Le Labo Jasmin 17 Eau de Parfum

When I purchased my Le Labo Fleur d'Oranger early in June, I also ordered Jasmin 17 ($58 to $700). Mixed for me, with "Best Things in Beauty" on the label, along with its date of origination and the name of the individual who mixed the compound, the utilitarian bottle only hinted at the soft, creamy fragrance I would discover with Jasmin 17.

I had ordered both scents from Le Labo, reading key ingredient lists, trying to guess through the online print how they might smell. The first I tried was Fleur d'Oranger, and I was over the moon. I think I wore it every day the first week I had it. Jasmin 17 was the second I tried. I'll admit, I was surprised at first. I had expected a more typical jasmine fragrance - a voluptuous white flower, heady and sensuous. What I smelled was entirely different. With its heavy emphasis on vanilla, I had discovered jasmine ice cream in a fragrance. It took me a day or two to get over the surprise and begin to appreciate this soft fragrance for what it is, not what I had expected.

Le Labo is clear that this natural jasmine is the "floral perfume par excellence, and was created as a modern alternative to the old-fashioned traditional floral signatures. Its short formula gives it such a distinctive character that once you wear it, you’ll never forget it."

A unique floral impact whose sensuality and femininity is amplified by a majestically harmonious chord of musk, sandalwood, and vanilla. We refuse all responsibility for any havoc this perfume might create in your circle of male friends.

I'm sure they're right, given men's well-known attraction to vanilla. The vanilla doesn't make Jasmin 17 smell like a cupcake, though, or worse one of those cheap, synthetic vanilla fragrances peddled at malls. To me, Jasmin 17 is a creamy, soft vanilla scent with a floral surprise. It's definitely addictive. With no sharp edges, it makes me smell naturally delicious.

Jasmin 17, was created for Le Labo by Maurice Roucel and is guaranteed to make you feel unabashedly pretty! The number in the title of all Le Labo perfumes refers to the number of ingredients in the formula. At 17, this one smells beautifully youthful - and uncomplicated. The radiant simplicity of the blend is what attracts me to Jasmin 17 the most. The pairing of vanilla with a naturally honeyed jasmine undertone, is the proof to me that I can appreciate vanilla as a lead character - an unanticipated discovery. The playful nature of the blend is enhanced by sandalwood and musk. It's charming.

LuckyScent lists eight of the 17 notes as neroli, bigarade, jasmine, orange flower, amber, musk, sandalwood, and vanilla. With some of my favorites in the mix, it's no wonder I love it.

Now I've become something of a Le Labo fanatic. I've talked to the boutique in New York City about Tubereuse 40 (so special that there are no samples available, they won't ship, and I must rely on a friend to buy one and ship it to me). Glowyjoeybunny on Twitter kindly got me samples that were pre-prepared and mailed them to me. I can't wait to tell you about them. I've also discussed these wonderful fragrances with a gal at LuckyScent who used to work at the Le Labo boutique in Los Angeles. I can't get enough of these artistic fragrances. I suspect that I'll have six or seven more by the time we roll into 2012.

You can find Le Labo fragrances, body lotions, massage oils, home fragrances, and candles at Le Labo and LuckyScent. I'm not sure I'll last long before ordering a Figue candle and another Eau de Parfum or two.

Photos courtesy of LuckyScent and applemint.com