Elizabeth Arden
A unique visual signature based on accords, character, and seasonality
The pineapple and bergamot combination explodes with unusual brightness, cutting through the hyacinth like a blade, whilst the peony and sweet pea establish themselves as delicate scaffolding. Freesia dances at the margins, fresh and almost piercing, making the opening feel considerably sharper than one might anticipate from an Elizabeth Arden release.
The floral heart dominates decisively, with lily of the valley becoming the composition's gravitational centre—pale, slightly greenish, almost aqueous. Jasmine refuses to dominate; instead, it blends into the ensemble, whilst magnolia and orchid introduce a faintly soapy, cosmetic quality that softens any remaining fruity angles. The tea note emerges as a crucial player, adding an unexpected astringency.
The base arrives with diminished volume; Brazilian rosewood and cedar attempt to impart woody character, but they emerge as muted shadows beneath the lingering floral veil. Musk and sandalwood provide skin-scent intimacy rather than projection, leaving you with an increasingly pale floral memory that dissipates within hours rather than gripping the skin with conviction.
Splendor arrives as a contradictory beast—simultaneously lush and restrained, fruited yet supremely floral. James Krivda has constructed something that feels rather more garden party than grand soirée, a fragrance that whispers rather than declares. The pineapple note proves ingenious rather than tropical; it acts as a catalyst, sharpening the hyacinth and freesia into something crisp and almost tart, preventing the composition from becoming a saccharine floral soup. There's a distinctly green quality underpinning everything—the wisteria and sweet pea lend an herbaceous tinge that grounds the fruitiness, stopping it from veering into candy territory.
What emerges in the heart is characteristically '90s: a sophisticated floral medley where lily of the valley speaks more loudly than jasmine, creating an airy, almost watery effect rather than the sensual heaviness one might expect. The magnolia and orchid add a slightly bitter, almost soapy dimension—there's an undertone here of cosmetic elegance, of powdered compacts and controlled femininity. The tea note is particularly effective, introducing a subtle astringency that prevents the florals from cloying.
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3.6/5 (562)