Dragged up from the underworld just like some precious pearl.

Le Labo Iris 39 EDP

According to Le Labo, Iris 39 is as follows:

Iris is one of the most precious essences in the world.

It’s the origin of the creamy and woodsy nobility of this exclusive fragrance. The best of the Patchoulis then waft in, bringing with them sensual depth. The perfume is reinforced by a musky base, our very own secret. The result is remarkable elegance.

Notes: notes as iris, lime, patchouli, rose, ylang ylang, musk, violet, ginger, cardamom, and civet.

Iris 39 is a unique take on a flower that is frequently presented in primarily a soliflore format. When I think of some of the popular irises out there - Prada Infusion d'Iris, Serge Lutens Iris Silver Mist, or L'Artisan Iris Pallida -- they seem to be more oriented toward adding only enough other notes to bring out the many facets of the beautiful and alluring iris.

Now I love these scents because I love irises and it is possible that I could own 100 slightly different iris soliflores and still want more. What I find notable about Iris 39, though that this is not really a soliflore. On me, the iris is very well-balanced against the violet and rose notes. Almost immediately on application the violet and rose comes in. After about thirty minutes, I get plenty of ginger, cardamon, and patchouli as well. Again, these spice scents are all very well-balanced, so that none of them overpower the others. The floral scents back down as the hours wear on and the spices come up a bit, and on the whole the effect is very nice.

This is a really different kind of iris in my opinion. I think it's one of the few that I think would make an excellent masculine because, despite being floral, it's got a nice sophisticated spicy mixture that makes it one of the few I think translates well to the male wearer. If you've tried some of the aforementioned oft lauded irises before and not really enjoyed them, then you should give this one a try. If you love the more soliflore irises, you should try this one because it will make a alternative to what you normally expect when you think "what a lovely iris!"

You can buy Le Labo Iris 39 EDP in 50 ml bottle for $125. Iris 39 is also available in a balm, lotion, and oil.

"Can you see them?
See right through them?
They have no shield.
No secrets to reveal.
It doesn't matter what they say.
In the jealous games people play,
our lips are sealed."
- "Our Lips Are Sealed," The Go-Gos

Want more reviews? Try...
~ A review from the lovely Angela of Now Smell This!
~ A review from Bois de Jasmin
~ A review from Pere de Pierre
~ A review from the charming Divina at Fragrance Bouquet
~ A review from indieperfumes

Images courtesy of Le Labo and McAllister's Cyberspace Iris Garden.