What does Violet Leaf smell like?
Violet leaf smells of freshly sliced cucumber, damp grass and wet soil, with a faintly metallic nuance and a touch of green melon. The natural absolute is also slightly peppery and earthy. On skin it brings a green, watery freshness that gradually fades, leaving an impression of nature and cleanliness. It gives compositions a fresh, almost aquatic modernity quite unlike citrus.
Origin and production
Violet leaf absolute comes from Viola odorata. The leaves are solvent-extracted, mainly in Egypt and historically in the Grasse region. Its characteristic scent comes largely from 2,6-nonadienal, sometimes called violet leaf aldehyde, which smells strikingly of cucumber. This powerful, costly natural material is often supported by synthetic molecules. The note rose to real prominence in fresh masculines from the 1980s onward.
How perfumers use it
Violet leaf sits in the top or heart to add a green, modern freshness, often with a slightly aquatic, metallic sheen. It pairs with iris, bergamot, leather, amberwood, sandalwood and aquatic notes. Creed Green Irish Tweed matches it with iris and verbena, Tom Ford Ombre Leather uses it to brighten a leather accord, and Marc Jacobs Daisy pairs it with strawberry and grapefruit.
How to wear it
Violet leaf suits spring and summer and appeals to lovers of green, fresh and natural-feeling fragrances.
