Favorite Scents That Nobody Has Heard About: L'Eau de Kasaneka

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Menard L'Eau de Kasaneka
Japanese Rose, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Ginger, Orange, Basil, Bergamot, Heliotrope, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Carnation, Ambrette, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk, Cedar, Vetiver

Japanese firm Menard was founded on my birthday in 1959 (a coincidence, as I wasn't born until 6 years later). Their pricey products can be found in shops in 23 countries, including Osswald in NYC.  In addition to their skincare lines, Menard currently has salons, a resort, and a museum. They have also dabbled in perfumery now and again, releasing at least 7 scents between 1979 and 2012. L'Eau de Kasaneka (2004) is the creation of Shuji Suzuki. And as befitting such a lovely fragrance, the fabulous bottle was designed by artist Shozo Shimada, whose works can be found in Menard's museum. 

There's something gently old-fashioned about L'Eau de Kasaneka, a spicy floral scent reminiscent of spilled powder on a tabletop near a carelessly discarded scarf bearing traces of yesterday's perfume. It's demure, but sexy at the same time. I have owned L'Eau de Kasaneka for years and have always thought of it as a spicy rose fragrance, though the rose isn't all that prominent. Honestly, neither are the spices. It's not like Opium, Lune Feline, or Coco--deliciously in your face. This is a Japanese fragrance, after all, so the spices are subtle and exist on multiple levels. The opening brings the sweet baking spice aromas of cardamom and nutmeg. The basil--which I know is an herb and not a spice, but nonetheless can be described as "spicy"--adds an aromatic green sensation that is noticeable on a blotter but is sadly missing on my skin. The final layer of spice is found in the peppery carnation of the drydown. However, everything is buried in a sweet and fluffy mountain of almondy heliotrope, ambrette, and musk, with a grounding base of vanilla and sandalwood. 

I don't wear this scent as often as I should. Especially as I have a backup bottle. Hm. Maybe I should sell it?

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Posted by theminx on Minxstinks
Note: this post is my opinion. I am not affiliated with the companies mentioned in this post or any other companies.