April Aromatics Vetiver Coeur Review (Tanja Bochnig) 2019 + Roots of Tranquility Draw

Tanja Bochnig of April Aromatics

Tanja Bochnig, photo by April Aromatics

April’s child, Tanja Boching (born on 1st April) has been present in the world of indie/artisan natural perfumery for 12 years! Now, that’s really something. The more she gives, the more she seems to grow as a perfumer together with her line of fragrances, many of which I’m certain you’ve heard about: Calling All Angels, a fragrance that’s bottled on Full Moon, and containing 24 carat gold flakes was The Art&Olfaction Awards Winner in 2014, Irisistible a finalist for the same award category in 2019, and Unter Den Linden (2015) is for me a fragrance that immediately transports me to that very street in Tanja’s home town – Berlin, with a strong sense of summertime sadness, Weltschmerz running through my veins.

With every new release, she manages to surprise with the dedicated way she handles natural ingredients, notes or specific accords that seem to be so well known: just last year Tanja reinterpreted iris in her own, unique way. Irisistible (what a great name!) seems to draw out all the rootiness of the iris, its outside softness, and inner strength, freshness and creaminess at the same time. April Aromatics perfumes are 100 percent botanical – what you always need to keep on your mind is that you simply must give them your skin, and be very patient. Let them grow on you, breathe with you, blend with your skin – only then do they fully develop and give their best!

april aromatics vetiver couer review

Heart of Grass, photo by Pexells

Although Vetiver Coeur was officially launched in mid-December 2019, I think that the right time for it is – now. Because it seems that we’ve all faced so many challenges in 2019, because holidays season and festivities are over, because January is definitely the most depressing month of the year, and an infusion of harmony and peace is more than welcome. Vetiver has always been referred to as the “Oil of Tranquility“, not only spiritually because it’s long-prized as a fixative in perfumes, used to stabilize other, lighter and more volatile ingredients. Oil of Tranquility for people and perfumes!

You might consider vetiver as a perfume ingredient to be rich, warm, dry, earthy, woody, balsamic, smoky or resembling leather – even leaning on a masculine side, but it can also exhibit its sweet, slightly floral, almost violet- or sandalwood-like facets. It is very versatile, and Tanja wanted to do something different with it: to remove all its bitter, smoky, or “rough“ characteristics, and show us the soft and gentle, loving and calming heart of vetiver – April Aromatics Vetiver Coeur.

So she did, and like with most indie artisan perfumers, it’s personal. She was drawn to vetiver not only because it would make a great addition to the overall April Aromatics fragrance collection, but also in search of her personal tranquility, subtracting some bitter parts in the process, reaching all the way down to her very own “roots“. Seeking for inner balance, smoothness and harmony, as she admitted to me when we discussed Vetiver Coeur’s “roots“: this plant teaches us that grass can grow very tall if it has a firm, interlocked system. When strong winds blow over it, it bends so that it doesn’t break, and not only that vetiver doesn’t break – it’s also used to prevent soil erosion.

best vetiver fragrances

Vetiver, photo by April Aromatics

Just like in one of the ancient Aesop’s Fables – The Oak and The Reed which tells us a tale about an Old Oak that grew on a bank of a river, and was uprooted by a severe gale of wind. The Oak fell among some Reeds and wondered why they, so frail and slender, managed to weather the storm, whereas the Oak, with all its strength, height and might had been torn up by the roots and thrown into the river. Reeds told Oak that it was stupid and stubborn, it fought against the storm which proved much stronger: Reed chose wisely to bow instead, and thus stay alive. To bend, and not to break…there lies great wisdom.

Vetiver Coeur bends gently and softly, opening with citruses that enhance the lemony aspect of vetiver showing us it’s sunny, optimistic side. With a touch of the bitterness of reality. Greener hues underline this immense brightness, rising to the surface, playing and adding joyfully their herbal breath of fresh coriander and clary sage. This transition is calm, skilfully executed and well balanced: it feels like a wake-up call.

what is vetiver

Vetiver Roots, photo by April Aromatics

As the fragrance sinks deeper and blends with my skin, the warmer it gets. The heart of the fragrance – soft and caressing vetiver beats stronger, tenderly uncurling its coiled gentleness supported by flowing iris and the glowing beauty of orange blossoms: this stage of the fragrance is what I found most enjoying, so different than any other vetivers I’ve felt recently. It sways in slow motion from green to woody-feeling hues, rolling comfortably in its own, relaxed rhythm. Much later, orris roots interlink with vetiver roots and sandalwood, providing a nest layered with soft tobacco leaves where vetiver can safely rest in the drydown.

