Perfume Thursday: Parfumerie Generale - Cuir Venenum

Today’s perfume is a true, rare delight; one that we've all been drawn to.

Cuir Venenum by Parfumerie Generale is full of opposites and spontaneity as it boldly balances traditionally juxtaposing notes against each to create a perfume unlike any other.

Lemon and Orange Blossom give the perfume a surprisingly fresh, floral opening that within just a matter of seconds is briskly overtaken with a soft leather scent. The leather isn't brash or trashy, as we've seen before, but subdued and slightly sweetened giving it a subtle sensuality.

As the perfume matures on the skin strange hints of stale cigarettes and seedy gentlemen’s clubs come to the surface in a wave of unpleasant connotations. Yet despite such description, it’s not actually unpleasant at all as the base notes, which include cedarwood, honey, musk and myrrh, keep the perfume grounded and in good company, working surprisingly harmoniously with the mixture of other scents all compiled into the brew.

We can understand that this wouldn't be to everyone’s taste, and in fact, just a few months ago some of us here in the office would have been repulsed by it. Yet as we all have come to learn about perfumes we are able to see past the oddness and appreciate the perfume for being wholly original. To put it simply, i has compelled us with its uniqueness. 

We’re not sure we’d want to be doused in this potent elixir as it does pack a strong punch, however wearing it today in small doses has been fun and educational.

It’s great to see leather used in such a way that makes it more accessible for both sexes and easy to wear!

We want to know, judging by our write up, would you want to wear this perfume, or never, ever want to wear it?

Until next time...