Iris Poudre

Iris Poudre by Frédéric Malle is a feminine-leaning eau de parfum from 2000 in the luxury price tier. It opens with bergamot, carnation, ylang-ylang and rosewood, moves into jasmine, lily of the valley, magnolia, rose, violet and aldehydes and dries down to orris root, ebony, sandalwood, amber, musk and vanilla. Expect around 8 hours of wear, and it projects at a moderate level.

Notes, explained

Opening

Bergamot Sharp citrus with a faint bitter edge. The opening of about half of all men's fragrances.
Carnation Spicy, clove-like floral. Old-school and a bit peppery.
Ylang-Ylang Banana-custard floral. Rich, tropical and slightly rubbery.
Rosewood Soft, rosy wood. Gentle and slightly floral.

Heart

Jasmine Heady, sweet and slightly animal underneath. Rarely subtle.
Lily of the Valley Clean, green, dewy floral. Reads as 'fresh laundry' to most people.
Magnolia Lemony white floral. Bright and clean rather than heavy.
Rose Can be jammy, green, peppery or soapy depending on the type. Not one smell.
Violet Powdery, sweet and a bit retro. Parma Violets in flower form.
Aldehydes Fizzy, soapy, slightly waxy. The 'sparkle' at the top of Chanel No. 5.

Dry-down

Orris Root Iris root aged for years. Buttery, powdery, unmistakably refined.
Ebony Dense, dry and dark. Wood with no sweetness to it.
Sandalwood Creamy, milky wood. Soft and almost edible.
Amber Warm, golden and resinous. Not a real material — a blend that glows.
Musk Warm, skin-like and slightly sweet. Makes a fragrance feel like you.
Vanilla Sweet, creamy and warm. The most comforting note in perfumery.

Smells like this

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