Bois de Paradis by Parfums DelRae

Lemon, Bergamot, Orange.
Rose, Blackberry, Figs, Spices.
Balsam, Woods, Amber, Incense.

This 2002 creation is marketed to women, yet I love the smell of this and believe it is wearable by anyone. Bois de Paradis opens with a very smooth citric rendition with rose and spice already intruding into the accord. The combination of rose and orange is something I find extremely well done. The subtle spice accents these two notes and it exhibits a demure yet substantial quality.

The heart is just as well tuned but not as attention getting as the opening. The rose is dusty and soft with just a hint of sweet. I don't identify with the fruit notes other than the suggestion of it. The spice is still lucid and noticeable. The change of gears from top to mids isn't dramatic by any stretch, but it's smooth and pleasant.

The base and drydown of bois de Paradis is wrinkle free. Just as placid as the middle accord, a slightly powdery wood and dry amber appear seamlessly. There's still a mild spice note ongoing and the onset of a tranquil smoke changes the direction of Bois de Paradis just enough for you to notice. The incense rendition is like all the other note implementations. Passively robust and soft enough to be considered polite.

The extended drydown is a comfortable affair of mild resin, dry amber and woody smoke. Bois de Paradis makes for a harmonious wear. It does lean slightly feminine, but if I had a bottle of this, I can assure you I'd wear it.

Sillage is moderate and the longevity is approximately 5 hours before I'd consider reapplying. Thumbs up from Aromi for Michel Roudnitska's Bois de Paradis.

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