heliotrope, Lemon, Orris, Orris Root, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Vanilla Absolute, and Violet.
Rose Garden, 1991: One of the very first of our original designs, Rose Garden is a classical floral – floral with lush notes of red and white roses, green leaves, gardenia, lily of the valley, and musk. Notes: Bergamot, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Carnation, Egyptian Rose Geranium, French Lily, Gardenia, Green Rose Leaves, Muguet / Lily of the Valley, Musk, Red Rose, Sandalwood, Tea Rose, White Rose Absolute
Saloon Oakwood Accord, 1998; updated 2025: Richly Autumnal… a burst of warmth on a chilly November day; like glints of ambery light through a tumbler of whiskey. Saloon Oakwood is a fantasy fragrance that marries the concept of forest oakwood and acorns with the booze burnished bar at an old time saloon. Notes: Bergamot, Acorn accord, Brown Oakmoss, Labdanum, Siam Benzoin, Oakwood co2, East Indian Patchouli, Sandalwood, Spice Notes, Whiskey Whiff accord, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, and Vanilla Absolute.
Sentia, 1993 : The scent of the Boston “Summer Solstice”… named after the Roman Goddess who brings first awareness, and “good sense” to a blossoming youth. Notes: Bergamot, Cassis Bud, Linden Blossom Absolute, Mimosa, Mimosa Absolute, Muguet / Lily of the Valley, Melon, Musk, East Indian Patchouli, and Sandalwood.
Sophie, 2004 (a collaboration with Author, Pamela Clare): A soft floral musk with lily, jasmine and subtle fresh green nuances in the topnote. A very easygoing scent. The scent of Sophie Alton: smart, spirited and beautiful heroine of Pamela Clare’s new novel, “Unlawful Contact”. Sense Sophie’s fresh, flowery perfume co-mingled with what Marc calls her “sweet wild musk”… Sophie smells of wildflowers and a subtle sensuality. Notes: Clementine, Gardenia, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Honey, Honey Musk, Honeysuckle, Musk, Peach, Sandalwood, Sensual Musk, Tiger Lily, Violet, Ylang Ylang, Amber, Ambergris, Civet
St. Valentine, 2002: Cupid’s arrows are flying only to pierce our hearts with love. Romance is in the air and we come bearing our most cherished tokens: candied violets, red roses, and chocolate. St. Valentine is an elixir of love… a sensual floriental-gourmand perfume of richness and grace. Notes: Amber, Bergamot, Bourbon Vanilla, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Centifolia Rose Absolute, Dark Chocolate, French Vanilla, Nutmeg, Parma Violet, Raspberry, Tea Rose, and Vanilla Absolute.
Summer Breeze, 1991: No other scent (that we created in our early years) typifies our “Boston Days” quite like Summer Breeze. The fresh, crisp nature of this fruity floral almost says ‘preppie…’ but with such an easy going, fun to wear floral heart to base accord, it fits any time, any place. Notes: Bergamot, Freesia, Muguet / Lily of the Valley, Musk, Peach, Violet
Summer Stargazer, 2001; (updated 2025): The sweet scent of a summer evening; lilies in full bloom in the yard and fresh strawberries on the picnic table. Summer Stargazer is a fresh fruity floral fragrance perfect for daydreaming and finding moments of sweet delight in everyday things. Notes: bergamot, strawberry leaves & fruit accord, stargazer lily accord, jasmine, sandalwood, and musk.
Trinidad, 2002 (updated 2023): A refreshing citrus aquatic fragrance for men that’s perfect for Summer… inspired by the beaches and beauty of the Caribbean island of Trinidad. Trinidad, the fragrance, features a unique accord built around the sweet scent of Trinidad pepper mixed with tangy, sweet citrus on a bed of driftwood and ambergris. Notes: Bergamot, Lime, Trinidad Pepper, Lemon, Ozone, Marine notes, Jasmine, Orris, Driftwood, Seaweed, Vetiver, Ambergris, Musk, Sea Salt.
