They say that things just cannot grow beneath the winter snow, or so I have been told.

Miller et Bertaux No. 3 Green, Green, Green

My friend Brian just returned from Chicago and an annual higher education administration conference and the first thing he said was, “Back in Portland, where it is colder than Chicago.” Yes, winter here is hanging on tooth and claw, and I frequently find myself turning to David and saying, “MY GOOD GOLLY IT’S COLD!” even in the middle of the day.

I love my winter scents like the dickens, but I am really ready for some warmer weather and sunshine. I usually enjoy my dark and dreary Portland winters because, in my mind, they seem like what I always picture in my mind on mid-18th century English novels when people stand solemnly on cliffs gazing out at the moors. But right now? Whilst I am unemployed? I am not feeling very moor staring-ish. I am feeling unemployed-ish.

No, I long for the green days of spring and the light of summer, and yet here I sit, mired in a winter I am long since past appreciating. In my quest for lighter days, I bring you this review of Miller et Bertaux No. 3 Green, Green, Green.

Again, let me take this moment to lament my lack of French here and thus my inability to read the Miller et Bertaux website. Thus I took the following from The Perfumed Court website:

Miller et Bertaux No. 3 Green, Green, Green blends laurel, bay leaves, verbena, sap, coriander, jasmine, cedar, vetiver and musk to make up a tart, gorgeous green scent. Great for any time of year, it's refreshing and lovely.

This is SO GOOD. So good. It's green, it's lemony, it's citrusy, it's got a celery bit, it's....alive. I can see that some people might try this one and get cleanser, but I don't. I get this overwhelming, almost burning sensation of greenery. It's like chewing on grass or an incredible fresh salad. I get the hints of wood, which gives it this warmth underneath, and I get a peppery bite, which is the little bitty bitter bit that creates a tiny nose tickle for me, but this is just...green. I mean, I know it sounds simple to say that, but it truly is an amazing beautiful green scent.

Then after about half an hour, it becomes mostly about woods and warmth, and yet it's still green somehow. Still so beautiful. Strong and beautiful. This one would be great for a man or a woman, has moderate sillage, and is the best green I've tried so far. (Even though it isn't really as much green as much as it is woodsy.) I noticed that Robin didn't find it long lasting enough, but I don't seem to be having that problem. And can we talk about that bottle for a second? So pretty. It's simple, but beautiful. It's the three little green bubbles in the bottle that sell me, I think. The design is just...really right for the scent I think. I'd love to have this one for Spring and Summer; I think it would be even more beautiful in warmer weather.

EDIT: I did eventually get to the rose around the 3 hour mark, which was the same point that the scent suddenly lost it's umph and faded quickly. I agree with Robin, by hour 4, it really was all gone. You'd have to be liberal with the spraying on this one or refresh mid-day, but truthfully, given the price point, I'd say that's manageable.

I saw various prices for Green Green Green, but right now you can buy 100ml for $100 from Your Cosmetics, which was the best deal I saw. It's also available from Beauty Encounter, Four Seasons, and Aedes De Venustas. You can get samples from The Perfumed Court, Your-Cosmetics, and Four Seasons.

"I still believe in summer days.
The seasons always change
And life will find a way.
I'll be your harvester of light
and send it out tonight
so we can start again.
Is love alive?"
- "Winter Song," Sara Bareilles (You can watch a fan video to the song here; ignore the bad video and listen to the pretty song.)

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~ A review from Robin at Now Smell This!