ESSENTIAL PARFUMS
FIG INFUSION
2022
PERFUMER
Nathalie Lorson
Fig
Mandarin
Black Tea
Orange Blossom
Benzoin
sandalwood
‘Inspired by the light of a sunny day in the south of France, Nathalie Lorson has composed an optimistic and reassuring fragrance. The top notes, a larger than life fig, is illuminated by a duo of juicy citrus mandarin and clementine. The floral heart, composed of freesia and orange blossom, meets the aromatic breath of Sri Lankan black tea. Finally,an enveloping wood accord, between the softness of Virginian cedarwood and the creaminess of sandalwood, provides comfort and refinement to the signature. The voluptuous benzoin reinforces this cocooning accord with its balmy effects.’ – Essential Parfums
Done by Nathalie Lorson, Fig Infusion is another release by Essential Parfums that solidifies them as one of the best bang-for-buck niche brands available.
After adding BDK Gris Charnel to my collection as a warmer, spicier fig scent, I’ve been dying to add a fresh fig scent for the warmer days, and Fig Infusion is the one. Anno 2024, it remains my favorite fig fragrance.
It opens bright, fruity and a bit green, with a tart or bitter edge. I don’t really get citrus juice here, but there is a rind-like quality. It’s definitely fig-centric, with the other notes playing second fiddle in the opening (as it should be here).
It’s fruity, crisp and slightly floral and citric at first, but after a while, you get that lactonic, milky (though not creamy) smoothness from the fig, supported by sandalwood. As much as I love the uplifting opening, the coziness from the drydown I love even more.
For as milky as it gets, the fig remains on the green side and it’s perfect for Summer and warmer weather. Aside from the fig, the orange blossom hangs around a bit, but it’s pretty simple in terms of scent.
There are several good and affordable fig fragrances, most notably Acqua di Parma’s Fico Di Amalfi is a close alternative, but Fig Infusion feels like a level up for me. Performance is very solid for this style, though not as remarkable as Bois Imperial was from the brand. However, at €75/100ml at the time of review, it’s impossible to say anything less than positive about this perfume. If you’re looking for a Spring/Summer fig, look no further and make sure you get your nose on Fig Infusion.
