Angelica

Angelica is a plant of the Apiaceae family. In France, there are 5 different species of angelica, the best known of which is Angelica archangelica, meaning “the herb of angels”. Native to northern Europe, angelica is today very emblematic of the Marais Poitevin. Indeed, according to legend, angelica healed the inhabitants of Niort in 1603, who were then severely affected by the plague. In perfumery, either the seeds or the roots are used, which are distilled. The scent of angelica is aromatic, herbaceous or woody.

Angelica, a plant with green notes

Angelica is a source of inspiration for perfumers. If only for its name, but especially for its sweet and green fragrances. The scent of angelica is powerful. Its notes are, in turn, herbaceous, woody, musky, peppery or powdery. Angelica is found as much in men's fragrances as in women's. Guerlain pays a vibrant tribute to angelica through its perfume Angélique Noire for women. Here, the fresh and sincere accents of angelica find an echo in bergamot. All the fragrances finally unfold in voluptuous vanilla. Angelica can be found in the top notes, heart notes or even base notes, as in the perfume Couleur Kenzo Rose/Pink by Kenzo. This floral for women is colorful and joyful. Angelica is paired with citrus notes and rose. Thanks to saffron, angelica brings a woody and musky base to this very pretty perfume.

The pairing of angelica with other olfactory fragrances

Thanks to these various facets, angelica pairs with numerous fragrances. It is found mainly in floral, woody, or even aromatic fougère perfumes, as in the very legendary Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche. Here, angelica is positioned as a heart note, accompanied by cinnamon and coriander. The woody base made up of patchouli, vetiver and oakmoss warms this very sensual perfume. Angelica, which pairs perfectly well with green notes, thus offers very beautiful perfumes such as Aqua Allegoria, Angélique Lilas by Guerlain. The angelica-lilac heart tinged with ylang-ylang melts into a richly woody sillage. The subtle meeting of all these fragrances gives a perfume that is pure yet sensual, romantic yet carnal… Angelica is sometimes found in oriental perfumes such as in Obsession Night by Calvin Klein, a particularly successful blend of white flowers, oriental woods and labdanum.

Owing to its medicinal virtues, angelica is also called “the herb of angels”. In perfumery, angelica offers green, herbaceous notes but also woody, powdery ones close to those of musk. Present in both men's and women's perfumes, angelica offers particularly surprising compositions. It pairs perfectly well with floral, woody, aromatic and even oriental fragrances. A true asset for perfumers.