By Tara
Skin on Skin is the fragrance in L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Explosions d’Emotions collection that appealed to me the most. I liked the name and quite a few of the following featured notes: Iris, suede, velvet leather, saffron, whisky, lavender, rose and musk.
Released in 2013, it was part of the first batch of three Eaux de Parfums in the series, which now number six in total. They come in squat 125ml versions of the original L’Artisan bottles with more luxurious packaging, for a significantly higher price than the standard line.
“Skin on Skin awakens our animalistic instincts – to touch, to get closer, to smell…A carnal creation to be used without moderation.”
– L’Artisan Parfumeur website
Now please disregard what you’ve just read.
The problem with Skin on Skin is that if you approach it expecting the sexy, animalic, aphrodisiac suggested by the above advertising copy, you are likely to be disappointed.
It’s a shame because Skin on Skin is a very pleasing perfume, even if it doesn’t make the earth move.
In fairness, the name isn’t wholly inappropriate because it wears like a second skin; silky and clinging. Rather than a heated entanglement in the throes of passion, it’s a tender embrace full of affection. It’s spooning on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
It has a soft focus, fuzzy aura. Far from being carnal, it’s the kind of fragrance you might wear for comfort; something unobtrusive and calming to relax with.
Skin on Skin is recognisably the work of Bertrand Duchaufour. It lies somewhere between his Traversée du Bosphore and Safran Troublant, also for L’Artisan.
The iris is very nicely done, a little cool to start with but not too dry or too sweet, not too rooty or too metallic. It stands at the mid-point of the iris spectrum.
Saffron combines beautifully with the iris (as it usually does) to give it extra interest, brightness and some heat. I would say there is as much saffron as iris, so if you’re a fan of that particular spice you might want to check out Skin on Skin for that reason alone.
Over time it becomes warmer and more lactonic which increases its skin-like properties. It doesn’t alter much until the base when I detect a touch of vanilla.
I don’t get any lavender, whisky or “velvet leather” but it does have the feel of supple suede sprinkled with baby powder. A syrupy rose adds a steady trickle of sweetness.
It has low to reasonable projection and good longevity. I would say it leans a little more towards the feminine.
Skin on Skin won’t set the world alight but it could work well for those who fancy an understated, creamy iris/saffron perfume. I enjoy wearing it, especially on days when I’m taking things at a slower pace.
Have you tried any of the fragrances in the Explosions d’Emotions series?
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