WHAT I SMELL: Gardenia Rattan’s opening is soft and bright and then is quickly met with dewy florals that are warm, velvety and very understated.  There’s a bit of salt that sits under the florals which acts as a very nice anchor to the radiance of the muted florals.  This is as about as controlled of a gardenia fragrance that I have come across.  Maybe it’s because the gardenia is met with a light tuberose which means that it doesn’t read “gardenia” but instead projects a lovely mix of  light and creamy white florals.  After around 10 minutes, a light coconut breaks in to give the fragrance more of a tropical feel.  However, rather than give into a heavy lotioned feel, the fragrance still manages to remain soft-spoken and rather demure.  After this point, Gardenia Rattan’s metamorphasis ends and leaves the fragrance in a lightly radiant haze of creamy white florals that seem to fold gracefully under a glistening nape of femininity.

From the Aerin website:

“Gardenia Rattan is the perfect Summer day – warm sun, beautiful sea and fresh flowers.” – Aerin Gardenia Rattan captures the spirit of Summer. Like a breath of sea spray, sparkling Wet Marine Notes envelop the senses while a gentle blend of white flowers including Gardenia, Tuberose and Tiare Tahiti exude lush femininity. Amber adds rich texture, like the last warming rays of the perfect Summer day.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Naomi Watts in The Painted Veil

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE GARDENIA RATTAN: contained, feminine, soft

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT GARDENIA RATTAN: The Black Narcissus, Bois de Jasmin, Now Smell This

BOTTOM LINE: I really had no expectations going into testing this as this was at the bottom of my pile of overlooked samples.  For a winter’s day it was almost 70 degrees today and I was looking for something that would put me in the mood for some spring awakening.  Gardenia Rattan is really a beauty and so easy to wear.  I could see this being perfect for the hot summer months…and in fact, perfect for all year-long.  This was a lovely surprise…and I love lovely surprises!

• Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 possible bones
• Scent:  Floral Aquatic
• Classification:  Feminine
• Expense:  $110 for 50ml Eau de Parfum