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mucysy – :
Many moons ago I took a solitary visit to Glastonbury. It was early autumn & the leaves were just turning. It was magical; long walks to the Tor, taking the red waters at Chalice Well and from there to the candle lit shell which housed the white waters. After a cup of strong coffee I took a walk towards the high street, the sun was going down and the light from the little shops lit my way. I wanted to take a detour to the Avalon library which is situated in a small courtyard but it was closed – it’s always closed. But within the courtyard the smell was deep, ambery & amazing. The door of a little shop called ‘StarChild’ was open, it sold candles, essential oils and small bags of herbs. On the counter was a beautiful statue of a Goddess surrounded by candles, charms, herbs, trinkets & a mass of wax. The atmosphere was so spiritual, yet earthy – if pagan’s built churches this is how it would smell.
I tried in vain, for many years to capture the essence of this. My trip had been incredibly mysterious from the above mentioned walks, to a 1am visit to Stonehenge which appeared as if by magic over the downs (couldn’t get as close as I would have liked – the MOD had placed electrified fences around the perimeter).
About 5 years ago I smelt 34 Boulevard Saint Germain and I was transported back to the little courtyard with the statue and the smell of spices, herbs and candles. As many have said, it is a bit of a mess but for me it is all the various memories I collected during my visit, the very different vibes emanating from a myriad of magical places. I could never be without this treasure – it returns me to a time and a place long gone.
Apallmot – :
my boyfriend calls this type of perfume (read: chypre) ‘the smell of a 60 year old lady’. always makes me laugh.
this is a lovely perfume. smells very ‘French’ to me, if there is such a thing. truly unisex – reminds me very much of Chanel Coco or No. 5. That kind of scent that trails behind you and makes others notice you. Elegant, big silage. Complex. Would make a beautiful ‘sweater weather’ scent. (wearing it now in September, with the weather a bit colder, and it’s nice).
dimon302010 – :
Spiced apples. Spiced plums. Hot black tea. In the vein of Coco Chanel. It’s interesting, complicated, dark, and great for fall and winter.
iwan73rus – :
I don’t dislike this fragrance. In fact I love it. But at times it seems like there’s too much going on at one time. It’s woody, citrusy, smoky, fruity, soapy. I smelled the soap bar version of it and it’s a little better because everything is muted and you can really smell the smoky spicy ness. I wouldn’t be opposed to owning a bottle.
vladNN – :
Absolutely love this scent. I got it as a tester when I bought a Baies candle. My god I fell in love at first sniff. I agree with one of the reviews here that it smells sort of “camphorous”, indeed it may offend some people who tend to like the more subtle kinds of perfumes, but this is right up there with perfumes reminiscent of the 80s. Very Coco Chanel, in fact it is more stronger, but I would say they are of the same family. Very spicy, very “yes dahling”. So rich and indulgent, it is not for the faint of heart. But boy, do I get so many compliments when I wear this one.
pletcherysh – :
I guess I understand why it was a let down for so many people – that it is the 50th anniversary product, that it is supposed to capture everything about Diptyque. I’ve seen many criticism about how there’s just … too much in it. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the overabundance of smell makes it great, but not crazily overhyped great; at least not Diptyque-unique compared to the others. But it wasn’t supposed to feel like just 1 scent, you know? It was supposed to be a hot mess, a luxurious celebration of scents.
I love it. It simply is a nice smell, one would leave your friends guessing what it’s made out of and asking for more.0 It’s more feminine to me, but I really like the hint of wood that comes out and elevates the entire experience. I would say I definitely see Tam Dao, Do Son, Philosykos and Eau Duelle in here. And it’s obviously still very unique – complicated, creamy, woody. A head turner for sure.
If it was their goal to create a scent like all their famous scents combined, I think they achieved that.