Vetiver Coeur is a much-needed softness in harsh surroundings, vulnerability turned into a strength and a bright light of beauty that lies in harmony.

Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Mandarin, Pink Pepper, Nutmeg, Coriander, Orange Flower Absolute, Clary Sage, Iris, Rose Absolute, Vetiver from Haiti and India, Sandalwood Mysore, Cedarwood Virginia, Orris Root, Tobacco, Carnation, Tonka Bean.

Disclaimer: the sample of Vetiver Coeur was kindly provided by April Aromatics. My opinions and feelings are always of my own.

Elena Cvjetkovic, Senior Contributor

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon@the_plum_girl @aprilaromatics

Photos: Elena Cvjetkovic, April Aromatics, Pexells

April Aromatics Vetiver Couer

Vetiver Coeur 30 ml, photo by April Aromatics

Thanks to the generosity of Tanja Bochnig, we have 30 ml of  Vetiver Coeur for a registereded reader in the USA and EU. You must register here or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what strikes you about Vetiver Coeur based on Elena’s review and where you live. Draw closes 1/11/2020.

This is our Privacy and Draw Rules Policy

We announce the winners on our site and our Facebook page so like Cafleurebon and use our blog feed … or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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70 comments

  • Lovely description of Vetiver Coeur. I am most intrigued by your description of it being a gentle and uplifting vetiver, as well as the brand’s 100% botanical nature. Would love to try this scent out. Thanks for the draw. Regards from Boston USA.

  • Stefan Cretu says:

    I would love to try a sunny bright lemony take on the vetiver. SO far I have only experienced its darker side. Stef, EU

  • The notes in Vetiver Coeur sound like I could rock this year round. I would love to see if I could pick out the tobacco note. Thanks for the opportunity to sniff! USA

  • I’d be curious to see how the vetiver combines with the spices, floral, and later orris and tobacco notes. I expect this to be both soft and refreshing, so I’d be delighted to try it. I am in the USA.

  • HiMyNameIsWaste says:

    A violet and sandalwood forward vetiver sounds wonderful.

    I live in Nashville, TN, USA.

  • I have just recently come to appreciate vetivier for its smokey earth qualities. It is hard for me to imagine what a soft vetiver smells like! The note list is intersting. I am wondering if my nose is honed enough to pick out a “soft vetiver” but I am definitely interested in trying
    From US

  • Sérgio Teixeira says:

    Great review. Orris, Vetiver and sandalwood make a great mixture of some of my favorite notes. Lisbon, Portugal

  • I love the idea of a softer, gentler vetiver! Elena’s review makes the fragrance sound like a breath of spring. The notes of iris, carnation and orris root in combination with vetiver are of particular interest. Thanks for the draw! I’m in the US.

  • Elena, what a fantastic review! I can feel the breeze and see the vetiver waving rhythmically in it. Thank you for reminding us about the very personal essence of naturals, that they reach into us and arise with us and it takes time and life to make the scent come alive. Thank you Tanja for this beautiful creation and for your amazing nose!

    I’m not putting in for the draw, but wanted to show my appreciation,

    -Tony

  • Dubaiscents says:

    Tanja’s work is always amazing and I love how this one is described as “ soft and caressing vetiver beats stronger, tenderly uncurling its coiled gentleness supported by flowing iris and the glowing beauty of orange blossoms”. Vetiver is a tough note for me sometimes but I think this one would be amazing. Thanks for the chance to try it! US.

  • I thought this will be very earthy vetiver so I am glad it is not very earthy (we already have choices like that) but soft creation with luminous notes including lemon. I am in US

  • vetiver coeur; aptly named as the heart/middle notes sound, well, perfect: vetiver to iris and orange blossoms. grateful for the draw in california

  • This is an exquisite description of Vetiver Coeur and I’m ready for that Vetiver wake-up call 🙂 Thank you Elena for the review and Tanja Bochnig for the giveaway. I’m in USA

  • I love Vetiver, this one sounds intriguing especially because its versatility and its soft and gentle character. I mostly love Vetivers and would love to smell this one. Living in the EU

