What does Tuberose smell like?
Tuberose smells of a white flower in full bloom, both creamy and green: coconut milk, butter and white peach, with a surprising camphorous, almost minty freshness. There is also a carnal, slightly rubbery facet that gives it sensuality. On skin it radiates for hours and leaves a generous, creamy trail that softens gradually into musks and woods. It is a flower of presence that never goes unnoticed.
Origin and production
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), native to Mexico, is now grown mainly in India, especially in the south, and was formerly cultivated around Grasse. Its flowers are solvent-extracted into a very costly absolute; enfleurage was once the preferred method. Its scent combines methyl salicylate, methyl benzoate, indole and lactones. Robert Piguet Fracas, created by Germaine Cellier in 1948, made it an icon.
How perfumers use it
Tuberose sits in the heart, where it often dominates the composition and sets the tone for everything around it. It pairs with jasmine, orange blossom, ylang-ylang, coconut, vanilla and sandalwood. Frédéric Malle Carnal Flower offers a fresh, green reading with eucalyptus and melon, Dior Poison places it in the heart of an ambery oriental, and Carolina Herrera Good Girl pairs it with coffee and cocoa.
How to wear it
Tuberose is best for evenings, in spring or summer, and appeals to lovers of opulent, confident florals.
