Perfume and pastry: Perfection!

We love pastry almost as much as we love perfume, so when we heard that L’Occitane En Provence founder Olivier Baussan invited pastry chef extraordinaire Pierre Hermé to compose a scent for the holiday season our senses piqued.

Hermé actually composed two scents for the holiday season. Each one, crafted with fine, authentic ingredients (as per Hermé’s exacting standards used to create his legendary macarons, for example), was inspired by Corsica, a favourite island in the south of France. Hermé was also inspired by his love of unusual pairings, and worked with Baussan to celebrate the unique mix of flavours that both men love.

Jasmine-Immortelle-Neroli

The first L’Occitane-by-way-of-Hermé scent, Jasmine-Immortelle-Neroli Eau de Toilette, is floral and feminine. Chef describes it as three soul mates teasing each other with their gentle and fiery moods. The trio of notes being sparkling party-ready top notes—lemon, petit gratin, pink pepper; a heart of jasmine, immortelle and orange blossom; and a base of amber and musk. The perfume’s sensual dry-down, will be perfect for mingling under the mistletoe.
Jasmine-Immortelle-Neroli EDT, $65 (75 ml), www.loccitane.com

Grapefruit-Rhubarb

The second fragrance—and our favourite—uses all parts of the grapefruit (including the bitter rind and pith) for a fresh take on the ingredient. The unique pairing of rhubarb gives a crisp, green essence while nutmeg, clove and vetiver supply a warm finish. It’s a bright yet earthy fragrance that combines some of our favourite holiday essences such as refreshing citrus, heart-warming spice and earthiness.
Grapefruit-Rhubarb EDT, $65 (75 ml), www.loccitane.com

Holiday gift giving solutions

These two Hermé scents are also available in gift sets that include shower gel, hand lotion, body lotion and the eau de toilette. Gift it and you can be assured you are giving your loved one the full Corsica-inspired, pasty-chef-approved experience.
L’Occitane En Provence Pierre Herme gift set, $80,www.loccitane.com

Looking for more pastry-inspired perfumes? Check here.

IMAGE: FlickrCC/Betsy Weber