Review: Liz Earle Botanical Essence No. 15 Eau De Parfum

 Liz Earle Botanical Essence No. 15 EDP (50ml, £45, link)*

With a certain festive holiday a mere 84 days away (sounds a long way off yet, but we all know how quickly time seems to fly these days!), some of you may already be starting your mental wishlists of what gifts you'd like to purchase for your nearest and dearest.  Perfume is always a popular luxury gift idea and a brand new fine fragrance from Liz Earle has been released today called Botanical Essence No. 15.  So if you're looking for something a little different to give this year, read on.

Liz Earle's Botanical Essence No. 15 Eau De Parfum is described as a 'cashmere wrap in a bottle' by Liz herself and perfectly sums up the elegance and luxe factor of this new perfume.  The bottle is very understated, yet feels and looks quietly expensive. 

The name is taken from the fact that the perfume has been expertly blended using 15 precious botanicals:- Bergamot, Virginian Cedarwood, Patchouli, Guaiacwood, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Cypriol, Siam Benzoin, Damask Rose, Elemi, Cinnamon Leaf, Clove Bud, Pink Pepper, Bourbon Vanilla and Vetiver.  Illustrations of each plant make up the beautiful folding box (below) that houses the perfume, and the perfume itself is made from over 90% ingredients derived from nature which have been sustainably sourced.   

The scent itself is described as:- "Feminine tones of pink pepper, cinnamon and bergamot create a spiciness that is beautifully sexy and skin-like. A hint of captivating Damask rose and sandalwood wrap you a rich feminine sensuality while the almond and caramel-like qualities of tonka bean and Bourbon vanilla cocoon you in softness and warmth. Beautiful amber musk combined with cypriol and cedarwood creates a clean, fresh undertone."

I must admit that I am no perfume connoisseur and I rarely wear perfume myself.  It's just something I've never personally been into and I find that some perfumes give me awful headaches.  That said, with most of my family being female, I regularly end up purchasing perfume as gifts for them throughout the year, so I can say the following about Liz Earle's Botanical Essence No. 15.

This scent is one that I would purchase for my mother, an aunt, or older female work colleague.  It definitely comes across as a much more mature and sophisticated fine fragrance, but it's certainly not 'old-lady' like in any way.  Instead, I can pick up on the warm, spicy oriental tones of Botanical Essence No. 15 and imagine my mum wearing it on an evening out to dinner in the cold months ahead.

Summary: An ideal luxe fragrance gift for a glamorous mature woman who loves perfume and would like something different, or simply a treat for yourself if you're looking for a new fragrance that fits well with the seasonal changes of A/W.

Have you tried Liz Earle's new fragrance?  

Do you buy perfume as gifts / like to receive it?

*PR sample