401 Eau de Parfum – Cedar, Candied Plum, Vanilla – Sample

What is labdanum? Never heard of it before? Labdanum is actually very commonly used as it is a cornerstone of amber accords. It is a very fragrant, sticky resin obtained from the leaves of cistus, which grows in the Mediterranean Basin. Its notes are powerful, warm, resiny, waxy, woody, camphoric, slightly medicinal, and animalistic. If you have ever smelled frankincense, it is slightly reminiscent of this ingredient. It’s the perfect example of a balsamic note. Labdanum exists in two forms: essential oil and absolute. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation, while the absolute is the product of volatile solvent extraction. The two types smell quite different. The essence is more terpenic and climbing, whereas the absolute is warmer and more leathery. Labdanum makes an excellent fixative and is used as a base note.

How is plum obtained in perfumery? The scent of plum is more of an accord since there is no plum essential oil. Perfumers combine several ingredients to recreate the smell of a plum. They then work the facets to make it fruitier, greener or candied, for example. In 401, the plum presents velvety, sweet and gourmand notes with syrupy floral facets. It recreates the smell of a candied plum – enough to make your mouth water!

Have you ever heard of cinnamon leaf? Everyone is familiar with cinnamon but did you know that the leaves are also used in perfumery? Fresh from Sri Lanka, the number-one global producer, cinnamon leaf smells different to the bark. It gives off hints of cloves and exotic fruits. Its essential oil puts a new twist on spicy and oriental compositions.