Review of Fougère Royale (2010) Eau de Parfum by Olga Steinfeld

This is a true perfumery classic: refined, elegant, and timeless.🤍 The house of Houbigant has a rich history. Since its founding in 1775, it has created fragrances for royalty and the aristocracy. Later, in 1882, perfumer Paul Parquet created the legendary Fougère Royale, which established an entirely new category in perfumery: fougère fragrances. I sincerely hope that one day I will have the chance to smell the original version of this perfume. I believe it is preserved at the Osmothèque in Versailles. For now, however, I am enjoying the modern version of Fougère Royale, which has become my favourite masculine fragrance.🥰 When I first tried it, it struck me as a fairly conventional fougère, the kind I had often smelled on businessmen and executives. But later, I tried it on my own skin, and it completely changed my perception. This fragrance truly comes into its own on the skin! At first, I smell fresh herbs swaying in the sea breeze. The lavender is clean, cool, and almost crisp. Then comes a floral-spicy heart: fresh May rose, as if growing in a garden; citrusy geranium in a pot on a windowsill; and the faintest hint of cinnamon, lending the fragrance a touch of sweetness. Finally, I smell my beloved sage, which always makes me think of focus and clarity, alongside oakmoss, with its earthy, soothing character. Together, these notes create a feeling of cleanliness, confidence, and composure.🤍 Although this is a masculine fragrance, I love wearing it. And it's not just because of its wonderful scent, but also because of the history behind it. It makes me feel connected to something truly significant. 🥰