Very nice, good longevity, hefty price tag, even for EDT version. A nice 4.5/5 for me, this takes over Tam Dao as now my top favorite Diptyque scent.
shkandin – :
Dear Reader,
Probably like many of you, I have many, many fragrances. There are those that suite situations perfectly, moods, weather, and then those that are easy to grab that just feel great to wear no matter the time or situation. 34, for me, is one that I get something different from the wearing almost each time. I understand that this is likely due to the multitude of notes, and I’ve heard some even call it a mess. I happen to really like it! I find it elegant, and incomparable, and while I do get the potpourri references, it is still unique and unlike any other fragrance inspired or often compared to potpourri. Quite a performer as well, and absolutely should be considered signature worthy as you will set yourself apart in the most beautiful way. One of those that even other frag lovers are both impressed and stumped by.
сашка – :
This is like a semi spicy potpourri I hate t, maybe if I was a ascetic monk I would wear this
ertderf – :
This would make the ultimate,
English Victorian garden soap/body talcum powder.
Potpourri? Yes, I agree with the poster below. But the highest quality, soft soft pot pouri…NOT sharp. Not dry, but gummy powdery.
Milky and powdery, not spicy like geranium, not rosy-sharp or soapy/lavender/linalool like SOOOOO many other rose scents! Theres nothing bitter here at all.
WELL rounded, powder and gummy in texture; soft transparent woods, roses, green leaves, this perfume is perfectly balanced.
Its refreshing, soft, I love the texture of this perfume more than anything.
If I had to choose between warm or cool, I`d call this milky cool.
It`s more like smelling a tight, grouping of flowers from a distance
From a distance and though a patch of green leaves. Very naturalistic.
The highest quality Victorian Garden Green Rose talcum powder – in a GOOD way.
EXCELLENT scent for men and women.
Classy, shower fresh, powdery and naturalistic.
Lencha.mm – :
Amen Jedlive!! There is no other religion in the world, save Christianity, that allows us to have an intimate relationship with God like it does. One that did not make us go up to Him but one that made Him come down to us. I have studied many religions and none can give what Christ gives.
Before you all get mad and say this is a fragrance site and leave religion out of it, let me say this:
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
2 Corinthians 2:15
Boom!!!
vyargyffzaz – :
Like others have said, this scent is supposed to represent the fragrance of being in a Diptyque boutique, namely the original one at the address in the name. I love Diptyque for both their fragrances and their candles. I also love visiting the local boutique near me, so to me, they reached their goal with this fragrance.
But, is that something I want to smell like?
Turns out for me the answer is yes.
Ok, I find it hard to pick out many of the notes listed above, except for the fruity notes, they are present from the opening through the dry down, but it is an overall great smell. In fact, it’s one of the only fragrances I’ve ever received an unsolicited compliment for. It’s labeled unisex and I believe that it is, though I do feel it leans a little masculine, but only barely.
I have yet to be disappointed by Diptyque and this one is another winner for me.
Jlekapb – :
This is a bit of an everything-and-the-kitchen-sink scent. The opening is an interesting fruity, herbal, camphoraceous/minty, floral and spicy scent. The opening is weird and chaotic, but lovely. The strongest notes in the opening are eucalyptus, cinnamon, black currant, resins and geranium. It’s halfway between potpourri and the lovely scent your winter coat sleeves get from many days of wearing different perfumes on your wrists. The unique opening gives way to a potpourri scent with geranium and clove in the forefront. I’m not crazy about it, though it’s not bad.
Deroxmvlgy – :
There is a lot going on in this scent. It reminds me of older scents, say from the 80s, that are loaded with notes and it’s tough to catch them all. Initially, it smells of black currants, spices, and fig leaf. It’s honestly weird. The citrus doesn’t come through on me at all. Then it quickly transforms into a woodsy, resinous scent, which I find strange, yet I keep finding myself sniffing my wrist. The eucalyptus is there, but not obvious.
So obviously, I’m not in love with this, but it’s been growing on me. It’s a pretty masculine scent, none of the sweetness that other people here notice comes through on my skin, unfortunately. However, this EDT is so strong, it lasts forever, and it’s noticeable; it’s stronger than all perfumes I own. I don’t know how anyone can complain it’s weak when one spray on me smells like 10 sprays of other EDPs in my collection.
ckom93 – :
34 Boulevard Saint Germain from the house of Diptyque has reignited my adoration for spicy woods scents. This fragrance smells familiar like a warm hug on a cold Winter’s night.
