Our take
What does L'Envol de Cartier smell like?
Cartier released L’Envol in summer 2016, composed by in-house perfumer Mathilde Laurent. The brand called it a “transparent” woody oriental for men. The bottle is the talking point: an inner capsule lifts out of its glass case and slips into a pocket. On skin it opens with green violet leaf, a familiar move in men’s perfumery. Then the iris settles in, floury and slightly earthy. It feels cool against the warmth to come. Honey rises after that and never turns sticky. Think beeswax dissolved in air rather than a jar of jam. Guaiac wood adds a soft smoke while patchouli and musk anchor the base. Compared with Dior Homme, another iris-led masculine, L’Envol is less powdery and more golden. It keeps a floating quality that sets it apart from the rest of the Cartier range.
When to wear it
Works at the office and at dinner, especially in cool weather. Two sprays on the neck are plenty because the honey projects more than you expect.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Woody family. L'Envol de Cartier is one of 15 creations by Cartier in our encyclopedia.
