Jeux de Peau by Serge Lutens

Bread Notes, Spices, Licorice, Apricot, Immortelle, Sandalwood, Woody Notes, Amber.

Imagine Serge Lutens releasing an eccentric fragrance the likes of Jeux de Peau? I know, it's a real stretch, but that's exactly how I consider this particular scent. Jeux de Peau conjures up the image of a non-passable cross dresser since the fragrance itself is akin to a masculinized perfume for women that smells better on a man. Confused? Well, you should be because there's no doubt that I am.

Have I described it as such because behind the ambiguous opening lies wood? I should think not, even though Jeux de Peau is a substantial woodie, this girl likes to flaunt it after 10 minutes on the skin. Yes my friends, under the dress there's not only trunk, but junk.

Jeux de Peau opens with what smells like slightly burnt anise-infused fruit and spice. The spices, at least to me, are a combination of cinnamon and cumin and they also possess the quality of being under a heat lamp. The licorice quality is the alpha note during the opening and holds fast even in the eventual transition. Once the top is peeled away, the Sandalwood enlarges and merges with the slowly dissipating introductory accord. I feel like I just experienced a macho feminine get aroused in a very masculine fashion. Now, either I'm simply feeling extremely weird today and I chose the wrong time to review this, or the Serge is as strange as I ever thought he was.

To sum up my opinion of Jeux de Peau, I find the tough feminine opening turned masculine finish rather interesting, not to mention disorienting. Would I wear it? You can bet your local hermaphrodite on it I would. The reason is the Sandalwood core that is the heartbeat of this offbeat concoction. There's similarities to i Profumi di Firenze's Dolce Patchouly of all things, but that is due to the prominent licorice.

My recommendation, other than to sample anything before purchase, is for Sandalwood fans to try this strange rendition. Even if you don't lean toward sandal in general, pick up a sample and delve into the mind of this....this......very different parfumeur. A cautious thumbs up from Aromi for Serge Lutens Jeux de Peau.