This fragrance was released in celebration of Diptyque’s 50th Birthday and pays homage to the brand’s first ever boutique located at 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain Paris, where it can still be found today.
34 Boulevard Saint Germain is mostly dry; a delicate blend of cinnamon, smoked woods, clove, and dried flowers. As Diptyque is a house known for its candles, home fragrances and body products, this fragrance’s composition closely resembles the scent of a room shortly after having burned a stick of incense.
I personally find 34 Boulevard Saint Germain to be a meditative and soothing scent. Perfectly unisex, this fragrance would best suit the cooler seasons and pairs beautifully with its matching body and home products.
Although this is not Diptyque’s most unique fragrance, it is extremely easy to wear. It does have a slightly more masculine feel, but with that being said I don’t feel out of place wearing it as a woman. If spicy, woodsy and/or incense fragrances are your cup of tea, 34 Boulevard Saint Germain is well worth a sniff.
Merechoic – :
Update: I’ve had this for a while. I thought it was a cold weather frag, but loving it now in Springtime. I wanted to say this is my “aromatic” genre fragrance.
It reminds me of good designer aromatics that I have respect for; but this is so natural smelling, no Ambroxan; yet smells full and rich. The flowers and fruity notes keep it fresh enough, even for warmer day, except the hottest days of Summer.
On to my review of 34. For a woody, spicey, floral, it leans slightly masculine. It is more perfumy than many of the realistic earthy fragrances, by Diptyque. But all the notes are natural smelling. I love the touch of fresh green eucalyptus.
Many Diptyque frags are rather serious, 34 is fun or playful, because of the fruitiness, yet it’s still classy and refined. 34 is a little sweet – just right.
The main notes and accords I pick up, are a warm spicy fruity accord, resins with a zesty eucalyptus. A very fruity black current note, like the raspberry in Tuscan Leather. Here it’s the most fruity black currant I have experienced, more berry, less leaf. The fruit and cinommon spice, balance and compliment each other. I normally don’t like a dominant cinommon note, but love it here, it’s a cinommon and cloves accord. It gives a warm spicines. The citruses are subtle, but add a nice fruity freshness to the overall warm and spicy fragrance. The pink pepper and spices are very subtle and well blended.
I get a bit of a green fig leaf, and the eucalyptus note really makes this great for me, it adds a caphoraceous note as in Creed Royal Mayfair, but much lighter here.
The florals add a nice touch, but they are as I like them, not out front but well blended, so this never becomes feminine leaning for me. It is gender neutral.
This is very enjoyable and easy to wear.
This reminds me of hot apple cider with cinommon and cloves, great for the holidays.
Just like we men love the pinapple in Aventus, and the rasberry in Tuscan Leather, the berry note here is fantastic.
I just reapplied, and it did remind me of the way the Diptyque shop may have smelled on 34 Saint Germain, reminding me of some other Diptyque frags like Volutes edt.
I allways wanted to have a nice aromatic in my rotation, in the genre of Chanel Bleu, or Dior Homme. I see 34 generally in that genre of aromatic or light Oriental. 34 is so much nicer than a Chanel Bleu, more natural with better quality and blending.
On a personal note; I have been sharring the mini gospel John 3:16 to end my reviews. Why am I mixing religion with fragrance, some have asked.
The Bible teaches us that, “There is only one name given under heaven, by which we MUST be saved”. So I believe God is telling us Jesus is not an option amongst other life paths; but his love has met a need we all share, a need for a savior.
Rating: 9/10
God bless. John 3:16
kost274 – :
This is a powerful perfume. Elegant and sophisticated. When I first smelled it I immediately thought “Powerful 80’s perfume!” but in a good way. I do not mean it smells dated. To me it smells feminine. My son thought it smelled more masculine. I can’t tell you any specific notes that I smell~there are a lot but they are all blended beautifully.
