Molton Brown Suede Orris Collection for Spring 2019
It took me a while to share my thoughts on the new Molton Brown Suede Orris collection. When I first received the package, I was going through a bout of migraines and didn’t want to risk getting more of them unnecessarily. Then about a month later I got back to these products and didn’t like the scent at first whiff. I revisited them again several weeks ago, and this time I fell in love! Crazy how that happened, isn’t it?
Suede Orris Collection was inspired by the opulence of Florence. This classic powdery fragrance was developed by perfumer Jerome Di Marino, who expertly blended Tuscan orris [one of the rarest fragrance ingredients in the world], rose and jasmine absolutes with a touch of cedarwood and zesty mandarin.
Molton Brown Suede Orris Eau de Toilette ($65) – The fragrance is not strong and won’t turn you into a walking cloud, but it lasts on my skin, hair, and clothes all day [YMMV, perfume generally lasts a long time on my skin]. It’s not overly sweet, citrusy, or sexy either, instead, it smells classy and understated in its quiet, soft elegance. If you like Jo Malone’s cult favorite Peony & Blush Suede, you will enjoy this one as well.
Molton Brown Suede Orris Shower Gel ($32) – My love for Molton Brown body washes is well documented on this blog and social media channels, but Suede Orris left me wanting more. Usually, Molton Brown body washes are highly fragranced and turn my showers into steam rooms filled with my favorite fragrances, but this one was oddly weak, even weaker than the body lotion [and those are supposed to be the most delicate option].
Molton Brown Suede Orris Body Lotion ($42) – Molton Brown body lotions are not known for their super moisturizing properties. They have the texture of a lightweight milky serum that the skin drinks up right away, leaving a trace of fragrance on the surface. If you have severely dry skin, it’s unlikely that these body lotions alone will help deal with that. Now, if you have combination skin like me, normal, or oily, then this level of hydration will be just enough. None of that greasy, sticky film, and perfectly wearable even in hot, humid weather. Suede Orris fragrance here is light and barely noticeable, but you can still smell it at arm’s reach.
Molton Brown Suede Orris Hair Mist ($70) – Personally, I found it unnecessary for my needs, but I know a few people who only wear perfume in their hair or clothes and never apply it directly on the skin. For those situations, Suede Orris Hair Mist will likely be a good way to enjoy this beautiful, classic scent.
What I like about Molton Brown fragrance collection is the layerability [is that even a word?] of their products. You could layer them one over another to enhance the experience because they don’t all feature the same notes, and some are stronger in particular notes than the others. Wearing the body lotion with the hair mist and the perfume completes the bouquet and allows you to enjoy the olfactory experience like the perfumer behind this collection intended.
Suede Orris is a universal, any-season scent. I can see myself wearing it in the spring and in the late fall, and it won’t look out of place with frilly floral dresses and my favorite cashmere sweaters all the same. Could this be the first bottle of fragrance that I will finish in years? Time will tell!
