Annick Goutal's Nuit Etoilee: Narnia in a Bottle

Annick Goutal is one of those iconic French perfumeries that most Americans are only now learning about. This company was founded in 1980 by Annick Goutal. The company is still based in Paris and they have over 30 scents for women. Since Annick's death, the brand has been led by Annick's daughter Camille. She creates scents with Isabelle Doyen, Annick's longtime perfume partner.

Their latest creation is Nuit Etoilée, which hits Saks Fifth Avenue in mid-May. The scent is inspired by something that sounds suspiciously like nighttime in Narnia.

Woven from landscapes both real and imagined, Nuit Etoilé invites us to an eventide dream world, inspired by a nighttime escapade amidst pristine, wide-open fields. Imagine, perhaps, a majestic forest where waterfalls flow between the trees, where aromatic fragrances scent the skin, and where delicate leave form soft and inviting beds. Here, the sheer immensity of the moonlit countryside consorts with absolute serenity beneath a veil of shimmering stars.

This scent really does seem to fit that description. It is initially a bit citrus, but the peppermint brings a hint of chill to it. It's a really interesting balance that I think can only be described as a bit magical. After about half an hour the citrus notes fade a little bit and the pine and fir come out a little bit. The peppermint stays put, and I smell like a minty forest. I know that sounds strange, but it really isn't. It is a very unique and not at all like Christmas. Instead, it comes across as being in a forest at night with just a hint of chill in the air.

Notes:
Top Notes: Citrus, Citron, Sweet Orange, Peppermint Oil
Middle Notes: Wild Siberian Pine Needles and Balsam Fir
Base Notes: Angelica Seed

(I've read on-line that there is Tonka in the base notes as well, though that wasn't mentioned in the info I received from Annick Goutal.)


This fragrance is subtle but noticeable. I think you could probably bathe in it and still not have it overwhelm you. I'd say it is appropriate for pretty much any occasion. I do want to note that it seems to only last about 8 hours or so on my skin. I've prolonged that a bit by applying to more pulse points (eg- the back of my knees), but you'll want to bring this one with you to reapply.

Annick Goutal