June 2023 Favorite: Eau des Sens by Diptyque
In late-May when New York’s swift Spring foreshadowed the summer heat approaching, I decided to start the hunt for a transitional scent to welcome summers arrival. I typically head towards a fresh, green scent complemented by woods, floral notes, and a touch of marine. Yet, I wanted to switch things up and put on pause the search for a summer signature. While finding a gift for a friend’s annual Taurus commencement, (Hi Estelle!) I stumbled upon an energizing, slightly erotic, alluring formulation that I knew instantly was the one to welcome the solstice in June. Diptyque’s Eau des Sens.
For those unfamiliar of the brand so rich in history — with a legacy of award-winning offerings and a notable appreciative manner for artists and perfumers alike as seen in the brands’ many collaborations over the decades — the fragrance house has more to offer than what meets the eye, despite being well-known for its popularized beloved branding aesthetics, (particularly their packaging and storefront visuals) thanks to social influencers showcasing Diptyque’s offerings for a go-to product post (not a negative for the brand’s sales I bet). What I am trying to say here is one may recognize Diptyque as an “influencer-beloved boujie brand”, while the brand has been a forefront industry leader in regard to formulation and artistry with a keen sense for style and trends clients have flocked towards for generations. The brand was founded by three artisans in the early 1960’s — Yves Coueslant, a theater set designer, Christian Gautrot, an interior designer, and painter Desmond Knox-Lee. The trio started a bazaar-like boutique of fabrics, wallpaper, and other pieces — many from their own travels — in a small storefront on 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris (Diptyque SAS). In 1963 the brand ventured into offering a small range of candles, which lead the founders to go further into the world of scent with the launch of L’Eau in 1968 (Diptyque SAS). Today, Diptyque has over 85 boutiques globally, 12 core fragrance collections, and 6 different fragrance categories, from hair mists to perfumed bracelets (Barkho). My favorite boutique is the quaint Soho location along Prince Street around the block from my office. The customer service has always been thorough connecting with guests to truly understand what I am looking for, sharing considerate product information. I always look forward to visiting the naturally brightly lit corner store whether shopping for myself or for others.
Despite my familiarity with the brand, on my gifting hunt I realized I have not experienced all of Diptyque’s offerings and decided to take a moment to smell and appreciate the range. I tried the latest L’eau Papier and had to of course indulge in what I believed to be the brand’s staple — Do Son; a deliciously bubbly formulation of ylang-ylang, jasmine, tuberose, and orange blossom entangled with Amberwood. However, when I picked up Eau des Sens, I unexpectedly felt tantalized. The initial notes of bitter orange, and herbaceous Angelica Root bring a bright tickle to the nose. Swooning in are the middle notes of gentle orange flower duo’d with invigorating juniper berry to even out the juicy punch of its predecessors through its gin-like pinch. Grounding the finale is the warm familiarity of Patchouli — unusual for me as I do not tend to gravitate towards scents offering Patchouli. Yet, the light wisp in Eau des Sens I think offers an earthy touch to the notable orange flower. It is floral but there is a soft warmness that mellows the bouquet down — my guess is from the Angelica Root and Patchouli to balance the pointed fruity and floral notes. Another reason why I became magnetized by Eau des Sans is because it remains fresh and green without drying down too sweet or musky. Fresh and green is a coupling that I am always drawn to as a go-to feature in a scent. In conclusion, I undoubtedly grabbed the eau de toilette.
As all the true fragrance crazed understand, layering your perfume with a soap, body wash, lotion, etc., will assist in the longevity of the staying power of a fragrance. Naturally, I added the soap bar into my bag. Diptyque’s soap bars last a very long time, I’d say 2 to 3 months’ time with everyday use from my experience. I am eager to layer my soap and EDT to fully embody Summer’s emergence.
If you are looking for a unique fragrance that will stick out in your collection, try Eau des Sens for an energizing floral burst, and please your senses with a feminine softness for the warmer seasons. I have worn this several times now and have received many compliments each time I wear a spritz of this sophisticated delight from Diptyque. Details below on where to find Eau des Sens from Diptyque directly.
$175 USD (100ml)
$125 USD (50ml)
$42 USD
WORKS CITED:
Barkho, Gabriela. “French Fragrance Brand Diptyque Plans More Standalone Stores across the U.S.” Modern Retail, 2 Dec. 2022, www.modernretail.co/operations/french-fragrance-brand-diptyque-plans-more-standalone-stores-across-the-u-s/#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20company%20operates%20over,by%20the%20end%20of%202022.
Diptyque SAS . “A Singular Heritage— Diptyque | Diptyque Paris.” Diptyque, www.diptyqueparis.com/en_us/c/a_singular_heritage_part1.html. Accessed 22 May 2023.