A week ago I discovered a new fragrance house, Carthusia. By new, I mean new for me, because its entire fragrance collection is based on ancient monastic perfume recipes, formulated by Carthusian monks in 1380...
It was one of those monastic recipes that helped give life to the new Carthusia fragrance, Gelsomini di Capri (£80.00 Liberty) - a scent so beautiful I wish you could scratch and sniff your screen to experience it for yourself.
The eau de parfum features top notes of jasmine, ylang ylang, geranium and clove, heart notes of African orange flower and Virginia cedar and base notes of beeswax, vanilla and rose. It is a delicate, sweet and fruity fragrance that is feminine and so fresh it feels as though a bouquet of flowers is right under your nose. I absolutely adore Gelsomini di Capri, not just for the uniqueness of its scent (this really is far removed from the mass market fragrances you may be used to) but for how much of an impact it creates. It is the kind of scent that almost forces people to ask you what perfume you are wearing.
If very floral, sweet perfumes are not your thing, I would recommend trying other Carthusia creations. Much like Gelsomini di Capri, each Carthusia fragrance is powerful, long lasting and unique. New favourite fragrance brand alert!