I’ve waited a long time for the latest Korres perfumes to arrive in the U.S. I guess the colognes are not destined for a Sephora near me, so I ordered samples from Europe to satisfy my curiosity. I’ll start with the most disappointing of the Korres perfumes I tried: Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedarwood.

Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedarwood

Vetiver. How can you go wrong with the lovely, robust, and delightful-smelling root? Korres submerges vetiver (the tiniest drop) in cheap aroma notes. Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedarwood starts off with over-powering, phony-smelling citrus (“citrus” you’ll often encounter in department store sport fragrances for men). What “wood” there is in Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedarwood smells decidedly imitation (there’s not even a “veneer” of real wood scent). The “earthy” aspect of the fragrance is jarring and “dirty” (as in ‘unwashed’). In mid-development, Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedarwood has a ‘watery’ aspect (not water mixed with green tea, but more like menthol mouthwash). Where’s vetiver? Where’s green tea? Where’s cedarwood? At the end of its development, Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedarwood smells like plastic combined with a “forest-scented” supermarket air freshener...

Korres has launched six new fragrances:

White Tea / Bergamot / Freesia (shown) ~ A fresh floral...

In this location, you can pick and choose anything from Amea customized skincare regimens to Marvis toothpastes...

From Santa Maria Novella, Latte per il Corpo Uomo - Body Milk for Men (shown at left): "This 700 year old formula, containing hydrating vegetable oils, cocoa butter, white beeswax, and avocado oil hydrates, tones and gives the skin softness and elasticity. Infused with a subtle spicy scent this rich fluid emulsion absorbs without a trace, leaving even the most parch body toned, nourished, and moisturized - but never greasy." $74 for 250 ml at Aedes...

Pepper, Jasmine, Gaiac wood oil, Passion fruit (shown) ~ "Jasmine is a climbing deciduous shrub with fragrant white or yellow flowers. The so-called jasmine absolute one of perfumery’s most sought-after ingredients..."

If Santa is bringing me my heart's desire, this is it: the Annick Goutal Les Orientalistes coffret. Ambre Fétiche, Myrrhe Ardente and Encens Flamboyant, each in 50 ml, in a white leather box. €500. I haven't smelled them yet, but at the moment, that just adds to their charm. No idea where you can buy it, but the elves will figure it out...