Ingredient Guide
Narcissus takes its name from a Greek word meaning “to render powerless” or “to numb,” and has an intensely sweet, almost hypnotic scent. It is also said to combine the sensual side of jasmine with the coolness of hyacinth. The variety particularly prized in perfumery is Narcissus poeticus, or “poet’s narcissus.”
It is used infrequently in perfume because it is very expensive, but its floral scent, close to that of the flower itself, is distinguished and exquisite.
Among the narcissi used as fragrance materials, jonquil is especially distinctive. Only 100 kg of its absolute is produced each year, making it very expensive.
In Greek mythology, Narcissus is portrayed as a beautiful youth loved by men as well as women because of his extraordinary beauty. One day, as he bent toward the surface of a spring to drink, he saw reflected there a boy more beautiful than anyone he had ever seen. Narcissus fell in love at first sight and could not look away. As he gazed at the image, he wasted away and finally died. It is said that those who came to the spring looking for Narcissus, who had failed to return, found a single narcissus flower blooming there.
What Does It Smell Like in Perfume?
Natural narcissus absolute is a fragrance material obtained from the flowers of plants such as Narcissus poeticus. A green-leaf-like opening is layered with rich flowers and honey, followed by a sweet, dry lingering impression of hay, tobacco, and apricot. It lends florals a wild quality and shadowy depth. Narcissus Floraline 78 is an artificial reconstruction with floral, honeyed, green, and watery facets. It is made differently from the natural absolute and is a separate material for building the desired freshness and sweetness of narcissus.
Choosing a fragrance with narcissus
Narcissus offers leafy and hay-like nuances as well as floral sweetness. Your preference for rich flowers or green plant scents can help guide the choice.
- Floral richness: Focus on the floral side if you enjoy honeyed sweetness and full-bodied flowers.
- Green leaves: Galbanum or herbs create a vivid contrast between flowers and foliage.
- Dry calm: Woody or hay-like notes create a quieter finish than a bright floral bouquet.
Two fragrances featuring narcissus
H24 Eau de Toilette (Hermès)
Narcissus meets clary sage, rosewood and the warm metallic character of sclarene. Green flowers and herbs intersect with a metallic brightness.
Eau de narcisse bleu Eau de Cologne (Hermès)
The fullness of narcissus is explored with orange blossom, galbanum and a delicate woody accord. In contrast to H24’s metallic aspect, flowers, green leaves and soft woods stand out here.
Find your next fragrance
In Fragrance Finder, choose “Favorite fragrances & notes” on the home screen, then look for notes you enjoy under “Favorite notes”. Select from the available suggestions and press “Next”.
