L'Orpheline
L'Orpheline by Serge Lutens is an unisex eau de parfum from 2014 in the niche price tier. It opens with aldehydes, moves into incense, coumarin and fern and dries down to cedarwood, musk, cashmeran, ambergris and patchouli. Expect around 8 hours of wear, and it projects at a moderate level.
Notes, explained
Opening
- Aldehydes Fizzy, soapy, slightly waxy. The 'sparkle' at the top of Chanel No. 5.
Heart
- Incense Smoky, dry and meditative. Adds gravity to anything.
- Coumarin Hay, almond and vanilla in one molecule. The heart of every fougère.
- Fern Not a real smell — the mossy, coumarin idea of a fern that named the fougère.
Dry-down
- Cedarwood Dry, pencil-shaving woodiness. Clean and structural.
- Musk Warm, skin-like and slightly sweet. Makes a fragrance feel like you.
- Cashmeran Musky, woody and slightly spicy. Velvety and very persistent.
- Ambergris Salty, animal, sun-warmed skin. Marine and musky at once.
- Patchouli Damp earth and dark chocolate. Either you love it or it's your least favourite note.
Smells like this
- Lattafa Aura
- Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc for Her
- Lake & Skye 11 11 Moon
- Lattafa Emeer
- Matière Première Metal Lavender
- Tiziana Terenzi Pisces
More Serge Lutens fragrances · Discover · Cheaper alternatives