Be careful when spraying this one-a little goes a very long way! Sillage and longevity are strong and long lasting.
sauctoguist – :
Lovely fragrance. It’s a mix of everything but they pull it off so beautifully. It starts off fruity with soft citrus, but soon melt down into creamy woody scent that I can’t get enough of. I was told that this was more of fall/winter perfume, but I think it’s so versatile that it could be worn anytime in mostly every occasion. I think this might be signature scent for me.
nik_1875 – :
This EDT emanates sophistication and worldliness.
What journey it is. After it settles in, and the initial blast of sharp citrus ghosts out, you get the true masterpiece.
It reminds me of my german grandmother. No frills, just all business. Clean and practical. Intelligent. Intriguing.
This may very well be my new bedtime fragrance as it tends to calm and center me whenever I experience it.
bas74 – :
Boulevard Saint Germain is a beautiful fragrance! This scent embodies green spiciness to the letter. Cloves, currant, cinnamon and fig leaf for good measure. Wearing BSG feels like standing under a tree on an early fall morning; very relaxing and soothing. BSG is well blended, the green notes keep this scent’s balance never veering towards too spicy or too floral. BSG is perfectly unisex and is constantly in my wife’s rotation (shhhh I had to steal this from her just to write this review!). For those of you who love cozy, spicy fall scents this one is right up your alley!
Alexx – :
I love Diptyque scents because they are very original, beautiful, long lasting and truly unisex. 34 Boulevard St Germain is a gorgeous and innovative modern chypre. Although this is classified as ‘warm spicy’, the first impression is rather ‘cold’ and fresh, due to eucalyptus, green leaves and blackcurrant. As the scent develops, it warms up a bit, with the arrival of balsamic and floral notes. Due to this colder and greener opening, at first sniff it might seem like a masculine scent, but as a woman I have found it to be very wearable. The sillage is moderate, even when oversprayed, so it is great for daytime wear, and completely office friendly.
Vityaboyaddnews – :
A symphony of fruit, woods, and mosses. Pure olfactive bliss. I admit, as well, I didn’t take to this scent 1st time around. I thought it blase initially. But after having re-sniffed it in 2014 at the Diptyque boutique in San Francisco, a complete 180 degrees, my love. It’s ethereal chypre of an old-school variety. For me, no other fragrance house has produced a more modern chypre this well before, IMO. Almost finished with my 1st bottle, “time to rebuy again, I will!”
Оленька27 – :
I started off being disgusted by this but after several months I get the black currant throughout the whole scent that’s really good just as it is in Accord Oud from Byredo.
As a top note I get different wood notes. In the base notes I fell a a cinnamon-iris accord and despite disliking quite a lot iris, here it doesn’t bother me very much.
Dr.Dushik – :
This was love at first sniff, – 34 is a slightly more feminine version of Spicebomb. Oh gods this smell fantastic.
It opens up with that almost “sour” note that wet wood can have, and after a while it just hugs you in warm, dry spicyness.
Here’s cloves, cardamom and cinnamon together without turning you in to a christmas cookie, and there is also something slightly juicy behind the warm and dry layer (I can’t smell the currant wich is a blessing in itself, because currant is NOT a favourite), and everything just comes together with the waves of florals just crashing in on the wood-and-spice beach.
This one instantly jumped up on the favourites shelf, and may your reign be long and peaceful.
CoachBracelet5 – :
A medley of Diptyque scents blended into one in commemoration of their 50th anniversary. It’s surprisingly accurate. I get the water droplet like florals of L’ombre dans l’eau, the spicy iris of Volutes, and their overall signature composure of strikingly realistic notes. An hour into the journey and I can say “yup, there’s the cinnamon”. It’s almost like you can pick out each note one by one, and it’s nice, really nice. The fruit, the flowers, the spices. I get a very mature almost peaches and cream feel, though not gourmand like in any way at all. They clearly were genuine with this one but as a huge fan of the house, it’s almost impossible to smell it as a stand alone fragrance rather than a greatest hits compilation. I think it’s unfair however to say that that’s a flaw. At the end of the day a scent is a scent regardless of where the inspiration came from. Because 34 has such a perfectly delicate balance of sweetness and spice, it may be the most versatile scent they’ve ever created. Can’t decide which Diptyque to wear? Just wear them all.
