Wow, I’ve missed blogging the past few days, which probably sounds odd if you’re not a blogger - and probably is quite strange! It’s been a super busy time with work, family & friends - all good!
Botanical Essence No15 is Liz Earle’s new fragrance which launched this week. I have to admit we got off to a slightly rocky start… this arrived last Saturday morning when I’d just got out of bed feeling a teensy bit fragile and not yet eaten breakfast. Super excited to try it, I enthusiastically spritzed it all over me. Stupid or what?! The thing is, I expected this to be a light, fresh, Jo Malone-esque type fragrance. Instead, I was greeted with something much more deep, dark and sultry.
I did find it quite overwhelming initially - and still do on initial application. For me, this scent comes into its own as it settles, softens and warms on my skin.
Botanical Essence is a floral oriental - one of my favourite genres - and is composed of 15 botanicals, hence the name. They are: Bergamot, Virginian Cedarwood, Patchouli, Guaiacwood, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Cypriol, Siam Benzoin, Damask Rose, Elemi, Cinnamon Leaf, Clove Bud, Pink Pepper, Bourbon Vanilla and Vetiver.
‘Over 90% of Botanical Essence No.15 is derived from sustainably sourced natural ingredients and uses not only the most precious botanicals but also the best part of each delicate ingredient.’
That’s a lot of ingredients; a lot of notes. Maybe this is why the initial sensory overload? What I’m left with are Sandalwood, Benzoin, Vanilla & Vetiver. It comes quite exquisitely packaged. I adore the opaque heavy square off-white bottle, the box decorated with illustrations of the botanicals whose essence it contains.
The box wraps around the bottle and opens out to reveal details of the scent’s composition.
Rich, heady and intense, this is a perfect Autumn/Winter perfume that can be worn day or night. Warming, comforting and invigorating all at once, I’ve been wearing it every day for the past week and received many compliments.
Liz Earle Botanical Essence No15* retails at £45 for 50ml here.
