Tom Ford White Patchouli Eau de Parfum Review
Playfully bohemian and yet still effortlessly chic, Tom Ford White Patchouli is – you guessed it – made for patchouli fragrance lovers. It celebrates the earthy, woody, musky and smoky fragrance note of patchouli – one of Tom Ford’s personal favourite notes – while giving this perfume classic ingredient an update for today’s audiences.
Intrigued? Read on to find out all about it…
This Fragrance Smells Like…
Tom Ford White Patchouli has a cool, retro 70s vibe, thanks to patchouli, but it’s also updated this perfume note for the 21st century by pairing it with rich white florals.
It starts off with a fresh citrus-green bergamot note that cuts through to lead the opening; this note is enhanced by a touch of white peony to give you a sneak peek of the velvety petals to come. The floral tone continues in the heart as an exceptionally high quality blend of rose absolute and night blooming jasmine add a layer of luxury to the scent. Then, you finally get to meet a patchouli orpur note, which is dark, woody and earthy. The dry smokiness of patchouli is drawn out by incense for an added layer of warmth and seduction.
What’s The Story Behind This Scent?
Within the world of fragrance, patchouli is steeped in history and bursting with connotations. A couple of decades ago, it was loved by the hippie generation – its essential oil was commonly worn neat on the skin as it was said to mask the scent of one particular recreational activity…
Today, patchouli can be a bit of a Marmite note – people love it or hate it. The creative genius, Tom Ford, absolutely loves it, so you’ll find it in many of his fragrances. But this scent is his truest celebration of patchouli.
He hasn’t created a flat, two-dimensional patchouli perfume, though; it’s a woody scent infused with rich, luxurious and heady white florals that lend a sophistication, expensive edge to patchouli. It does this whilst allowing the scent to have a retro, throwback feel. And the fact that Tom Ford uses patchouli orpur (the highest quality patchouli note he can get his hands on) not only ensures this complex note steals the limelight, but also shows why Tom Ford fragrances are held in such high regard – the genius behind the brand will never settle for less. You can find out more about the man behind the perfumes with our guide to Tom Ford:
You Will Love This If…
Of course, this is the one for you if you love patchouli. If you’re a loyal fan of the luxury Tom Ford fragrance house, you’ll notice that a lot of his fragrances include this note, but this is the one that offers an in depth analysis of patchouli. Alternatively, if you’re unsure whether you like patchouli, White Patchouli Eau de Parfum will appeal to you if you like floral fragrances but hate it when they’re sickly sweet.
This Perfume Smells Similar To:
To me, White Patchouli can be compared to Etro Patchouly Eau de Parfum as they both have a touch of citrus to start, and also celebrate the complex patchouli note in all its glory. However, Patchouly is more ambery, while White Patchouli focuses more on luxurious white petals. Plus, Tom Ford’s signature makes you wait just a little bit longer for that patchouli note – and trust me; it’s worth the wait.
Is White Patchouli Unisex?
When it was released, White Patchouli was presented as a fragrance for women, but it appeals to all genders – it might be packed with floral notes, but it’s built around the dark, earthy, woody patchouli note.
What’s The Longevity Like?
As an Eau de Parfum, White Patchouli lasts an average of six hours on the skin.
What’s Special About The Bottle?
It’s held in one of Tom Ford’s classic flacon shape, which is inspired by the art deco movement and features a ribbed texture. The bottle is dressed in a sleek white matte hue, embossed with a reflective gold Tom Ford label and finished off with a hand-tied necktie that reminds you of the style of Tom Ford.