Un Bois Vanille

The opening of Un Bois Vanille by Serge Lutens belongs to rose, fresh-picked roses breathing in wicker shade. Deeper in, tonka bean unfolds as the soft bitterness of brown kernels against iris, a porcelain bloom with dry elegance. Higher up, almond threads the dry creaminess of crushed almonds while styrax opens as burned wood glazed with dark resin. The overall effect is warm and edible, a sweet, resinous heart edged with white florals and a powdery veil.