I am always interested when a brand will take an inspiration and make a second version years later. Sometimes it is a commentary on how trends have changed. This mostly happens in the mass-market brands which release annual editions of their pillars. Ever since its release in 1999 Elizabeth Arden Green Tea has been doing this. This year’s model is Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Sakura Blossom.
I tuned back into this collection a few years ago when I smelled Green Tea Fig while out shopping. When I got home and did some research, I learned that one of my favorite perfumers Rodrigo Flores-Roux has been behind the releases since 2008. One of the better kept secrets about him is he is one of the best mass-market perfumers we have. He uses an array of techniques to get the most out of his modest budget. As I’ve gone back to get all the previous releases that has only reinforced my opinion.
Rodrigo Flores-Roux
With Green Tea Sakura Blossom it hearkens back to 2012’s Green Tea Cherry Blossom. That’s because Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom. Reflecting the times the 2012 Green Tea Cherry Blossom is built around both ingredients with a fruity floral brio. This was the trend at that time. Now we are in an era where transparency is valued. Which means Green Tea Sakura Blossom is a much more delicate construct.
This time it is the sakura blossom accord which leads the way. By adding in fresh floral support through jasmine and peony a delicacy reminiscent of the real blossoms is attained. The green tea comes through at a much lower level than in previous releases. It acts as a bridging note between citrus on top and fresh woodiness in the base. Throughout there are tiny amounts of ingredients which add more than what you usually find in the mass-market category. Some violet leaf adds sharp green, ambrette adds a soft botanical musk, and a woody almond finds some space to be noticed.
Green Tea Sakura Blossom has 8-10 hour longevity and average sillage.
This is one of those economical lurkers in the perfume aisle. It is easy to overlook it. If you take the chance to get to know it better, you will find this year’s version is a great example of the prevailing trends in perfumery.
Disclosure: This review is based on a sample provided by Elizabeth Arden.
–Mark Behnke
Recent Comments