Ballad

Ballad opens with a contrast of cool Himalayan poppy and bright mandarin and bergamot over a whisper of blackcurrant, before the heart blooms big and narcotic: datura, orange blossom, jasmine, tuberose and ylang woven with powdery mimosa and vanillic heliotrope. The drydown is warm and enveloping - vanilla, amber, tonka and musk with a touch of cedar. Inspired by Lancome Poeme, it chases that sultry, sweet white-floral oriental character built on intoxicating datura and warm vanilla. As a Perfume Parlour version it renders the composition flatter and skin-closer, with the inexpensive sweet florals and vanilla weighted up and the vibrant, contrasting facets softened, so it projects less than the original's incredible, days-on-fabric longevity. The result is a romantic, powdery big-floral that captures the sensual mood of Poeme for a fraction of the price.