July 21, 2023 – Fougère Friday
- Brush: Fuller w/ Zenith B10
- Razor: RazoRock Lupo SS .72
- Blade: Wizamet (13)
- Lather: Barrister and Mann – Reserve Fern
- Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Fougère Classique
- Fragrance: Rogue Perfumery – Fougere L’Aube
Challenge:
Is there art in words?
Does metered verse add meaning?
Does rhyme bring splendor?
My soap and aftershave are based on different formulations of the lauded Fougere Royale. According to Will, Fern is based on a later formulation of Fougere Royale sold under the name “H” by the remnants of DeLaire’s American subsidiary, DiParco. Fougere Classique is based on a demo formula of the original fragrance.
The first thing I notice in Fern is fresh spice. It’s very mossy. There’s a musty lavender. It isn’t as powdery as many other fougeres I’ve smelled. There’s a resinous Tonka Bean-esque thing going on that makes this feel firmly like a fragrance from a bygone era of three-piece suits, and hats. It’s very masculine.
Fougere Classique splash smells more green, and in balance with the moss. Lavender is less of a distinct note. There’s something herbal to it. I get an earthy patchouli note, too. It’s masculine, and feels dapper and classy.
Now for Fougere L’Aube. Right off the bat I get green spicy notes. It’s very fresh and aromatic. It’s interesting how much more modern this feels. I’m don’t smell any distinct lavender note. Maybe some will show up in the dry down. It smells like dasies. There’s a lemon oil note that runs up against an herbal note that smells like thyme. If I nose it enough, I notice a subtle amber note. It’s a sophisticated fragrance that would inspire confidence if I was wearing it.
After about 30 minutes of dry down, I’m smelling some lavender. It’s still prodomenently an aromatic fragrance. I also smell a bit of rose. This is a gernanium heavy fragrance.
Once it gets down to base notes, there's more amber, it's slightly woody and vaguely animalic. The aromatic notes have worn off.
#FOF