Our take
What does Amethyst smell like?
Named after the purple stone, Amethyst is a 2007 eau de parfum from Lalique that leans into the colour. Nathalie Lorson composed it. The opening is a basket of dark berries: blackberry, blackcurrant, mulberry and strawberry. The cassis brings a slightly sulphurous tartness that keeps it from tasting like syrup. Rose and peony take over in the heart. Ylang-ylang adds a sunny roundness. The base is well behaved with Bourbon vanilla, musk and woody notes. It softens everything without weighing it down. Marc Jacobs' Daisy, from the same year, also plays strawberry but greener and lighter. Amethyst is denser and more colourful. Some will find it dated. Others will like a fruity that dares some colour without turning into candy. The berries are dark and juicy rather than candied. That choice keeps the opening grown-up and stops it from smelling like a teenage body mist.
When to wear it
For daytime in spring or autumn, or a simple dinner. Two sprays, as the berries project well.
It belongs to the Floral, Fruity family. Amethyst is one of 17 creations by Lalique in our encyclopedia.
