Lavender Thorne
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Cuir de Chine
by Les Indemodables
Cuir de Chine is a delicate, floral-fruit leather accord centered around osmanthus, with a soft, airy, and bright character. It opens with a crisp, slightly green herbal note from clary sage, which quickly gives way to a sweet, peachy, apricot-like osmanthus over a clean, subtle suede note. The tobacco and jasmine notes are present but restrained, contributing to a delicate, just-beyond-pleasant leather-like aura rather than a strong or bold one. The fragrance evolves linearly, maintaining a light, refreshing, and slightly fruity floral profile throughout, underpinned by a subtle, quiet earthiness and a barely perceptible green tobacco sheen. It feels like a sunlit summer day, reminiscent of peach tea with a hint of sunny skin and dry leather. The scent is most comfortable in warm weather and works best as a personal, intimate fragrance with minimal projection.
Pros
- +It captures osmanthus in a natural, multifaceted way, lending it an authentic, green, peach-like brightness
- +The fragrance is refined and natural-smelling, with a balanced composition that avoids cloying or overly animalic notes
- +It performs well in warm climates and suits a daytime, sunlit environment, offering a soft, elegant, and unobtrusive aroma
Cons
- −It has low sillage and limited longevity, making it unsuitable for those seeking noticeable or long-lasting wear
- −Clary sage is prominent and may be offensive to some, giving a green, herbal, or even seaweed-like character
- −The leather and tobacco elements are underdeveloped and not truly 'leathery'—the scent leans more toward fruity-floral than true leather