Eau des Minimes Cologne

So sad this has been discontinued - it was my favourite cologne for summer, very fresh, acid and limey more than lemony. Sadly, all good things come to an end - just wish I'd bought more of it while it was around. A lot like Eau d'Hadrien if you want to pay five times the price for the same thing. Concentre d'Orange Verte also gives a similar vibe.

I don't usually go for citrus scents but this was given to me as a sample and I did enjoy it. The lemon opening is fresh but not bitter, just the right amount if zest. It dues calm after a little and is softer whilst still maintaining that fresh quality. Every do often I'd wave my hands about as I was talking and is get a hint of a beautiful vanilla/benzoin drydown but when I sniffed my wrists I couldn't smell it! It just wafted about from a small distance! Odd but surprisingly nice! I don't think i'd wear this often personally but it is very nice.

At first it is very zesty and indeed. 4 hours later is is a milder, clean and fresh citrus smell. Makes me happy. This could be worn by a man or woman. Another one I need to add to my list! addition: 6 hours later it is still going, and is a wonderful natural smelling clean citrus smell. Not too strong. Great!

Refreshing, unassuming, invigorating citrus without a hint of 'cleaning supplies' to be found. It's very gentle, with a dash of herbal and a tad sweet. It reminds me of the feeling of peace you get when the house is clean, bills are paid, and there are no responsibilities currently nagging at your brain. It's quite calming, I like to wear it when my nerves are a bit on edge or I just need a pick-me-up. It never outstays its welcome either. By the time it's worked its magic on me (within a few hours), it gently fades away and steps aside for my next olfactory indulgence.

I tested this one today and I liked it a lot from first sniff! I'm not generally a citrus person and I cannot stand fruity modern scents. I often go for floral-orientals, but this cologne really grabbed my attention, because it's very fresh, sweet and uplifting. I went around for 2 hours wearing it on my neck and my scarf and it was a very pleasant smell coming up to my nose. It doesn't go bad as many flat and poor/fake quality citrus scents. I was tired and not so in a good mood, but the Couvent cologne lifted my mood and made me feel fresh again, not so tired. I like it because it's not all about citrus. The opening is strongly lemony, but soon rosemary kicks out and neroli is even stronger. I could not smell clear benzoin but it probably works here as a good base. It lasted quite long with a good sillage, so it's not exactly a refreshing cologne like 4711 that fades very quickly and probably meant to. It could suit men, too, but I feel it like a more feminine summer scent. I think about purchasing to boost my mood, especially at the end of the day. I love Dior Escale at Portofino. This one is quite similar, not the same and could be a much cheaper option.