  • US reader
    Best part: The use of a timeless Aesopian fable that tells its in our ability to be himble and bow before the Powers That Be that struggle and become uprooted-it sounds like a gracefully swaying field of tall grass you could run & frolic in with childlike innocence.
    On a more personal note not only is Fr. Bochnig a talented all-natural perfumer she is an fragrant avatar (bringer of light and wisdom) who has helped me to deal with somatic pain medicine and surgery couldn’t all with the power of Nature…and a little love from a friend half a world away! Brightest blessings Tanja…
    Thanks also to you Elena for you posh yet passionate descriptions.

    smell swell & be well,
    GP xox

  • January is indeed a depressing month and the emohasis that was put in the review on the contrast between the surroundings and softness in the perfume caught my interest. The review is about contrasts, abiut vulnerabilith and bright light, which is so needed now and this is what touched me. And the perfume has nutmeg and rose absolute, what is not to like?

    I live in EU

  • “Vetiver Coeur is a much-needed softness in harsh surroundings, vulnerability turned into a strength and a bright light of beauty that lies in harmony.” – I can totally identify myself with this! Would love to try it.
    Lina, Lithuania, EU

  • 100% natural and it has carnations? OMG, stop the planet, I want to go and take a sniff sniff at this one! I myself am a pharmacist that prepares it’s own cosmetics made from natural ingredients and baby, let me tell you, I am surprised how with no synthetic ingredients I can do such a good work. Thanks for the review. I am from Romania, EU.
    P.S. To post this comment I have to solve 28×19, so I need to use my calculator for solving this one, but I do it with pleasure because I am over excited of this one!

  • I am intrigued at Elena’s description, especially in the dry down of Vetiver Coeur. The marriage of Vetiver, Sandalwood (Mysore!!!!), Orris Root…..ahhhh! I am a huge fan of soft, clean, comforting Vetiver scents, which do give me a break from the more brash/bold/fragrances often worn in cooler climates and it gives me a reprieve from the harshness of winter. I live in Niagara Falls New York and would love to win this bottle! Thank you.

  • What interests me most about the review was how upbeat and bright the Vetiver sounds , considering how dominated and dark it can be.
    It’d be great to smell that take on the none.

    Calling all angels by them is one of my favourite perfumes of all time. It’s something I only wear when taking my nan to church every week. So it’s a special one for me.

    From Ireland, EU.

  • I haven’t had much luck with Vetiver fragrances, but a gentle and soft version as Elena describes it might work. Color me curious and please add me to the draw. I’m from Germany.

  • I am curious about it because after reading the review, it seems like this one isn’t your classical bitter, rough and smoky vetiver. I am from EU. Thank you!

  • I love vetiver! Less bitter and smoky is even interesting. This sounds like I’m gonna be rocking everyday. I’m from IL, USA.

  • Very good description. I love natural perfumes! I heard a lot of good things about this brand, but I never had a chance to try anything from them. Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • wallygator88 says:

    I enjoyed reading about the different facets of vetiver. It was something that I had no idea about. I’ve only known vetivers as a woody, somewhat green, herbal soothing sort of scent.

    Location: Madison, WI, USA

    Regards

  • Sunny Chaudhary says:

    January is indeed a depressing month and the emphasis that was put in the review on the contrast between the surroundings and softness in the perfume caught my interest. The review is about contrasts, about vulnerability and bright light, which is so needed now and this is what touched me. And the perfume has nutmeg and rose absolute, what is not to like?

    I am from USA
    Sunny

  • Usually I live the smoky side of Java Vetiver. But as fan of Ray of Light I trust Tanja and wish to know the soothing soft side of things. Let me hear that green wake up call, as you put it 🙂
    Would love to win this to Germany, thanks for the draw!

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    I’m glad to see this new take on vetiver, as I’m not a person who has ever appreciated the note in perfumery as it generally veers too masculine for my tastes and so I have avoided fragrances in which it is featured. I own and love Ray of Light and I am glad to see Tanja and her work spotlighted again, I am confident that her deft hand has done something special here and I will be seeking this one out to try. Thank you for the chance. USA

  • Vetiver is always a soothing and grounding ingredient to me. This description sounds so unusual, but natural. Does that make sense? Vetiver as a Cancerian scent is how this strikes me. I’d love to try it. I am in the US.

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    Wow from your review this truly sounds like a tranquil and comforting fragrance. I love the imagery of the fragrance swaying in slow motion from green to wood-feeling. Beautiful description. Thank you for the draw. I’m in the US.

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    I like really vetiver as a note, probably my favorite note to be honest. I know there are many ways in which it can manifest in a fragrance depending on how it is used. This particular blend is interesting with a mixture of florals and other woody notes. Thank you for the opportunity.