Tropical Nights, 1991: What a lovely humid, sweet, and sultry scent this is. A gorgeous fruity-floriental design bathed in Hawaiian flowers and fruits. Notes: Australian Sandalwood, Bergamot, Gardenia, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Musk, Papaya, Pikake, Plumeria, Tiger Lily, White Ginger
Verveine, 1998: The classic French country scent: green, lemony, fresh and clean. Perfection. Summertime would not be complete without the refreshing and relaxing scents of fresh herbs, citrus, and florals. Notes: Bergamot, Citrus / Cologne, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Orange Blossom
Waterlily, 1990: A fresh yet sweet, green lily perfume. An Eastern delicacy; the floating enchantment of the majestic water nymphaea Lotus. It’s both beautifully airy and slightly watery at the same time with cool green nuances in the top note with a rich floral heart. {A wonderful scent from the ‘old school’ Essense Perfumery (Boston) days…} Notes: Green Notes, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Egyptian Blue Lotus, Kenya Lily, Musk
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YOUR PERFECT DAY: Wedding Collection: designed especially to create the perfect ambiance with the Bride and Groom and the Bridesmaids, too. There will be no clashing, but instead the Bride’s perfume compliments the Groom’s scent and when you add the Bridesmaid’s, the entire atmosphere becomes the complete Wedding Bouquet.
1). bridesmaid: A simple nosegay for the Bridesmaids…something lovely for them to experience on your Wedding Day and to take home as a reminder of your cherished friendships. A fresh, light, lily-spring floral with peony and dewy pear nuances. Notes: Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Bulgarian Rose Otto, Green Pear, Heliotrope, Lily, Muguet / Lily of the Valley, Musk, Rosewater, Sweet Pea.
2). For the Groom: A warm sandalwood – amber based eau de cologne fresh scent. A suave and fresh cologne… nothing overpowering, simply sexy and a perfect compliment to the Bride’s perfume. (Who can resist him when he is wearing this?!). Notes: Amber, Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Citrus / Cologne, Lime Peel, Musk, Orange Blossom, Sandalwood, Spice Notes
3). Queen: A richly sophisticated rose-carnation, ambery floral perfume. She has loved you all of your life. Make her feel like a Queen with her own perfume…and just as special as you feel on Your Wedding Day! Notes: Amber, Bergamot, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Carnation, Damask Rose Absolute, French Lily, Spice Notes
**If there is a scent from our archives that you might be interested in special ordering, please just contact us via email or by calling the studio at: 1-720-563-0344.
DSHPerfumes –
(For Alchemy): “My perfect patchouli. It reminds me of a patchouli I’ve smelled or worn somewhen faraway, lost in the mists of time. But I’ve never really worn patchouli. Maybe it’s the very subtle lift of the gardenia that gives it a familiar quality to me?
For me this is a patchouli that also smells pink. It’s not harsh and raw, like many cheap and easy patchoulis are, even the ones found in “fine perfumery.”
It’s not dark and super earthy-dirty. I grew up in Humboldt County where hippie patchouli was de rigeur. This is not that. This is perfume, carefully constructed, not just some loamy smell of leaves and dirt. I really like it, and it’s just what I’ve been looking for in a patchouli perfume.
All that said, I wouldn’t call it floral or amber as per the description. It’s a really nice patchouli with a slight floral lift, IMHO. – Larkin
DSHPerfumes –
(For Ancient Air Accord): A sharp blast of patchouli and cedar wood, almost turpentine-esque, quickly mixes with olibanum (frankincense) and myrrh to become a fragrant wood/incense scent – very masculine – I cannot conceive that this would successfully be worn by a woman.
There is a celeriac note that weaves in and out of the above to give it an interesting twist, reminiscent of Millot’s Insolent.
One of DSH’s strongest scents.” – Arneblaze October 17, 2014
DSHPerfumes –
(For Ancient Air Accord): “ I don’t really know how she made patchouli paired with incense light and airy but she did.”
– mylogicsaysburnsosendmeaway@yahoo.com (verified owner) March 7, 2013
DSHPerfumes –
(For Ancient Air Accord): Very mysterious. Calming. Meditative. Must use lightly. Like incense. – Amy November 18, 2012
DSHPerfumes –
(For Halloween): “Have you ever tried a fragrance that smelled so delicious you could almost taste it? Halloween is one of those scents. It’s sweet smoky pumpkiny goodness. Wearing it reminds me of those dark windy Halloween nights that I spent trick or treating with my childhood friends. It seems like there was always a slight breeze to make dry leaves rustle and a full moon that caused shadows to seem like they had a life of their own. Down every street and around every corner there was an adventure that was just waiting to start. A bit frightening but a thrilling fright because it was shared with close friends. That’s what Halloween smells like : sweet warm spices with a dash of mysterious smoke to liven things up. A perfect perfume for the season.”