Reeder – :
Phylosikos + L’ombre dans l’eau = this wonderful creation. I adore both Phylosikos and L’Ombre, but neither is a personal fragrance to me. They are more like hiperreal recreations of a place and mood, and as such they are perfection.
34? This is a scent. It harnessed the best of both and I love it.
witec – :
The bottle is captivating, and stood out sharply against the rather boring squared off Diptyque bottles of a few years ago. Now Diptyque has those wonderful ovoid style bottles with tall cylindrical black cap mounded into a black shoulder insert. Still, the 34 Blvd style bottle is more to my liking.
That bottle kept drawing me in to sample this. Upon first smell, I liked it but found nothing particularly compelling. I was able to get a sample and lived with it for a while, then sent it onto someone else. But I started missing 34 Blvd. Then I got myself a 12ml bottle for a fair price. Now I could enjoy it longer. Again, nothing compelling, but yet still quite enjoyable. I used up about 25% of it and then it hit me — I must have a bottle!
There’s something warm and reassuring in the woody notes surrounded by resin, spices and fruits. It could be considered a “cacophony” of Diptyque aromas, having experienced about 6 of them thus far. But not a mess… nicely orchestrated. It’s hard to describe. You have to experience it for yourself.
The going retail rate is $150 USD, but you can get it for around $100 (slightly used or boxed tester) if you look long and hard enough. It’s worth it. I’m very glad to have this now, “officially”. 🙂
Fragrance: 9.1
czd858Diobtetty – :
The idea that this perfume is a signature scent for 5 people is mind blowing!
This is a very hyped perfume that I NEEDED to smell it. The first thing that came out of my mouth “WTF”, and I don’t mean in a good way!
The kind of perfume my great great great great grandmother would go crazy for.
Let’s just say it’s not my cup of tea and leave it at that.
vladislas1976 – :
This is still very much on sale and available in the UK. I tried it for the first time today and it made me excited, made my heart beat faster. I love it.
It starts out fresh and citrusy with tart blackberries – I suppose there is a nod to l’Ombre dans l’eau but it is nowhere near as sharp. Then the florals come in – a soft, buttery blend. And finally come the woods – I think it is the eucalyptus that gets me, as it adds a cool note that ties in so well with the citrus, blackberry and cool florals. It is very clever.
This is an interesting scent with lots going on but it does not feel too busy to me. It feels complete – and if you are fed-up of soliflores, I’d give this a go. It has a traditional idea behind it but has been executed in a modern way. It is very well-blended – without checking the notes I’d have guessed citrus, blackberry, fir or pine, iris, tuberose, woods and incense. I wasn’t quite right but the general vibe for me is a cool and mysterious.
My husband instantly loved this too, as he grew up with white florals and eucalyptus growing, so a win all-round in this household.
yoge – :
This perfume is a bit of a paradox for me: it has an authentic natural scent, yet it manages to be sophisticated, elegant and complex altogether. I find it extraordinary that a fragrance manages to do that. I fell in love with this the first time I sniffed it… Does anyone happen to know whether it’s out of production?
Wiking – :
Bright, sunny, light, floral, almost edible…spring or summer…
This is also a “younger” fragrance. I own the bottle because I did originally like the scent upon first try however, for some reason I don’t wear it.
