Annick Goutal‘s latest offering may be a nod to Van Gogh’s The Starry Night however the fragrance has no bearings on the depressing backstory on the creation of what’s hailed as his magnum opus.
Instead, Nuit Étoilée focuses on the memorizing palette, inviting you on an eventide escapade through the woods “where aromatic fragrances scent the skin under the sheer immensity of the moonlit countryside consorts with absolute serenity beneath a veil of shimmering stars.”
The celestial composition is woven with sparkling notes of Citron, Sweet Orange with a hint of Peppermint and, Siberian Pine and Balsam Firm at its heart. The fragrance takes on a spicy hint of Angelica Seed as it dries down, well-balanced with the delicious warmth of Immortelle and sweet Tonka Beans.
I have to admit that the scent was “not my type” during a random visit to Escentials some weeks back. It’s heavily-laden with spice and nuts, as per my first impression.
However the perfume has since grown on me over a short span of time – sharp tinge of citrus (most of my friends know I go gaga over everything Satsuma!) and the sweet Tonka Beans that’s reminiscent of vanilla. However, there’s an overpowering of Immortelle that smells like tea leaves which doesn’t quite sit well for someone who favors coffee, ha!
Available in 2 variants; a curvy handcrafted bottle and another squarish presentation which smells masculinity and is tastefully elegant. For avid collectors, you might want to consider getting the former as subsequent stocks will be packaged in clear bottles.
Prices
※ 50ml Ribbed Bottle – S$151
※ 100ml Ribbed Bottle – S$206
※ 100ml Square Bottle – S$174
Through my profiling session held at Escentials, I’ve learned that each fragrance is a touching reminder of someone or a monumental event in Annick Goutal’s life. Each bottle is adorned with a label representing an ivy crown which is her favorite plant and, and symbolizes attachment and loyalty – qualities I admire in a person.
The comprehensive one-on-one consultation spans 45 minutes, in which you’ll go through a series of visual and sensory questions – from choosing your favorite textiles to picking illustrations that tells your personality, as well as identifying scents that most appeal to you. The ultimate decisions aid the BA to shortlist and map out fragrances for you to select.
Quel Amour! eventually called out my name, a fruity floral type with notes of wild roses, rose geranium, pomegranates, cherries etc. Notice that they all fall under the same color spectrum! I was also given a sample vial of Eau d’Hadrien that is heavily composed of assorted citruses, BINGO! Fortunately there’s sufficient time to decide if it will fare well with my body chemistry, for I’m tempted to get it as a birthday treat.
Fragrance Profiling @ Escentials is available strictly upon appointment; this interactive session covers a wide range of niche and cult fragrances available at the store.
Escentials Paragon – Tel: 6737 2478
290 Orchard Road, #03-02/05, S238859
Escentials @ Tangs Orchard – Tel: 6734 2122
310 & 320 Orchard Road, Tangs Beauty Hall Level 1, S238864
Escentials @ The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands – Tel: 6688 7372
2 Bayfront Avenue, #B1-142, S01897
Lastly, Josh Groban’s debut album is a longtime favorite of mine, and I shall leave you with his rendition of “Vincent.”
