Narcissus has captivated the world of perfumery for thousands of years, inspiring generations of artists and scent creators. The Arabs were among the first to utilize its essence, followed by the Romans, who formulated a fragrance known as Narcissinum using oil from this beloved flower. In India, the oil extracted from narcissus is often applied to the body prior to prayer, alongside other sacred scents like jasmine, sandalwood, and rose. The precise origin of the narcissus flower remains elusive, with some historians suggesting its beginnings trace back to Persia before it traveled to China via the famed Silk Route.
Today, there exists a vast array of Narcissus species showcasing shades of white, yellow, and even hints of pink or orange, including the popular daffodil. However, not all varieties boast a pleasant fragrance. The Pheasant’s Eye Narcissus, also known as Poet’s Narcissus or Narcissus poeticus, hails from Europe and is cultivated in regions like the Netherlands and Grasse in France. The oil extracted from this flower offers a delightful aroma reminiscent of a blend of jasmine and hyacinth.
Another variety worth noting is the charming Narcissus tazetta, often referred to as the ‘bunched’ narcissus, which originates from southern Europe but is now widely cultivated throughout Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, northern India, China, and Japan. Additionally, the Narcissus jonquil is another fragrant option contributing to the allure of this flower. Surprisingly, this exquisite ingredient finds its way into approximately 10% of modern fragrances, despite the staggering fact that about 500 kilos of flowers are necessary to produce a single kilo of ‘concrete’ or just 300 grams of absolue. This high demand makes it a costly ingredient, prompting many perfumers to craft an ‘accord’ to emulate this captivating scent.
Despite its alluring nature, the scent of Narcissus is quite potent, requiring only a small amount to achieve a desirable fragrance profile. Perfumers must handle it with care, as the aroma can become overwhelmingly strong in enclosed spaces. The name Narcissus derives from the Greek word ‘narke’, which translates to ‘to be numb’ and reflects the intoxicating effect the oil can have on the senses.
One of the most famous stories associated with this flower is the Greek legend of Narcissus, a strikingly handsome young man who fell deeply in love with his own reflection in a tranquil pool of water. Unable to abandon the beauty of his image, Narcissus ultimately perished, and from his demise, the exquisite narcissus flower emerged, forever immortalizing his story.
Discover Penhaligon’s The Revenge of Lady Blanche
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Penhaligon’s The Revenge of Lady Blanche, where the delightful combination of hyacinth and daffodil captivates and entices those nearby with their whimsical aroma. As the initial notes unfold, a lush green essence emerges, accompanied by the intriguing touch of ginger flower. This scent is a true embodiment of Lady Blanche’s character, who is portrayed by Penhaligon’s as ‘the darling of London Society,’ always striving to ascend the social ladder while revealing her charmingly dangerous persona. This narcissus-infused fragrance artfully balances beauty with intriguing green undertones.
£235 for 75ml eau de parfum penhaligons.com
Explore Sana Jardin Jaipur Chant for Sustainable Luxury
Discover the innovative approach of Sana Jardin, a brand that champions scent sustainability and social change through its exquisite fragrances. Crafted by the esteemed Carlos Benaïm, each fragrance is designed to captivate the senses and redefine eco-luxury. Rather than flooding the market with constant new releases, Sana Jardin focuses on quality over quantity, making each launch, like Jaipur Chant, an eagerly awaited event. This particular scent features a heady blend of tuberose, jasmine, and French narcissus, uplifted by refreshing lemon notes and ultimately smoothed with soft musks, creating an utterly hypnotic experience.
Try a sample in the Sana Jardin Discovery Set £30 for 10 x 2ml samples In our shop
Experience Frederic Malle Cologne Indélébile’s Lasting Freshness
If you adore the freshness of colognes but lament their fleeting nature, then Frederic Malle Cologne Indélébile is an exciting revelation. This fragrance bursts forth from the bottle with an exhilarating blend of orange blossom, Calabrian bergamot, neroli, and lemon, creating an invigorating sensory experience. However, patience is key, as a brief wait reveals the emergence of heady narcissus notes that join the vibrant top notes. Over time, Cologne Indélébile evolves into a captivating musk undertone that lingers, seducing both you and those around you long after application, even up to 24 hours later.
£240 for 100ml Cologne libertylondon.com
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-260885 lazyload" src="https://perfumesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Shay-Blue-Atropa-Belladonna-bewitch