– Carole Pitcher (verified owner) October 12, 2019
DSHPerfumes –
(For Halloween): “This haunting scent conjures up the fallen leaves, bare branches, and autumnal air of late October with an unexpected and genius leap of imagination that is pure DSH. The first whiff is startling anise, but this perfume quickly warms to a dry woodsy foundation in which the notes of anise, pumpkin, and citrus spice hint of mulled cider, trick-or-treaters, and a crackling fire against chill fall air. However, Halloween is neither innocent or sweet—there’s plenty of shadowy mystery evoked by this ambery gourmand. This scent casts a warming, bewitching spell that is made for moody October days.” – Marian August 23, 2015
DSHPerfumes –
(For Vanilla Bourbon): “Vanilla ice cream with a bourbon-infused caramel sauce. YUM!
One of those dangerously successful gourmands that may have friends, co-workers and family nibbling on your neck – it could be a good thing, depending on who you let near you.
There is a nice dark, bitter undercurrent – patchouli? – that roots this and gives it character.
Top notch vanilla parfum.” – Arneblaze October 18, 2014
DSHPerfumes –
(For Vanilla Bourbon): “I really like this scent. It is rich, deep and delicately sweet but not at all like food. I agree with a previous reviewer that this can also be used for layering. I have some scents that are a little too masculine and think this scent will be a perfect pairing.”
– llombardi (verified owner) August 15, 2014
DSHPerfumes –
(For Vanilla Bourbon): “If you’re looking for a pure Vanilla fragrance– warm, rich, inviting, give-me-a-hug-I-smell-like-delicious-baked-goods– this is it. “Delicious” is right, but this fragrance is never over-sweet or cupcakey. The bourbon gives it a richness and depth and just slightly darker color– it would definitely work great on a man too.” – daphnebissette@gmail.com (verified owner) January 7, 2014
DSHPerfumes –
(For Vanilla Bourbon): Wow and WOW!!!
I might have got a little tipsy with Bourbon Vanilla. This fragrance is intoxicatingly rich but never overbearing. I hit all my pulse points with sample and “Oh my gosh”. I am enveloped with the most gorgeous vanilla imaginable. The scent is beyond great on it’s own but I also would think this would be great for pairing. I have a few ideas in mind. I received compliments from co-workers throughout the day. What an unexpected delight.”
– cdaleb@hotmail.com April 12, 2013
DSHPerfumes –
(For La Fete Nouvelle): “This is a super enjoyable, musky skin scent. The almond/hay notes are most noticeable at the beginning before it dries down into a soft, “cuddly” sweet musky vanilla-like scent. This is the kind of comfort scent that you can put on without much thought–a good go to. I really like the hay aspect and wish that note stayed around a bit longer before it dissolved into the sweet drydown, but I do love where it ends up! Longlasting too.” – BostonScentGuy (verified owner) July 25, 2019
DSHPerfumes –
(For La Fete Nouvelle): “Omg! What a beautiful creation. I was looking for a fragrance that had similar notes of sweet grass. I found it, with Dawn Spencer Hurwitz La Fete Nouvelle. I just can’t get enough of this wonderful fragrance. It smells like waking through a field of sweet grass in the summer.”
– jorge5lonnie (verified owner) September 29, 2018
DSHPerfumes –
( For Sophie): “I love Sophie! Well, the scent as well as the character from the book! I’ve been looking for years for an unique fragrance to call “mine” and one that my husband wasn’t allergic to (he’s very sensitive/allergic to most perfumes) – and I’ve finally found it! It’s the perfect combination that makes me feel beautiful and feminine. Love it!!!”
— jammreed@gmail.com (verified owner) January 27, 2014
DSHPerfumes –
(For Sophie): “Sophie, for me, is like standing in the mist of a summer rain – clean but with the added smoke of the musk.”
– karinsandstromshelton@yahoo.com (verified owner) January 9, 2013
DSHPerfumes –
(For the Groom): “sexy? yes. This is a new favorite of my husband who wanted to feel sexy and not completely devoid of scent because I’m allergic to all things artificial. I love it!”
— brookeshumaker@yahoo.com (verified owner) February 9, 2013
Gia Kerr –
(For La Fete Nouvelle) This is a fabulous toasted, bitter almond based scent. It leans warm and reminds me of Loukhoum- the powdery almond and honey scent. It is lightly sweet and slightly balsamic with a grassy edge. One of the best almond scents out there- and that’s coming from a huge almond lover!
Pixiedust2 (verified owner) –
What struck me most about this is it’s similarity to the base of POTL Luctor Et Emergo. It has the sweet hay, the soft almond and vanilla, minus the incense and cherry. LEE is my HG perfume, but it disappears on me instantly which almost makes me cry. So I’ve bought La Fete Nouvelle to see if it makes my LEE possibly wear longer. On its own, LFN is just beautiful. It’s soft, warm, slightly sweet and cuddly. It projects so well on my skin, much stronger than the description of a skin scent.
