If you like to shop around and explore estate sales, you know that every once in a blue moon you’ll run across one that is truly special.  Recently, I found a sale that mentioned a large collection of perfumes, but didn’t have pictures or brand names listed.  I took a chance.  As it turns out, the woman of the house was a former sales representative for Escada and Annick Goutal so there was quite the collection.  No one at the sale was interested in the perfumes, so I snatched up a collection of 3 100 ml perfumes, a couple of fragrance brand candles and 12 mini perfumes for $90.  One of those perfumes was a full 100 ml bottle of Hermes 24, Faubourg eau de toilette.  Whereas some of the perfumes there were multiple in stock, the Hermès was the only one.  I had to snatch it up.  By the way, the next week, I noted that they moved the remaining bottles of perfumes that didn’t sell to another sale that was in walking distance from my house.  Of course I had to go back!  I managed to pick up two 125 ml tester bottles of Annick Goutal EdTs, Passion and Heure Exquise for $5 each!  How could I say no to such bargains?!

Now before I get into my review, I should note that I did purchase a bottle of 24, Faubourg EDP a couple of years ago. As much of a fan as I am of white floral perfumes, I found the eau de parfum version much to cloying and heavy for my tastes.  So buying the EdT was a gamble.  Let’s see if it payed off…

WHAT I SMELL:  24, Faubourg opens with a vibrant, bright, a rather sugared ylang ylang which quickly moves to a warmer pulsating rapturous collection of florals which are seamless in their blending.  After a short time, an ambered warmth sets base for a rounded bouquet dusted with oak moss and a spiced jasmine begins to dominate.  There’s not much progression in 24, Faubourg, but in the end, the perfume resides in a pared down “big” floral heaven.  24 Faubourg is a striking beauty that falls into the big floral category like Ysatis and 1000.  But 24 Faubourg is one of those perfumes that doesn’t play second fiddle to anyone.

From the Hermès website:

A novel composed by Maurice Roucel in 1995, 24, Faubourg is an invitation to travel, with the sun as its destination. A sparkle of white flowers in the top notes, the radiance of a floral heart enveloped in irises, woods and mystery, while vanilla and ambergris set the tone for the sillage.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: A woman of refinement; Princess Grace in her later years.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE 24, FAUBOURG: radiant, warm, in-control

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT 24, FAUBOURG: Now Smell This, I Smell Therefore I Am, Olfactoria’s Travels

BOTTOM LINE:  Whereas the eau de parfum version of 24, Faubourg was just too heavy for me, the eau de toilette version fits just right.  I absolutely am in love with this floral beauty.  This will be a mainstay in my collection for years to come!

• Bone Rating:  5 out of possible 5 bones
• Scent:  Chypre Floral
• Nose: Maurice Roucel
• Classification: Feminine
• Expense: $150 for 3.3 oz. Eau de Toilette