Clinique launched Aromatics Elixir in 1971, the first fragrance from a brand known for its fragrance-free skincare. Bernard Chant, an IFF perfumer, made it a powerful floral chypre in which rose and ylang-ylang rest on patchouli, vetiver and oakmoss. The house presents it as a fragrance that plays its role and goes beyond, designed for strong personalities.
Victoria Frolova, Kevin at Now Smell This and Jeanne Doré praise a divisive chypre, at once dark and austere, herbal at the start and floral at its center.
What critics say
Victoria Frolova, Bois de Jasmin
For Victoria Frolova, author of Bois de Jasmin, Aromatics Elixir divides without appeal, between passion and rejection. She ranks it among the legends of American perfumery, alongside Azurée, Private Collection and Knowing, for its blend of dark sensuality and austere elegance.
Kevin, Now Smell This
Kevin, who tested it in October 2014 in its formula of the time, praises a beautiful opening of herbal tea and describes a lavish bouquet of rose, jasmine and lily of the valley. He finds it highly diffusive, refined with a vintage touch, and recommends it to men.
Jeanne Doré, Auparfum
Jeanne Doré, writing on Auparfum in May 2007, sees this chypre as a player in the comeback of a family considered old-fashioned but elegant, now synonymous with “new chic.” She also notes its steady success in the United States, for a brand more associated with fragrance-free skincare.
From the same line
More perfumes from Clinique
Also composed by Bernard Chant
- CabochardGrès
- Aramis Classic Eau de ToiletteAramis
Similar perfumes
Similar notes and family, from other houses.
- CoriandreJean Couturier
- Scherrer Jean Louis ScherrerJean-Louis Scherrer
- Mémoire ChérieElizabeth Arden
- Fils de joieSerge Lutens
- KnowingEstée Lauder
- MichelleBalenciaga
- La ReligieuseSerge Lutens
- GemVan Cleef & Arpels