My first perfume memory was rummaging through my mother’s sparse vanity and finding a 12-year-old, nearly full bottle of Chanel No. 5. Fleur de Peau brought me right back to that floral, slightly soapy scent. Of course, it’s different, but there are similarities—notably in the top note, which feels like straight musk. However, while I remember No. 5 being heavy and powdery, Fleur de Peau somehow keeps it feminine and light. (Though it can still last about ten or 12 hours.) It’s like something you’d buy your granddaughter before she graduates to Chanel in mid-life. (Or maybe you are the granddaughter looking for something that more reflects this period of time.)

After the perfume dries down, the breezy cotton notes come through, a little freshness to cut the sweetness of the iris and ambrette seeds. Ambrette and iris are musky florals, so as the day goes on, that side of the flowers becomes slightly more pronounced, but remains bright. My biggest compliment came when I was wearing this perfume—my friend, one whom I consider the most stylish of all, told me I always smell like this, regardless of what I’m actually wearing…and that she loved it.

Notes: musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn