Niche cologne brand, Atelier Cologne, seems to have mastered the world of citrus notes. Often seen as the most perky and revitalising notes in perfumery, citrus notes are as enjoyable as they are temperamental, with the idea of a photorealistic citrus painting that is both long lasting and realistic appearing as somewhat of an elusive enigma. Atelier Cologne proves that this ideal isn’t unobtainable, and they offer a whole host of ‘Cologne Absolues’ (colognes in pure parfum strength) that display dazzling, delicious and decidedly good citrus notes.

Out of all of their offerings, last year’s Cédrat Enivrant really struck me as an idealised cologne. It had everything one expects and hopes for from the genre – freshness, lightness  and tartness – with the added bonus of strength and longevity. Cédrat Enivrant is the best example of Atelier Cologne’s penchant for modernising and improving the traditional eau de cologne, and it’s a theme they have continued with the launch of Pomélo Paradis, their latest scent, and the final edition in their Collection Originale.

According to the brand, Pomélo Paradis “marks the inevitable encounter between a man and a woman always destined to be together”. This new “neo-cologne” also marks the brand’s fifth anniversary too, and they’re celebrating with a super-fresh, super-sweet and super-clean taken on the bright, and dazzling citrus tones of pomelo. In the words of Atelier Cologne, Pomélo Paradis “celebrates the elegance of citruses”, and I can’t put it any simpler than that.

The Notes

Top: Pink Pomelo, Mandarin and Blackcurrant Bud
Heart: Orange Blossom, Moroccan Rose Essence and Mint
Base: Vetiver, Iris and Amber

How Does it Smell?

As one would expect from a perfume with ‘Pomelo’ in the name, Pomélo Paradis is distinctly grapefruit-esque right from the get-go. It’s very sweet, right off the bat, but freshly so. There’s nothing particularly sticky or bitter about it, almost as if the less ‘pleasant’ (and more challenging) facets have been shaved off, leaving room only for the nice and friendly bits. This makes for an initially enjoyable experience, but one can’t help but wish there was some of that acerbic darkness that makes pomelo so intriguing. That said, Pomélo Paradis is enjoyable juicy and dewy, almost like biting into a big squishy fruit dripping with Vitamin C.

That juicy grapefruit vibe, which is sweetened by sunny mandarin, remains in force for most of Pomélo Paradis’ development, lingering long into the dry down. Much of the promised rose, vetiver and iris is lost on me, but I do sense the cooling feel of mint as things develop. As it really shifts into the base, Pomélo Paradis lightens up a bit and comes airier. That said, it doesn’t fall into the trap of being generically musky, instead it exudes a delicate and wispy amber that contrasts the sharpness and sweetness of the citrus. It may not be a fascinating trajectory littered with interesting twists and turns, but it doesn’t smell half bad.

Pomélo Paradis is another example of how Atelier Cologne knows to work with citrus. They do it very well, as I’ve already said, and this one is a really nice, and easy scent to wear. It may not be on par with challenging citruses such as Guerlain’s divine Pamplelune, but it’s still very nicely done. One could criticise the brand for finding their niche and firmly sticking to it, meaning that there isn’t anything particularly exciting or off the wall about this ode to pomelo, but in truth Pomélo Paradis smells pretty darn good, and it’s hard to argue with a fact as simple as that.

Availability

Pomélo Paradis is available in 30ml, 100ml and 200ml Cologne Absolue. Pomélo Paradis is also available in a body and hair shower gel, a moisturising body lotion, a soap and a candle.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer
Sample, images, notes and quotes via Atelier Cologne. Discount codes supplied by Atelier Cologne. I have partnered with Atelier Cologne for their Affiliation Scheme.