This is a perfect everyday scent, I can’t see this offending anyone, and I also find it so comfy and meditative. If you love sweet almond scents, or wheat/rice scents, this is a must try.
DSHPerfumes –
(For luckyclover): This starts off as very fresh grass on me. I can almost feel the crisp spring morning! Then it becomes a gentle sweet floral. It disappears within a few hours but I don’t really mind because I love to reapply and get that hit of green again!
(katykatt (verified owner) January 16, 2021)
DSHPerfumes –
(For luckyclover): As someone who doesn’t like perfumes that are too floral, this is perfect. It starts smelling to me like fresh cut flowers and then slowly becomes more of a gourmand – I definitely detect the warmth of honey. It has a slight sweetness to it and I find it to be feminine and alluring.
(karinsandstromshelton@yahoo.com (verified owner) January 7, 2013)
DSHPerfumes –
(For luckyclover): I had high hopes for this one because the description sounded delicious! The initial smell was definitely a sharp green note, the cut grass that was described, but within minutes on my skin it became a very heavy, warm, mature floral. My skin does tend to warm and sweeten all scents, so I had anticipated a little bit of this and don’t know how it might differ on someone else, but on me this scent did not wear at all as described. I put it on around 11am and by 4pm could barely smell it, but I hadn’t applied much and staying power isn’t necessarily my top criteria for a nature perfume. Unfortunately, I won’t be buying more of this scent, but will keep looking around til I find the right DSH scent for me!
(shamilton203@gmail.com (verified owner) July 24, 2013)
DSHPerfumes –
(For Powder):
This is a soft delicious scent that reminds me of a baby. I use the shea butter body cream everyday and absolutely love it.
(camppont@hotmail.com (verified owner) March 19, 2014)
DSHPerfumes –
(For Powder):
I don’t usually go for powdery scents, but this is lovely. It’s not suffocating like some powdery perfumes are. Instead, it’s soft and pretty and very easy to wear.
I love it!
(Melissa (verified owner) June 5, 2015)
DSHPerfumes –
(For Powder):
This smells like VIOLET, orris, vanilla, rose, violet… and more violet. There’s a little bergamot and lemon at first that fades quickly. “Powder” is very much a sweet vintage powder, reminiscent of old fashioned cosmetics- violet scented face powder and waxy lipstick. Lovely!
(Georgia Steffen October 7, 2020)
alle11019id –
An oil sample of La Fete Nouvelle was generously included in my order, and was a pleasant surprise as it was not something I might have otherwise selected. I really enjoy the beginning with the sweet grass notes, there’s something playful and coy about it. Sadly my body chemistry does crazy things to nutty scents as much I wish it didn’t, and this scent goes a little further into playdough territory than I’d like. Longevity is there, it really lasts.
DSHPerfumes –
(For St. Valentine):
I think of this scent as a rose, but no ordinary one. Makes you wake up and take notice in a lush extravagant way. (camaynardwilm@juno.com (verified owner) 11/25/13)
DSHPerfumes –
(For St. Valentine):
Delicious! Great as a gift. Nice for gals of all ages. On me it is close to the skin and not overpowering. It definitely made me think of chocolate bonbons but it was more complex and smelled less of chocolate as the scent evolved on my skin. It’s a great scent for a little fun mixed with romance or just to treat your own nose. (littleflowerlove@comcast.net (verified owner) 2/9/13)
DSHPerfumes –
(For St. Valentine):
St. Valentine is absolutely edible. It’s warm, creamy with a touch of sweetness. I find it to be soft and inviting and would describe it as a gourmand scent. (karinsandstromshelton@yahoo.com (verified owner) 1/3/13)
Anthony La Russo (verified owner) –
(For Ancient Air (Accord), 1994):
Crafty excellence. Very Art, yet Very Wearable! Firstly a curiously stimulating herbaceousness–is it honey-sweetened thyme w/ a little bit of carmelized smoky air? An hour after putting this on I was getting wafts of vanilla that seems to support this whole unusual structure. Which has an airiness, a movement to it: motion! It has a nice projection for all these herbal subtleties and strong motions, projecting a good 2 feet even a couple hours later, lessening a little in next couple hours (goes about 7 hours total). The vanilla is blond/alpine wood-driven, carrying little rivulets of fresh thyme or oregano, softened perhaps with a touch of sweet lavender-smoke. Honeyed camphoraceous resin, rustling in the wind. If you keep listening, you keep receiving other sacred herbs with eager messages for you from what appears to be an apothecary cornucopia. High marks.