  • The notes stand out most. They are luscious!
    Yes, it’s January and we need something bright and uplifting. The picture of Tanja makes me long for warmer weather and the brightness of the sun.
    Great read on Vetiver Coeur. I’d love to try it.
    I recently came across a fragrance that has a hint of tobacco and vanilla. I never would’ve thought it would appeal to me, but it does. Carnation is also a lovely addition.

  • I am also excited about an optimistic, sunny vetiver. Additionally, the touch of iris, tobacco and sandalwood sound like a beautiful, rounding halo which I would love to experience. I live in the EU and would love to enter this draw. Thank you.

  • I am also excited about an optimistic, sunny vetiver. Additionally, the touch of iris, tobacco and sandalwood sound like a beautiful, rounding halo which I would love to experience. I live in the EU and would love to enter this draw. Thank you.

  • Happy vetiver is not something you see everyday. The base of Vetiver Coeur is the best part in my opinion with tobacco and sandalwood.
    Thank you for the opportunity. USA

  • bigscoundrel says:

    Elena brings to life the vetiver in this fragrance’s namesake. And a vetiver that is different than other vetivers… Yes, please! USA.

  • The description brought me to a Cuban work field, and me drinking homemade lemonade in the middle of it. That’s the picture I drew in my my mind after reading Elena review.
    Appreciate the review, and the giveaway campaign.
    USA

  • Rebecca Brokaw says:

    I would love to experience a ‘sweet, slightly floral’ vetiver with a ‘sunny, optimistic side’!
    I so enjoy your writing. This scent sounds diving!
    Thank you. I live in the US.

  • Bryant Worley says:

    I appreciate that Vetiver Coeur brings out a doff6adpect of vetiver- the softness. And then all the other notes. OMG! Hallelujah! I live in Waldorf, MD, USA.

  • frixyminnow says:

    I like vetiver in its own right, fixative or not. I’dnot heard that Aesop fable- how sweet!! Nice parallel to the ropey roots of vetiver that stay strong in fragrance. Looking forward to trying this fragrance and also the Berlin one, my new home for now. I live in Germany.

  • I appreciate that April Aromatics creations are 100 percent botanical, and I have the necessary patience to let the natural ingredients – due to their specif dynamics – to develop with time. In waiting for spring, April Aromatics’ Vetiver Coeur could be the perfect scent, since I’m a vetiver lover, from soft to the extreme. Elena’s description made me very curious. From EU

  • A fragrance with “soft and gentle, loving and calming heart of vetiver”, sounds wonderful. Vetiver is indeed very grounding and calming – i use the essential oil when the noise and shaking of the contemporary world is making me weak. Would love to see vetiver in Nature and to have such natural fragrance, too.
    Thank you for the draw! I live in Latvia, EU.

  • Intrigued by the two types of vetiver used and all the notes sound sumptuous. Thanks from EU UK

  • I am love head over heels over the note breakdown especially Vetiver, rose absolute, sandalwood, orris, cedarwood, iris and tobacco. Thanks so much from EU United Kingdom

  • I have not really explored vetiver in perfumery, to be honest. I just do not know how it smells. I wish I could test Vetiver Coeur. It is encouraging that April Aromatics has shown a gentle and bright side of vetiver note. I do not really like bitterness in perfumes.
    I live in Poland.

  • The Plum Girl says:

    Thank you all for reading and commenting, Vetiver Coeur is really a fragrance that might make you change your mind about Vetiver note if you haven’t cared much about it before, or make you appreciate different aspects of it of you already like it. Wish you luck with that gorgeous bottle!

  • BunnyEatWorld says:

    Elena’s review makes Vetiver Coeur sounds like something I’ve been trying to find for a while now, a soft vetiver fragrance that is still very much focused on vetiver as the key note. Thank you for the drawing opportunity. I’m in the USA.

  • I like the idea behind Vetiver Coeur, to use really popular note as vetiver, and tweaked it to make it not necessarily softer, but different and to add iris and santal.
    Again I imagine a fragrance perfectly suitable for office environment.
    Thank you. USA

  • Hey I remember Vetiver Coeur from Croatian Christmas theme 🙂
    I wonder what the soft and gentle heart of the vetiver is. My expectations are high for Vetiver Coeur.
    Thanks a lot.
    Back and forth between USA and Scotland. 1 week in US -> 1 week in Scotland, and so on. Basically both USA and EU/UK at the same time.

