I Just Want to Smell Like an Expensive French Woman—This Affordable Perfume Is the Secret
As someone who works in beauty, I’ve tried pretty much every French pharmacy brand on the market, and I’ve long been a fan of Caudalie products. In fact, I make sure to browse the newer products that haven’t yet launched in the UK every time I visit Paris. I’ve tried a lot of the brand’s skincare over the years, but a more recent discovery has been Caudalie perfumes.
Founded in Bordeaux in 1995 by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, Caudalie focuses on creating quality products that mainly derive from natural ingredients such as grape extract. And its perfume collection is no different, with the brand describing its scents as “fresh fragrances” that are water-based and therefore sit at a significantly lower essential oil concentration than an eau de toilette or eau de parfum. The collection was also tested under dermatological supervision, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Each fresh Caudalie fragrance was made to evoke a “beautiful, sensory walk through the vines and the emotions it generates”. At £31 each, they sit at a much lower price point than other natural fragrances, so I was excited to get my hands on the perfumes to test them out for myself, hoping they would evoke the sort of French elegance I strive for.
Designer-smelling and with a luxurious-looking bottle to match, Caudalie’s perfumes have become my new secret to smelling expensive on a budget. This week alone, I received multiple compliments from my fellow editors and ended up sending them the links to these elegant fragrances. With six different scents to choose from, there’s something to suit every preference and occasion.
Every Caudalie Perfume, Reviewed
1. Caudalie Soleil De Vigne
Caudalie
Soleil De Vigne Fresh Fragrance
Key notes: Orange blossom water, vanilla, jasmine, coconut
Described as a “memory of summer to wear all year long”, Soleil De Vigne makes for a perfect everyday fragrance. It initially starts off rather earthy but quickly settles down into a creamy and warm scent on the skin. I’m a big fan of orange blossom, so I already knew that this honey-like fragrance was going to find itself added to my current perfume favourites. Now, it has a permanent place in my work bag for spritzing on the go.
2. Caudalie Thé Des Vignes
CAUDALIE
Thé Des Vignes Fresh Fragrance
Key notes: White musk, ginger, neroli, orange blossom
When it comes to choosing an evening scent, I look for something a bit richer, and Thé Des Vignes’ mix of neroli, ginger, and orange blossom nails the brief. In fact, I love it so much that I’m now planning to order the shower gel and body lotion to go with it. The only setback that I’d mention is that it doesn’t seem to last as long on my skin as the other Caudalie perfumes.
3. Caudalie Rose De Vigne
CAUDALIE
Rose De Vigne Fresh Fragrance
Key notes: Rhubarb, rose, white musk
I was expecting Rose De Vigne to be very overpowering, but it’s probably the most low-key rose perfume that I’ve tried. Inspired by the botanical freshness of white roses in the early morning, this romantic scent can easily be adapted to day or night, as well as any season you choose to wear it in. I especially love how the rose is mixed in with tart rhubarb and powdery musk.
4. Caudalie Fleur De Vigne
Caudalie
Fleur De Vigne Fresh Fragrance
Key notes: Grapefruit, mandarin, cedar
Fleur De Vigne was created by master perfumer Anne Flipo as an interpretation of the vine flower that blooms 110 days before the harvest. But don’t let the name fool you. It has a punchy, citrusy top note that eventually diffuses into a spicy, woody base. If you usually find floral scents too feminine, I’d recommend giving this earthier interpretation a try.
5. Caudalie Eau De Vigne
Caudalie
Eau De Vigne Fresh Fragrance
Key notes: White musk, bergamot, iris
The fresh, almost sparkling nature of Eau De Vigne makes it the perfect scent for those who love a clean fragrance. The zesty bergamot blended with the powdery iris and soapy white musk makes this affordable perfume smell much more expensive than it is. It’s incredibly sophisticated, and out of all the Caudalie scents I tried, I would say that this is by far the safest blind buy.
6. Caudalie Ange De Vigne
Caudalie
Ange De Vigne Fresh Fragrance
Key notes: Neroli, raspberry grape, patchouli
Usually, when I see a fragrance described as’ fruity’, I turn the other way. However, the addition of musky patchouli to the punchy raspberry grape creates a fragrance that manages to feel like a true fruity fragrance, whilst still remaining grown-up and elegant enough to wear both in the day and at nighttime. The richer, woodier base of this fragrance means that I would likely pick this up for evening outs, but many reviews state that they wear this in the daytime as well.
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