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I'm so glad I finally made this mine. I tried it in about 2013 I think? (I'm sure I penned a review... obviously not) managing to score a few samples and I was very impressed, with a classic and brilliantly executed fougere. However, other fragrances took priority and it's taken me until now to make it mine. Seemingly simple at first but has loads of layers and depth to it. The opening is fresh bergamot but only for a split second before waves of green, lushness and aromatic lavender and camomile embrace the senses. This truly evokes the natural, fern smell of the fougere name perfectly. The settled fragrance fritz between this lightwieght, upbeat, perfumery and a darker more earthy and masculine heart. This juxtaposition of contradictory, Schrodinger's cat-esque, super states is what true art can do for you. It has two main constituents which I love and that's geranium and carnation and they come on strong in the drydown. There's also an element of something a bit hand cream like and waxy even, slightly unpleasant (clary sage I reckon) peeking through only at times making the intrigue build even more. As we go right into the drydown the patchouli in the base kicks more and more giving it more substance and dirt. For a fougere with such green credentials so strange that it has shades of oriental warmth about it too. It starts to get a bit like Opium pour Homme, or even Bois 1920 Sushi Imperiale all that hazy carnation and spice. Almost faultless perfumery, I'm charmed by Fougere Royale it's superb. Guys you need to get this stuff. It's not the strongest fragrance in the world but the quality is there and if you over spray it like I did, it performs very satisfactorily indeed.
Fougere Royale is the original fougere, it defined an entirely new fragrance family which countless scents have drawn inspiration from and I have to respect it for that. It opens straight away with a heady burst of lavender, the most iconic note of the fougere. This is accompanied by refreshing bergamot, and a touch of green chamomile. The heart is softened around the edges, imbued by a collection of clean florals - namely geranium and carnation which add a gentle green spiciness. From here, the scent settles very well into a soft, creamy oakmoss base alongside sage and patchouli. This fragrance is undeniably masculine and classic, it’s one of the all time greats and will always be remembered for its cultural importance. However, the longevity on the EDP is shockingly bad and for me personally, Scandal and Invasion Barbare are my preferred fougeres.