‘Autumn, I just can’t get enough of it. All the fiery amber colours, the elegant swans swimming in the glazed rivers and you can’t forget about the pleasant, golden sunsets. Although the glittering sun dappled the forest floor giving a pattern of leopard’s fur, the freshness of the icy breeze made me quiver as it bit through my thick coat.’ (Domante)
Today I’m talking all about a beautiful Autumn Winter fragrance called ‘Un Bois Vanille’ by House of Serge Lutens. Serge Lutens is a French photographer, filmmaker, hair stylist, perfume creator. He was born during the war, on March 14th, 1942 in Lille, in northern France. In 1962 Lutens moved to Paris, where Vogue hired him to create makeup, hair and jewellery. In 2000, Lutens launched his brand “Parfums-Beaute Serge Lutens”.
Un Bois Vanille is a feminine perfume by Serge Lutens. The scent was launched in 2003 and the fragrance was created by perfumer Christopher Sheldrake.
Packaging: The fragrance comes in a minimal French style packaging. The fragrance comes in a sleek clear bottle with a round small cap. It also comes with an atomiser.
Fragrance Category: Woody Oriental
Composition: Beeswax, Caramelized Benzoin, Bitter almond, Guaiac wood, Tonka bean, Black vanilla, Licorice, Sandalwood, Coconut milk
Notes:
Top Notes
Vanilla, Coconut Milk & Black Licorice
Heart Notes
Beeswax, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean & Bitter Almond
Base Notes
Guaiac Wood, Benzoin & Musk
As the name says, it opens with spicy wood and softens with a beautiful creamy and very sweet vanilla. Caramel, coconut, something powdery. Surely it’s sweet, but it’s a sweet, woody mix with nuances that keep it from being over-the-top. Rather, what results is a nuanced, interesting take on vanilla, very well-performing.
This is an old packaging and the new packaging comes in a bell shaped bottle which can be purchased from Serge Lutens Boutiques in Paris. However, old packaging bottles are still available with some retailers like Notino.
Overall thoughts:
It’s an easy win and a slight deviation from most sweeter vanilla offerings that lean boozy, cake-like, or extract-like. A very soft, sweet, and creamy vanilla with a resinous, waxy quality that makes you wish you could sink your teeth into it. Vanilla dominates in the top notes but soon integrates into a mélange of very rich, heavy woods, spiced with a bit of anise.
It is not a simple Vanilla due to woody and smokey kick. Think of it as a cozy fragrance as if there is a some smokiness coming from wood burning in the fireplace and pies baking in the kitchen. The lasting power is impressive on me but It is not one of those fragrances that announces your arrival before you even enter the room. It is not too heavy but not too light either. It is more of an everyday scent and one of those fragrances that you can wear either Day or Night. Suitable for Autumn/Fall weather.
Until next time
Ashh xo
I’m not too much of a fan of a woody fragrance, but your recommendations seem worthy of trial.
Gorgeous photos!
I’ve never heard of Un Bois Vanille, but that fragrance sounds dreamy!
Zoey | http://www.zoeyolivia.com
Your photos are always the best! This vanilla fragrance sounds beautiful. I’m so tempted to get this.
Extremely beautiful flatlays. And itsi only because of you that I get to explore a whole new and refreshing fragrances. Will give this one a try
ohh really sink teeth into it, that word make me pull this perfume in my wishlist
All girls can die to have a bottle of fragrance.I love the vanilla flavor and its a must buy for me.
A person’s body fragrance speaks a lot about the kind of person he/she is..I want these for myself to smell good and leave an impression
I seriously wanted this for myself to try it once and can’t deny on this that pictures and packaging are just awesome .
I have known Serge Lutens for his photography skills and this feminine fragrance coming from him would definitely be wonderful. Would love to try.
With the notes of coconut, sandalwood, vanilla and husk, I’m already in love with this fragrance by Serge Lutens . Perfect for this beautiful weather.
I just love hues of Vanilla in a Fragrance, This sounds interesting though I have little apprehensions with it having Woody Oriental Category. But I am sure it will be worth a try.
Vanilla with woody and smokey twist? That is some great fragrance! Love the packaging too! Will get this one for myself!
His story is interesting! Love the packaging but not too fond of woodsy scents!!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
The Combo of vanilla, wood with smoky twist sounds intriguing. And it’s long lasting power is promising. Seems like a good addition for daily use
This perfume sounds promising. Woody fragrance is something i m looking forward too. Love the flatlays… Nice post
This is such a classic scent…love it for winter x
franklyflawless.com
French perfumes are known all around the world. Very unique stuff you write about. Good post