Eau Arborante Collection Review: Discover Nature-Inspired Scents

In the realm of niche perfumery, the allure of nature often serves as profound inspiration. One such exploration is manifested in the Eau Arborante Collection from Les Liquides Imaginaires, a French fragrance house co-founded in 2013 by Philippe Di Méo. This collection embodies a thematic trilogy dedicated to the reverence of trees, with the fragrances Tellus and Saltus taking center stage in an olfactory narrative that ascends from earth to sky. Each scent in this collection aims to encapsulate the essence of trees from their roots to their canopies, presenting a vertical progression that is both innovative and intriguing. This article delves into the intricate compositions of these fragrances, highlighting their various notes and the experiences they evoke.

An Overview of Les Liquides Imaginaires

Les Liquides Imaginaires stands out not just for its unique fragrances but also for its artistic approach to perfumery. The brand’s inception arose from a desire to reconnect with the essentials of scent — a homage to ancient rituals where fragrances were used as offerings to deities. Di Méo's vision involves transcending traditional methods, creating perfumes that awaken dreams and fantasies. The collections are thematic and often feature fragrances that complement one another, forming a narrative arc.

The Eau Arborante Collection

Released in 2015, the Eau Arborante Collection showcases three fragrances: Tellus, Saltus, and the freshness of Succus. Each scent is crafted to complement the others, with a distinct olfactory journey through nature. Tellus represents the grounding qualities of the earth, while Saltus offers a glimpse into the vitality of the tree's interior.

Tellus: The Spirit of the Earth

The first scent, Tellus, is a tribute to the earth, evoking the rich, damp soil that nourishes life. Created by the talented perfumer Nadège Le Garlantezec, Tellus is described as the darkest of the trio, with notes that transport the wearer into the depths of nature.

• Top Notes: Earth, Patchouli, Cashmeran
• Heart Notes: Lily, Costus, Moss
• Base Notes: Ambroxan, Fir Balsam, Labdanum

Upon application, Tellus opens with an earthy patchouli that melds with the sweetness of amber. This initial phase is characterized by a depth of notes that conjures images of moist undergrowth and the decay that feeds new life. However, Tellus reveals its complexity as it evolves. The fragrance transitions into a more pronounced smokiness after thirty minutes, pulling in aspects of woody cedar and a sense of crisp air. Despite the many elements at play, the patchouli remains dominant, echoing its various forms — woody, spicy, and lightly sweetened — throughout the wear.

Sensory Experience of Tellus

The journey of Tellus can be described as multi-faceted. Initially, it is a blend of earthy notes layered with a veil of sweetness. However, as it develops, an evocative smokiness takes over, introducing a contrasting sharpness that may be jarring for some. This dichotomy creates a sense of movement that aligns with the conceptual idea of a tree reaching up from its roots, though some wearers might find it falls short of the promised richness. The weightiness of the Ambroxan is notable, leaving behind a lingering scent that transforms into a more animalistic musk over time, combining with the costus root. The longevity of Tellus is commendable, lasting more than ten hours and requiring a few spritzes for the scent to fully envelop the wearer, though its projection diminishes with time.

Saltus: The Spirit of the Sap

Moving upwards in this vertical journey, Saltus takes the olfactory experience deeper into the tree's essence. Crafted by Shyamala Maisondieu, this fragrance embodies the energy and vibrancy of life flowing through the tree, offering a contrast to the earthiness of Tellus.

• Top Notes: Cedar Leaves, Eucalyptus, Camphor
• Heart Notes: Storax, Milk
• Base Notes: Patchouli, Frankincense, Tonka Bean, Castoreum, Sandalwood

Upon its introduction, Saltus greets the senses with a refreshing wave of eucalyptus and camphor. This sharp, invigorating opening is complemented by the rich depth of storax resin and the milky smoothness that emerges shortly thereafter. Unlike Tellus, which grounds the user in the earthy underworld, Saltus brings an uplifting, almost ethereal quality that celebrates the sap and vitality of trees.

Sensory Experience of Saltus

The evolution of Saltus is marked by a strong presence of eucalyptus that can be both energizing and overwhelming. The smokiness that persists through the fragrance captures the essence of charred wood and residual forest fires. As it moves into its heart phase, Saltus maintains a linear quality, primarily focused on its resinous characteristics. While Saltus initially presents itself with layers of complexity, the fragrance can become somewhat monotonous with its predominant smoky profile as it ages. The distinct elements of eucalyptus and charred woods interplay throughout, but some wearers may find the overall effect to lack depth as compared to the more dynamic Tellus.

Personal Impressions and Final Thoughts

The Eau Arborante Collection from Les Liquides Imaginaires evokes a rich narrative inspired by the life cycle of trees. While Tellus delves deep into the earth, Saltus focuses on the vibrant energy housed within the trunk, both showcasing unique olfactory character and presence. However, through the lens of personal experience, there's a sense of expectation that doesn't entirely materialize. The fragrances, while conceptually innovative, may feel unbalanced for those desiring a more harmonious progression in scent. Tellus stood out with its earthy richness but did not fully deliver on the complex depth I anticipated. Likewise, Saltus, while refreshing, lacked the nuance needed for a profoundly memorable experience. Overall, for enthusiasts of woody and patchouli-driven fragrances, the Eau Arborante Collection offers an intriguing exploration of nature that is worth sampling, if only to appreciate the artistry of capturing nature's essence in scent.