esp915 (verified owner) –
(For April, 2001) I requested this sample as part of my last order; I was looking for a white floral/muguet/lily of the valley and that’s exactly what I received. Initially it wears on me as a white floral with very green edges (the sweetgrass and clover notes stand out), and dries down to a very pleasant muguet/lily of the valley/white rose. It’s light enough so that if worn on a very warm spring day (like the 80F day we had last week) it’s not overwhelming, but has a presence that lingers as a skin scent even on the coldest of mornings (freeze warning and ice storm early this morning). I love that this perfume not only smells like a fresh April garden, but that it also wears like April and at least on me, will vary based on the temperature. Love this fragrance!
Moonflaw (verified owner) –
(For Ivory)
I adore this fragrance. It has everything I look for in a scent. It is long lasting, clean, fresh, soft, but noticeable. A “my skin but better” fragrance. It is absolute perfection.
rkasperek768 –
(For Trinidad) I have learned, particularly with Dawn, to withhold prejudice against fragrances “for men”, and focus instead on notes. I could not resist sampling Trinidad when I saw the curious composition. This is such a lovely scent. I was a little nervous about the orris, a note I’m not fond of, but I don’t detect it here, thankfully. I couldn’t stop sniffing myself after applying, and the drydown is just heavenly. I am in awe of Dawn’s artistry.
dbczenglish –
(For Northwest Passage) This is truly a masterpiece because it so truly evokes walking in a forest high on a ridge. I don’t know how Dawn was able to blend notes that are so true to the scent of stepping on fallen leaves and roots and soil, while brushing up against evergreen trees. I also have smelled something like this while hugging trees. (Trust me–you need to literally embrace trees as much as possible). It’s sort of sweet, earthy, oily from sap, ancient, green, majestic….truly a work of art that both a man or woman can wear and feel deeply connected to the forest primeval.
anadevice –
•Tropical Nights•
Wow, the strength/throw of this is impressive — just a tiny drop of oil, and the air is filled with fresh, tropical florals. A creamy blend of jasmine and gardenia shine with sunny citrus and the golden warmth of vibrant Tiger Lily, made even more fragrant with crisp, zesty ginger. The sweet juice of ripe papayas and the rich, peach-like nectar of plumeria balance the fresh top notes, giving the scent a more balanced, natural feel.
This feels surprisingly fresh to me and makes me think of a resort spa on an island with pure, white sands. I prefer the more buttery florals of Fleurs du Soleil, but if you’re looking for a refreshing take on island botanicals, you’ll love Tropical Nights.
anadevice –
•Sophie•
This is really pretty, like a bouquet of wildflowers. As it dries, the florals begin to reveal themselves — lily emerges first, sweetened with fresh peach juice. Creamy jasmine follows, alongside the fresh, waxy petals of tropical gardenia — a rich blend of white florals, yet the flowers have a refreshing, dewy finish.
Honeysuckle arrives, its vines adding subtle green notes as the soft flowers draw out a honeyed, golden musk. I’m not a honey fan, but I absolutely adore this musk — smooth, sensual, amber nectar swirled with subtle animalic notes and the sheer salty cream of ambergris. The warmth of the musk brings out the bright, peppery blossoms of tiger lily and fragrant ylang ylang.
Unfortunately, my skin amps tiger lily, overwhelming the sweet, sultry musk and rich florals. I’m going to hold onto this one in hopes of a skin chemistry change because it’s absolutely gorgeous otherwise — soft, creamy white florals, a hint of bright peach, and seductive, honeyed musk — natural and approachable, yet extremely alluring
Savannah Prokop (verified owner) –
My review is for La Fete Nouvelle. This is such a comforting scent to me. It’s nutty and almond-forward, but not overly sweet at all. There’s a “wheatiness” to it that’s very comforting and addicting. The grass and hay add a realistic earthiness to the composition. Overall, it’s a great comfort scent.
jonah.chinman –
Northwest Passage: Got this as a sample, and I’m so glad I did. It reminds me of cutting trees for firewood, sitting next to the fire while drinking a nice cognac, all simultaneously. I can’t stop smelling my hand, it’s very soothing and makes me feel like I’m in nature.
DSHPerfumes –
(for bluedaisy) alle11019id September 10, 2021
bluedaisy is one of Dawn’s offerings that rather than skewing niche, offers her take on more of a designer type of shampoo freshy. Think Ralph or Tommy Girl family. It’s grassy with bright citrus and is nice for active activities.for bluedaisy)