Estee Lauder Wild Elixir : Perfume Review

Star rating: 5 stars--outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars--very good, 3 stars--adequate, 2 stars--disappointing, 1 star--poor.

One of the most popular feminine fragrance genres, modern green florals, has much to recommend itself for someone who is looking for a pretty and wearable fragrance. When the crisp, leafy notes are woven through the opulent floral accords, the compositions attain a vivid, bright quality. While classical floral bouquets are usually much more languorous and sensual, with rich honeyed and animalic facets, contemporary florals strive for a clean and luminous impression. Estée Lauder Wild Elixir is the latest addition to the available fresh green floral selection, a composition of honeysuckle, jasmine and gardenia notes painted in verdant hues.

Perfumer Harry Frémont who created Wild Elixir experimented with the crisp notes reminiscent of violet leaf and green apple to give a jolt to the top notes of the composition. The fragrance opens up on the very appealing floral notes reminiscent of the florist shop—dewy, green, with a pleasant sparkle. As it develops, the floral accord unfolds as layers of soft petals. There is no hint of animalic notes—these florals are wholesomely pretty and clean. The simple base of musk and soft wood provides a pleasant, if somewhat bland backdrop. On the performance level, Wild Elixir has a great tenacity and a strong sillage.

While I am at a loss to say what is wild about it, Wild Elixir is a very nicely done floral composition. For those who love modern gardenia and jasmine notes à la Marc Jacobs for Women, Burberry Weekend for Women, Ormonde Jayne Tiaré and Christian Dior J’Adore L’Eau Cologne Florale, Wild Elixir might be likewise a good choice. While I like its cheerful presence, Wild Elixir is not particularly memorable. I know that once my decant is finished, I will not be tempted to repurchase a full bottle. It simply offers yet another take on the popular green floral theme, without attempting to challenge our expectations. Those who want something complex and unusual in the floral genre might want to skip Wild Elixir, but if the goal is to find a well-crafted, pretty perfume, then it would fit the bill.

Estée Lauder Wild Elixir (limited edition) includes notes of mandarin, purple freesia, marigold, violet leaves, gardenia, genet NaturePrint, blue jasmine, pink lily of the valley, waterlily, iris, sandalwood, amber, and musk. Available from all the major retailers.

Sample source: Estée Lauder