  • Dressed up occasions vetiver, iris and tobacco mix I’d like to add to my collection .
    Cafleurebon and Elena I already follow, just followed @aprilaromatics too.
    Virginia USA or London UK at least 97/100 times

  • Thanks for another great review, Elena! I would love to experience the other side of vetiver. I like this part of your description : ‘Vetiver Coeur bends gently and softly, opening with citruses that enhance the lemony aspect of vetiver showing us it’s sunny, optimistic side.’ Thanks for this opportunity. – CA, USA

  • Michael Prince says:

    Elena, great review of Vetiver Coeur. I love Vetiver based fragrances. This one looks especially good based on Elena’s description and a good blend of citruses, spices, floral, and woody notes. I am from the USA.

  • patrick_348 says:

    I liked the detail given about vetiver. It made me understand the potential for this note. I find appealing Elena’s description of how the fragrance blends with the skin and becomes warmer as it is worn. I am in the US, in North Carolina

  • Lemon and vetiver sounds great. Would like to try a more complex vetiver as this one sounds. US

  • Excellent review by Elena and I loved her description of it being a softer vetiver! I love the combination of iris, orris, and carnation. I feel like this is a fragrance that I can wear throughout the year. My favorite line is: “Vetiver Coeur is a much-needed softness in harsh surroundings, vulnerability turned into a strength and a bright light of beauty that lies in harmony.” Thanks for the giveaway and I live in the US!

  • Oh I love vetiver, and this sounds just lovely. I enjoyed headlong about Tanja’s interpretation that led to this version of her scent and how pigtail qualities of the grass informed her development of the scent. Tynan you for a lovely review and for the draw, I’m in the us

  • I loved the picture of the vetiver roots! I do not have any April Aromantics fragrances but I would love to try this one. “It sways in slow motion from green to woody-feeling hues, rolling comfortably in its own, relaxed rhythm.” USA

  • I know Tanja`s Calling All Angels and it is really amazing and potent scent. Vetiver Coeur in Elena`s review seem to be very calming and beautiful aroma. I come from Poland (UE).

  • I would love to smell a vetiver with the described characteristics – soft and at the same time strong, like the roots themselves seem to be.

    Living in Germany, EU

  • Thank you Elena for the wonderful review.
    Vetiver has always been one of my favorite notes. I mostly encountered the bitter, smoky and rough aspects of it. A soft, gentle, calming heart of vetiver sounds intriguing and would love to experience it.
    Thank you for the opportunity !
    I’m in Romania, EU.

  • Contemporary vetiver, infused with iris and tobacco . Vetiver Coeur is undoubtedly a different vetiver.
    Top draw, thanks.
    USA/FRANCE

  • wildevoodoo says:

    I connected with this so strongly! Like Tanja, my birthday is also 1st April, and I love wearing fragrances that I find soothing. When I am stressed, a comforting fragrance is one of the most effective tools for me to calm myself down, and vetiver in many of its forms is one of my favorite fragrance notes. This interpretation of vetiver sounds delightfully soothing and unique, and I’d love to be able to wear it. I am in the US 🙂

  • Invigorating and sophisticated fragrance I expect with citrusy start, calm vetiver, santal. As far as I’m concerned we have a winner here.
    Presentation is really nice too.
    Thank you.
    USA most of the year, and Germany from time to time

  • m.r.everything says:

    Beautiful write-up on Vetiver Coeur… I really enjoyed the read Elena! Vetiver is a tricky note for me. Sometimes, it can be too earthy and I find myself struggling with it. Vetiver Coeur, thanks to Elena’s review, sounds absolutely amazing and a must try. I love how Tanja wanted to show us the softer side of vetiver, and not so much the rough, earthy side, that is most commonly used in perfumery. Vetiver is not my favorite note in perfumery, but don’t get me wrong, when it is done the right way, it is stunning! Regardless, I am going to ave to get my hands on a sample of this to give it a shot and see if it is for me… judging by the notes mixed with the vetiver, this one is going to be a winner! Thank you Elena, for the great read, and thank you Tanja, for your generous offer! Thank you Michelyn, as always, for putting this all together! I live in Delaware, US. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend!

  • I was struck with the thought that January is the most depressing month. January I’m still riding the high of the holidays. I’d have to go March. In NY winter continues on and Spring still seems so distant despite what the calendar may have you believe. I’d certainly need tranquility then, and this scents warmth seems like a reminder that sunny days are indeed ahead.