enlictuct – :
“Ummm, what am I smelling?” That was my initial reaction when I stumbled across 34 Blvd while browsing the Diptyque line. The pushy SA sprayed some of everything on my arm: Volutes (Chergui lite), L’eau, Duelle, Tam Dao, Oyedo,34 blvd, and eau de 34. Attempting to be nice, it got so bad I had to sneak away and spray several fragrances on cards before I left. Needless to say, I walked away that day not too impressed with Diptyque fragrances or their staff. But, something on one of the cards (couldn’t tell you which card at the time because they were all stashed in the same pocket lol) smelled amazing. The next day, I had to figure out what I was smelling. So I tried Volutes, and while I thought it was a well blended fragrance, I likened it to a weaker Serge Lutens Chergui…this was not the smell that caught my attention. Luckily, the second fragrance I tried was 34 blvd, and again I found myself asking “what is this I’m smelling.” I was entranced by the smell; so unique and busy but never unpleasant. It was fresh with the black currant and citruses and also spicy from the pink pepper, clove, and cinnamon. But the scent journey got even crazier when the floral mid began to commingle with the sweetness of the citruses. The base kept everything interesting with a fresh eucalyptus, resinous drydown. I’ve never come across a fragrance that evokes the feeling of yesteryear; classic and forgotten – almost mysterious. Yet, in that same whiff, conjures images of modernity and flair all while remaining herbaceous, smoky, and sweet…in different phases highlighting light and heavy elements. Just a weird, beautiful composition. “Whose idea was it to make this beauty?” As I stand there in awe of this fragrance, that same pushy SA from the other day decides to walk my way with something in hand. I stopped him immediately, “please don’t spray me with anything and tell me what’s in this fragrance I’m wearing.” After giving me the notes in his little pamphlet, he then goes on to say “this is being discontinued and you’ll only be able to buy eau de 34.” So, I’m not sure if he was being honest, but after a quick online search for a discounted 34 Blvd (didn’t find anything), Diptyque became $100 richer. I wore this all throughout last fall and winter, and even used it during the cooler spring months. I’ve worn it at sporting events, family gatherings, job outings, etc. I haven’t come across anyone that doesn’t like this “beautiful mess” of a fragrance. Great job Diptyque!
Side note: Is this being discontinued? If not, I feel like I owe that SA a visit! Turned me into an impulsive buyer…shame on that guy! Lol
Sertlmkas – :
This opens very masculine on me with citrus spices then at the heart becomes a floral vanilla and on dry down exhibits a note of eucalyptus balanced by soft wood. This is the only perfume with a noticeable eucalyptus note that pleases me.
AnRudyk – :
I agree with previous reviewers who say this smells like a candle shop: it does, but in a good way. To me, it smells like a spiced tea with hints of berries and soft woods. It’s natural, relaxing and refreshing at the same time. Resins are distinguishable but not too waxy, while woods smell more solid but still very pleasant. They say this fragrance has a bit of all other frarances from the house, but I’m sorry I can’t smell anything from Diptyque Philosykos. I smell a lot of Eau d’Elide and L’Ombre dans l’eau. In any case, a well done frgrance for all seasons and all occasions.
895138883 – :
I wanted to get a diptyque fragrance into my fold so I put my nose to the lineup. This scent stood out as it is quite unique. The rep told me that it was designed to give all the scents that are present in their old atelier in France on 34 rout st germaine. I don’t know how well they did, but this scent is a very nice but complex blend of all of the scents in the lineup. It is a bit sexy as well. I can say that it is a definite try as some may find it too busy.
my score 8.5
DJ WB – :
I have been testing this one. I do have a 2ml decant that i got from the mall so its legit. It has great smell unique reminds you of tropical forest smokey woods performance not so good. I see people voting for long lasting??? Max 5 hours on me 1st hour became skin scent shame and with its pricetag of 150 usd??. It makes the scent irrelevant if it does not perform. I really wanted to like it but its performance is lacking.
imohaxi – :
This is a beautiful, classy fragrance for sure, somewhere between powerful office scent and night out looking for mischief. Woods and musk tempered with an abstract white flower and vanilla, with just a pinch of powder to finish it off. Great for a man or woman.
maximova – :
Nov. 2015- Just added her to the fall/winter lineup. Chose the white capped 34 for spring/summer.
Black cap is all the good things the previous reviewers have mentioned. For ME it is serving as my dress casual, cold weather “statement” fragrance. She is too potent to be anything less. WARNING: A little goes a long way! (Generous spritzing may lead to offense.)
I also enjoy this one’s evolution. Overtime, she morphs and I think that’s a good thing.
Doubt you will be able to recognize her immediately on a fellow aficionado. She works special things for each of us. And that too, is a good thing!!
