Le Soft ‘Artist’

The brainchild of Isabelle Masson Mandonnaud (the founder of Sephora, no less), Le Soft Solid Perfumes are solid fragrances free from alcohol or parabens; their particular appeal being the lip balm format, in sturdy cardboard tubes – the perfect size to stash away in a handbag without fear of broken glass bottles or empty atomisers. Currently inhabiting my handbag is ’Artist‘* (£20). Housed in Mondrian-esque packaging, it’s described as a ‘beautifully masculine scent with grapefruit, spices, cedrat, patchouli, moss and musk’.

First, about that grapefruit note. I’ve become fond of scents that open with a little citrus before giving way to woodsiness. However, in ‘Artist’, it opens as something a little clinical (I don’t want to say toilet cleaner, but the thought has crossed my mind). Thankfully this only lasts for about 15 seconds after application before it settles into a more realistic whisper of fresh grapefruit that gives way to warm, spicy cedar woods. On my skin there’s also something faintly papery behind the patchouli that reminds me of libraries (as an ex-lit student this is definitely a positive). The musk is imperceptible, which is fine by me as I’m not a fan.

Although some solid perfumes can lack longevity and sillage, I found Artist was noticeable for around three hours; punchy without ever feeling overwhelming. I still opt for my favourite spray fragrances in the morning but the notes of ‘Artist’ fall into the same scent family, complimenting any perfume that might be lingering and making it an ideal 3pm top-up to keep at hand.

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