Lacking the nostrils appropriate for the usual feminine scents, I have embarked on the eternal search for the perfect perfume. I’ve tried ‘em all. Okay, nix that. I’ve tried dozens of them—most of which have been some variation of a theme. I love musk and citrus scents and some of my favorites in the past have been Vivienne Westwood Boudoir, Calvin Klein Obsession, BCBGirls Sexy, and Dolce & Gabbana.

But with that said, I’ve also stumbled upon a few anomalies in scents that are outside the boundaries of the usual. Among these few are Thierry Mugler Angel and one that is even more unique and striking, Hanae Mori--sometimes referred to simply as “Butterfly.” This is not the official name of the scent, rather it distinguishes it from the “haute couture” by Hanae Mori.

The first thing that must be said about Hanae Mori is that it smells like nothing else on the market. Certainly, the closest comparison to be made is with Angel, but Angel’s most specific notes are those of chocolate and vanilla. Hanae Mori on the other hand is warm but also very fruity. Now, when I mention fruity, don’t get the wrong idea. There’s no oranges or lemons or limes to be found, the fruit of choice is indeed something less usual—berries including strawberry, blackberry, and black currant. To wear Hanae Mori is to become a walking dessert.

Much like my other favorite scents, Hanae Mori isn’t for everybody. It is not light, nor is it a floral. So unless you can submit yourself to the idea that musk, patchouli, sandalwood, and berry is a viable option you will be disappointed. But give it a chance, Hanae Mori is a unique and truly delightful experience. In addition to the already mentioned notes, this Japanese fragrance also has subtle notes of rose, jasmine, and rosewood. But none of these is obvious, rather they seem to intertwine with the vanilla and berry as complimentary touches.

Hanae Mori, aka “Butterfly,” was introduced in 1995. It can be classified as a sharp, woody, oriental scent and should be worn most often in the evening. Though, I often wear it on warm summer days as I most appreciate the mixture of berry and sandalwood while basking in the sun. It is packaged in a simple and attractive frosted glass bottle. If shopping for Hanae Mori, notice that the boxes are printed with different colors of butterflies. Each of these represents a concentration of the product.

Personally, I chose to purchase the 3.4oz bottle with the box emblazoned with the pink butterfly representing the eau de toilette spray. I certainly spent too much money on Hanae Mori as the regular retail price is $80 and it can be gotten for much cheaper (about $35-$40 online). Other concentrations include the classic spray, eau de parfum spray, and eau fraiche spray. Prices of these three products are all slightly higher than that of the eau de toilette. Fans of Hanae Mori can also invest in shower gel, body cream, and body lotion. All are lovely and complimentary and can be easily gotten online although are harder to come by in “the real world.”

Since first purchasing Hanae Mori approximately three years ago, I have received a number of compliments—usually from women who admit they have never smelled anything like it before. So if like warm scents and tend toward being unique, Hanae Mori “Butterfly” is a wonderful fragrance.

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Related Reviews:

Boudoir [Vivienne Westwood]
http://www.epinions.com/content_98300432004

Sexy [BCBGirls]
http://www.epinions.com/content_90392530564

Angel [Thierry Mugler]
http://www.epinions.com/content_74951790212


Recommended: Yes