Notes from the Plague Den, Part 4: The Plague Continues!

A Review of Aftelier Perfumes Trèvert EdP

Yes, here we are again, dear reader. One girl, one bed, one persistent flu virus that will not vacate the premises. But! We have cats now. Cats, a wide variety of high quality teas, and all the internet provided video entertainment you could want, plus my extensive DVD collection. Also, clean clothes. After living on campus for many years and suffering the trials and tribulations of the communal laundry room, I really appreciate my washer and dryer.

And speaking of things that make me happy even in my plaguey misery, let's talk some more about Aftelier Perfumes! Today we're going to talk about Aftelier Perfumes Trèvert, which is described as:

Verdant pine absolute, leafy flouve absolute, and ambery clary sage contribute to this "very green" eau de parfum. All shades of leafy green aromas, wrapped around a tuberose heart that lends warmth and roundness to the gorgeous smell of pine needles.

Featured Notes:
Top: grand fir, tarragon.
Heart: tuberose, clary sage.
Base: pine needle absolute, flouve.

Trèvert's opening is so green! It is bright, tangy, and so super green! On me, Trèvert smells strongly of sage with highlights of firs in the opening. I wish this aspect lasted a little longer because it is really delightful. Then Trèvert quickly slides into a dry hay-like note. The tuberose is extremely reigned in here, so don't let that scare you off if it isn't your favorite note. In fact, if you ever wanted to try a tuberose that wasn't all about tuberose, Trèvert is a great selection.

Trèvert's middle and end is more toward that sweet hay-like note mixed with a healthy dose of mint and grasses. The overall effect of Trèvert reminds me of a hike across a lovely fresh cut park with rolling hills and framed with pines and firs in the distance, their scent gently wafting toward you in the warmth of summer.

As with Candide, Trèvert is so, so pretty. It might be one of the most gorgeous green scents I've ever tried. It avoids all your greenery-related traps: it isn't overly Christmasy, it isn't like a cleanser or a cheap scented paper tree hanging in your car, it has nothing in common with a bar of Irish Spring. It isn't overly strong. It doesn't bite at the nose. But...

...it really doesn't last very long for me! I am so sad about it. SO UTTERLY SAD. I can't justify purchasing it for myself when I spray and spray and it's faded to almost imperceptible on me with two hours. Sadly, Trèvert isn't available in a parfum, so for me–and it breaks my heart to say this–I have to pass on this one. Not because it isn't a unique, lovely tour de force of a green scent, but because my perfume budget has its limits, and I can't justify it for myself. You should try it, though. It's really terrific. I wish it didn't die on my skin so quickly.

I give the scent itself a full 4 to 4.5 stars; due to the longevity, however, I have to give the overall experience – for me, at least – only a very respectable 3.5. If I had more money, the uniqueness of the scent might be worth it despite the short life on my skin. Heck, if I had the money, I'd practically bath in the stuff and swan about my house smelling terrific, then two hours later, do it again.

The only review I could find of Trèvert was this lovely endorsement from Monica at Perfume Pharmer.

Trèvert EdP is available direct from Aftelier Perfumes in a 1ml sample for $60. 30ml will run you $170.

Tune in again tomorrow, when I talk some more about, well, frankly? How much I love Mandy Aftel.


In the interest of full disclosure, the perfume sample above was provided by the perfumer.