I‘m finding almond to be a seasonless comfort fragrance. As long as the scent is not too powdery, a hint of fresh almond can feel refreshing in the summer, and on a winter night it’s equally soothing and cozy. My most recent almond discovery has been Dr. Bronner’s Almond Liquid Soap, probably the biggest bargain I’ve written about yet! A tiny squirt on my shower scrunchie brings forth glorious suds and a delicious almond aroma. The scent is pure almond. There’s no hint of cherry, no powder or added vanilla, and it’s luscious. The 16 oz. bottle I purchased is going to last me many months. I also put a 50:50 ratio of the Almond Liquid Soap to water in my foam dispenser at the sink, which gives me another opportunity to enjoy its lovely almond lather.
Another gorgeous straight-up almond scent comes from 100% Pure. Their Honey Almond Body Scrub and Body Cream are must-haves for any self-respecting almond lover. Organic apricot oil, organic rosehip oil, and vitamin E give the body scrub a base of moisturizers that are so hydrating, no further moisturizing is needed once you’re out of the shower. As you smooth the scrub over your skin, the exfoliating granules dissolve without rinsing, and your skin is left with the perfect amount of oil. If you gently pat yourself dry and then rub the oil and any remaining water into your skin, you’ll feel thoroughly moisturized. As for the scent, it’s softer than Dr. Bronner’s, but it’s not a fussy almond fragrance despite the long list of fruit and herbal extracts labeled on the jar.
I adore 100% Pure’s Honey Almond Body Cream so much that it’s become a staple. To be honest, it was this cream that turned me into a crazed almond addict. About two years ago, I purchased my first bottle of 100% Pure’s Body Cream, and chose this one because its scent didn’t last as long as the others’ and I typically prefer that my lotions don’t compete with my perfume. But over time, the almond scent lured me in and I began to crave it, wishing the scent would last longer into the day. Where do you think this has lead me? You guessed it, the search for the perfect almond perfume.
I have come awfully close to finding it in Sexy Angelic by Honoré des Prés. I reviewed it this past summer around the time this line of organic perfumes launched. The big complaint with most of the Honoré des Prés perfumes is that they are far too ephemeral, and I agree. Sexy Angelic is short-lived and I remarked in my review that its lasting power was in the 1-2 hour range and that if I were to become the owner of a full bottle I’d be spraying it with wanton abandon before getting dressed. I’d like to amend my statement. I am now the owner of a full bottle (thanks to the November discount Beautyhabit.com was running), and I have found it far more effective to spray Sexy Angelic with wanton abandon while clothed. Winter clothes to be more precise. Turtlenecks and scarves hold the scent much better than skin and allow me to smell the licorice and honey coated almonds until midday.
And where I found Sexy Angelic revitalizing and fresh this past summer, I am finding it tender and sweet this winter. It’s got a light touch, and in this season where things seem to be overdone and overblown, it’s delightful to be subtly nuzzled and caressed. Sexy Angelic is a gourmand with licorice (from angelica seeds) and almond featured prominently in the notes. Yet, Olivia Giacobetti, creator of Sexy Angelic, has rendered this fragrance with a subtle hand. She offers a lighthearted, yet cozy and sophisticated gourmand fragrance to those of us seeking respite from the onslaught of ordinary confections.
Please note: The above products are all-natural and do not contain artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, phthalates, or parabens.
Dr. Bronner’s Almond Liquid Soap $16 for 32 oz at Target
100% Pure Honey Almond Scrub $35 for 15 oz jar at 100% Pure
100% Pure Honey Almond Body Cream $19 for 8 oz bottle at 100% Pure
Sexy Angelic $84 for 1.7oz at Beautyhabit.com
Disclosure: All of these products were purchased by me. This post does contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
Almonds by blackleafstudio at etsy.com
Great post! The love for the scent of almond has been pasted down to me by my mother.
A,
How wonderful to have a specific “scent-love” given to you by your mother. (My mom loves white ginger in tropical fragrances). Funny how those things will never leave us!
~T
I love almond too but it’s usually too much for me when done synthetically. Dr. B is great-do wish they’d simplify their pkg. though but I can deal 🙂 Thanks for the tip about Sexy Angelic. I really like that fragrance but it didn’t even last 30 minutes on my skin. I dabbed it on so maybe spraying would make a difference? I’m hoping they come out w/an EDP or even a perfume in Sexy Angelic (I liked Bonte’s Bloom too). Drenching my scarves in Sexy Angelic sounds very, very tempting…
Joy,
Dabbing Sexy Angelic was no good for me either. I had to transfer my samples into a purse spray before caving in and getting a full-bottle, and I spray a lot!!
I’m still holding out hope that they make it into a body butter….heaven!
~T
This is a handy post, im delighted I stumbled upon this. Ill be back later on to check out other posts that you have on your blog.
So glad you found it! Please do come back soon 🙂
~Trish
I first used Dr. Bronner’s when I was a teenaged hippie girl, 1970. Back then I believe the only scent available was the magnificently refreshing peppermint. I have tried all the scents now available and my faves are the peppermint & the almond.
I love this blog! All my life I have been crazy for fragrance. Thank you for taking the time to do this so beautifully!
I am so glad you found Scent Hive Linder! Thanks for your comment, it reminds me that I need to get more Dr. B Almond soap!! 🙂
~T