Longevity: Good
Silage: good- great
jurgen – :
On my skin at least this seems to be kind of old-fashioned – makes me think of some very old fragrances I haven’t tried for years: Shalimar, 4711, Tosca. This is sweet, soft, but somehow I don’t get any “character” out of this…
lautratiede – :
On a clear, warm spring day you visit a grand botanic garden in full, vibrant bloom that is surrounded by huge eucalyptus trees swaying in the breeze. For a picnic morning tea, you are spreading a delightfully sweet blackcurrant jelly on your freshly baked spiced scones and drinking freshly squeezed lemonade.
This garners more compliments than anything else in my collection, without a doubt. I initially found it to be too feminine and perhaps too “perfumey”, but now I simply do not care. It is amongst the most beautiful things I have ever smelt.
marrina.k.n – :
Puh, Gucci Envy?? Who’s jealous? Out the door please, GE.
34 Boulevard is a triumph in perfumery. A revelation for anyone that got ‘that kick’ from their early scent / teen days of sniffing the green liquid and liking ‘that something’ about it.
Diptyque has flogged me on almost all it’s offerings, especially Eau duelle that I found hideously nauseating (gasoline-spiked vanilla bomb).
So it’s fitting that 34 would totally blow me away on 1st spray. Straight off the liquid pool on skin, I was greeted with a magnificent ‘chic cocktail’ that screamed; Refinement.
Semi-fresh, yet rich and totally intoxicating, I should have known it was the Aventus ‘Top note seller’ blackcurrant that was again working it’s magic.
But Goodness does Diptyque come close to the Creed Masterpiece; even edging it.
The opening is ridiculous, it continues to stun as the blackcurrant is clearly imbued with all sorts of complimentary decorations that never spoil the main note yet totally elevate it into something else.
There’s a Master crafstman’s touch of some camphorous balm, creamy woods, a ‘dollop’ of creamy pleasant thick floral and vanillic sweetness all the way.
After 5 minutes there’s shades of green but never turning bitter or rubbery, more shades of some camphor spice – with the sweetish Ribena from the start taking a background step. This crazy take on greens is more soothing than the assault of herbs, lime and pungent or endless grassy fields many Niche scents usually like to give you. It lasts over half an hour like this.
It’s a doozy of an Opening that sold me immediately on a bottle.
It only gets better, rewarding your wear with developing cinnamon (astounding here, must be tested to be believed!) – sort of greeny, raw yet sweet and fresh and totally authentic all at once.
Then there’s the iris (violet, I much thankfully don’t really get at all; the only scent with the note listed that I’ve tried out of many to achieve this) and amazing resinous warmth.
The resin is a real star here, sweet yet never cloying or too powdery; I’ve yet to come across a scent that has delivered this note so masterfully. It has that designer ‘sweet appeal’ but the Quality is almost photorealistic in presentation.
Saffron, to those that are intolerant can give this ‘gasoline lotion’ smell. There’s none of that here at all too.
The wild surprises just keep coming; how many fragrances I’ve recently tried just appear so anemic, watery-green and simply fall flat on their faces on 1st application.
Not this 1, there’s a mystical, almost ethereal ambery sweetness that almost totally avoids any hint of powderyness; yet the smoothness in presentation of this accord is totally familiar. While everything is held in almost total balance.
How Diptyque have done this for their Centrepiece here I have yet to know but it is nothing sort of astonishing and continues to embarrass bottle after bottle of scents easily double it’s price even now.
Risky notes such as cardmom, cloves(!) and pink pepper that are almost always deal-breakers for me are Masterfully masked by the authentic, syrupy Blackcurrant – it really is a monster note here, totally overlooked in the Youtube comm.
Overall; of all things that symbloise the lovely lights, glitter and glamour of High-st shopping, this is one of the few scents that truly encapsulates all that joy. Bright and cheerful on the Top, yet deep and decadent underneath, it’s the Complete scent.
Forget the Creeds, the Bonds (definitely them, yeesh!), the Indies (Slumberhouse), the Xerjoffs, Malles, Tauers, Comme de garcons, Rojas and Amouages for sure; this is the High-lines 1st must-sniff adventure to tell on the