Before you even start reading this review, I have to level set. I finally got to trying this Atelier Cologne fragrance, Clementine California that has been sitting in my collection. But here’s the problem, as I went to get the links, I discovered that Atelier Colognes has pulled out of the U.S. market in March of 2022. It has taken me that long to get around to reviewing this fragrance that this product is no longer available (in the states) except on EBay and some resellers. Instead, the brand has revamped and is scaling up in Asia. If you are already based there or are poised for a vacation, feel free to search it out.
Alas because I disappointed you, check out this list of citrus fragrances to try from Harper’s Bazaar. I personally am going to be looking for Darcy by Parfums de Marly. But, since you’re here, feel free to continue reading.
From the name alone, Clementine California, you would likely assume this Atelier Cologne fragrance was citrus based. And you would be right. But in addition to the eponymous clementine, it also has notes of vetiver and juniper berry. To be honest, I personally noticed just the clementine. But I’m still trying to train my nose. You might detect the notes.
I wore this fragrance today because I wanted something light and summery, but also something that wouldn’t irritate people in my office or meetings. I think this was a great option. Not necessarily because most people just associate citrus with the food and are not annoyed by the scent. But also because it faded very quickly on me and it didn’t seem to project much. I sprayed it on close to 7 AM and by 10 AM didn’t notice it much. Here now late into the evening, it is kind of there, but I have to be intentional with my sniffing to pick it up.
I would recommend this to you if you like citrus scents. I mean that you don’t just want a citrus note. You want people to ask, “Is someone eating oranges,” and then finally discover that it was your fragrance all along. And if you would be comfortable reapplying fragrance throughout the day to give you an extra burst, this might be the one for you. So FYI the discontinuation means if you are able to buy this product stateside, you should be conscious that the batch is much older and was potentially not stored in ways in keeping with the brand’s policies.
Sources to learn from:
Collins, A. (February 3, 2022). Atelier Cologne Is Pulling Out of U.S., Canada. WWD. https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/fragrance/atelier-cologne-is-pulling-out-of-u-s-canada-1235061723/#!
Weil, J. (September 14, 2022). Inside Atelier Cologne’s Revamp. WWD. https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/fragrance/inside-atelier-colognes-revamp-fragrance-1235327651/
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