Bon Parfumeur 003 yuzu feuilles de violette vétiver photo courtesy of Indigo Perfumery©
We’ve just passed the autumnal equinox mark – that season during which the thinning of the veil between the physical and spiritual world is said to occur. It is often experienced as a period of heightened intuition, an increased perceived spiritual presence and otherworldly influences. How to maintain one’s equilibrium during seasonal fluctuation? One pleasurable panacea might be a fragrance which may be enjoyed all year round: a steadying influence, one of perfect olfactory balance – in this case, Bon Parfumeur 003 yuzu feuilles de violette vétiver. There’s nothing so tonic as a soothing, grounding cologne to center one, especially if it’s as reasonably priced, beautifully constructed, and as versatile as this one is.
perfumer Carla Chabert via Bon Parfumeur
Bon Parfumeur 003 can be a little challenging to categorize; it feels too simplistic (and crass) to refer to it as a citrus-woody freshie. I prefer to describe it as invigorating forest bathing with a twist – and even that seems faint praise to me. Perfumer Carla Chabert (who is perhaps best known for her compositions for the British brand Molton Brown) demonstrates the efficacy of a less-is-more philosophy; her given pyramid is relatively brief compared to many scents, but each material possesses its own unique character and is essential [sic] to the overall perfumed plot. It’s not uncommon for a pared-down formula to trump a kitchen-sink one. I tend to prefer a certain clarity to a muddled fragrance – which is all too easy to achieve, especially when the perfumer is very excited about a project, or has been urged by their creative director to include any number of aromatic elements. In Bon Parfumeur 003, only the indispensable exists – and it’s blissfully elegant just as is.
via Unsplash
A combined trio of introductory effervescent citruses awaken our senses – the tart, mouthwatering notes of bergamot, yuzu, and lime impart a lively tone straight away. Just enough neroli and jasmine dovetail, tender and devoid of dominance: their floralcy provides a sophisticated heart/bridge between the zesty top notes and the fragrance’s earthier, sylvan base. The lemony/peppery nature of elemi provides a lovely foil for crisp, aqueous, cucumber-y aspects of violet leaf: limpid and softly woody. Vetiver contributes facets which help flesh out a forest landscape with its sweetly balsamic, rooty grassiness. I have the distinct impression that either cedarwood, Iso E Super, or other elements are present alongside the musks, but neither is listed. If they are, it certainly would fill in the blanks regarding my woodland impression of Bon Parfumeur 003.
via Pixabay
Bon Parfumeur 003 is indeed a cologne, but it possesses more tenacity than most fragrances in this concentration. One of the pleasures of such scents lies in their ease of reapplication; refreshing yourself doesn’t run the risk of overwhelming those within your aromatic orbit, and it enables you to feel soigné throughout the day. In some ways, it’s akin to a sense of self-confidence regardless of your environment. If you are a devotee of the concept of a fragrance wardrobe, then Bon Parfumeur 003 is a welcome addition; we could all benefit from that one perfect fit.
Notes: bergamot, yuzu, lime, jasmine, neroli, elemi, vetiver, musks, violet leaves
My sample was kindly provided by Indigo Perfumery – many thanks! My nose is my own…
~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor
Bon Parfumeur 003 was launched in 20019
Photo courtesy of Indigo Perfumery©
Thanks to Indigo Perfumery, we have one 30 ml bottle of Bon Parfumeur 003 for one registered reader in the US. Please be sure to register. To be eligible tell us what appeals to you about Ida’s review and that you live in the U.S. Draw closes October 6, 2025
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