New Release: Ffern’s Winter 2024 Eau de Parfum
Ffern’s latest release, the Winter 2024 eau de parfum, has arrived at my doorstep. I was eager to open this bottle as the autumnal release surprised me by its note inclusions yet, did not shock me to be my new staple for fall. Thus, for the quarterly price, I wanted to see if I enjoyed the winter fragrance enough to keep me on the ledger or to possibly reconsider. I decided since I was familiar with the brand to try the sampler vial without looking at the provided card of notes or pamphlet of inspiration, to see if I could spot out any clear ingredients on my own.
With the first spritz, I took in an inhale of piercing pine and citrus, a clean and refreshing top that reminded me if lemon and peppermint intertwined. Upon further inspection, I would find out later that the top notes included Sweet Orange rind from Brazil, Peppermint form Yakima Valley, Lemon rind from Sicily, and Slovenian Tarragon leaf. The top led first with peppermint, reminiscent of the season, and then swooned in with the sweetness of citrus. The top notes sweetened before the arising mid notes, without smelling too heavy or candied.
The top notes did not last too long, I’d say about 10 minutes after application I noticed the scent change. When the peppermint and bright citruses faded, I could smell an herbaceous layer and a touch of floral join in. I could not determine what exact florals were used; my guess was lavender since it is an herbaceous floral. Lavender from Provence — a major global supplier of lavender, known as the leading source — coupled with Blue gum eucalyptus from China, and Rosemary leaf from South Tunisia, were the players that tingled my nose. I felt these ingredients paired perfectly with the top, cooling down the peppermint and citrus predecessors transitioning the fragrance into a more subtle representation of winter. The camphoraceous and soapy nature of the Lavendar paired with the Eucalyptus and Rosemary provided cool, herbal compliments grounding aways from the airy citrus.
The dry down notes were comprised mostly of wood notes — not a surprise for a creation inspired by winter. I feel the blend was possibly to inspire a cozy conclusion. The dry down notes did not shine through on their own — I felt once the top notes melted away, the fragrance became one with the heart and base notes. Thorugh reliance on the ingredient pamphlet, I learned Balsam fir from Canada, Vetiver root from Haiti, and Red cedar from Virginia along with Jasmine sambac from India created the base. The balsamic, rich aroma of the Balsam fir I feel was added with the airy, delicious Jasmine sambac to maintain a warm but not candied base. Vetiver root helped the green, grassy floralcy shine with dry Red cedar to tie in a grounding connecting point to the other base notes.
The Winter 2024 eau de parfum I felt showcased classic wintertime aromas, such as the cool peppermint and the smoky nature of vetiver. The herbaceous middle notes offered a hint of freshness offering the invigorating flair of herbs that reminded me of garnishes on a holiday dish. I would say this scent would be unisex, not a con at all in my book. I appreciated that the scent went for more of a green, crisp, piney and herbaceous route rather than a caramellic, spicy, or baked holiday cookie inspired scent. The fragrance strayed away from offering a scent coddled by vanilla, candy, or the typical deep smokey flares seen across the market, such as By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela — a scent that I do enjoy — but do not always gravitate to as a seasonal staple and rather, on certain occasions. I feel this formulation encompassed a unique take on winter aroma, and successfully sold me a new, winter time scent, unlike the Autumn 2023 release. I’ll keep my name on the ledger, as Spring will (hopefully) be here soon.
The release came with another staple tea bag offering — this time, a comforting, light affair of Hibiscus flower, Lemon balm, Cassia bark, Ginger root, and Rose petals. Although I did not find it to be a typical wintertime tea, I would definitely drink it all year round as I try to wain off of the copious amount of espresso I consume.
Interested in learning more about Ffern? See the link below.