HERBACIOUS FRESHNESS

The Hermès H24 Herbes Vives is reminiscent of nature after the rain 

- STUART DANKER

JUST A WHILE AGO Hermès released the H24 Herbes Vives, a third in the H24 line after the original and the EDP versions. This latest version is also an EDP, and carries notes of herbal bouquet, pear granita, and the synthetic Physcool molecule.

What is Physcool? It’s an ingredient that adds a tinge of coolness and freshness to the scent. This molecule has taken the place of Sclarene from previous iterations, which boosts the musky notes of a fragrance. Which is why the Herbes Vives leans more towards refreshing.

According to the nose behind the scent, Christine Nagel, the fragrance was inspired by the “happy smell of nature after the rain. That unique moment when nature and the city, still drenched with water, release new scents and take on new colours.”

And does indeed smell like that way. More specifically, like grass after the rain. It’s not too heavy, perfect for a warm day out, and it wouldn’t be too strong in closed confines. So it’ll make for a good choice at the office.

If smells could be colours, then this scent definitely smells green. Not unlike the bottle and packaging it comes in. It is designed by Philippe Mouquet, and is meant to “express the momentum and energy of the contemporary man”.

Because it’s an eau de parfum, it lasts throughout the entire day – no small feat seeing how it leans on the fresher side where scents are concerned. Those looking for an easy fragrance to pull off at any event would not go wrong with the Hermès H24 Herbes Vives.

BEHIND THE SCENT: CHRISTINE NAGEL