Alexandra Balahoutis, Perfumer and Founder of Strange Invisible Perfumes
Musk is a heavily loaded word in the perfume world- both with obsessive fondness and wrinkled nose repulsion. Botanical perfumers have often shied away from or been unilaterally opposed to even the attempt at replicating the animal sourced material. Alexandra Balahoutis, perfumer for Strange Invisible Perfumes, on the other hand, tackled the aromatic subject back in 2008 with the launch of Musc Botanique. Showing the versatility of botanical ingredients, Alexandra formulated a modern classic which again proved that botanical perfumery is a valid and contemporary medium for olfactive art.
Two Figures Painting: William Whitaker
What draws my attention back to the plant-as-skin perfume, besides being a go-to daily wear scent, is the new alcohol (and re-design of all SIP packaging) of the LA-based house. "A custom-distilled esprit de cognac alcohol from pesticide-free, non-GMO grapes." What it should read is "a crystal-clear liquid through which ingredients will shine."
Painting William Whitaker Child of Light
Being a fan of the original Musc Botanique, it is very clear the difference in delivery- each note is defined in a way which makes "crystalline" in the description an operative word. The formula itself seems unchanged- but its ability to unfold and stuccato each moment of progression of top to base notes, with each ingredient making itself known individually and as an accord is something quite special. "Organic, hydro-distilled geranium and frankincense enhance crystalline notes of white amber and botanical musk."
Painting: William Whitaker
Musc Botanique starts with a finely diluted geranium and frankincense which adds a dry and slightly green aspect to the queen of botanical musk materials- ambrette. This gives the sensation of freshly washed skin- both clean and alluring. The well termed 'crystalline' combination of geranium, frankincense and ambrette is both white and sheer- one feels almost ready for a communion rather than a union of another kind.
Talisman William Whitaker
The body of wear is an angelica infused ambrette with hints of lemon and spice (coriander?) which comprises the "white amber" note. The citrus gives balance to a deepening ambrette- this development gives Musc Botanique its magic, the botanical musk begins to smoulder as contrast of hyper-clean lemon keeps the carnality from reaching boiling point. There is a point of rose like floral in the far dry down, perhaps provided by the geranium or perhaps it is true what they say- there is no perfume without rose.
Thankfully, all Strange Invisible Perfumes are now composed with this perfect carrier alcohol- a menstrum through which the pain staking hydro-distilled and other organic and wildcrafted plant materials that the house is known for can truly be appreciated. More than a gilded frame, it is a 3-D lens through which flat images become ones with depth.
Notes: organic hydro-distilled Egyptian geranium and frankincense, notes of white amber, and botanical musk
–Einsof, Natural Perfume Editor, West Coast Contributor
All art is the work of Provo, Utah's William Whitaker, a master artist and leader of the revival of classical realism
Thanks to Strange Invisible Perfumes we have a .05 oz flacon of Musc Botanique Eau de Parfum for a US reader (value $115.00). To be eligible, please leave a comment with what you found interesting about Einsof’s review and your favorite SIP fragrance. Draw closes January 8, 2015
We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume