L’Occitane en Provence – Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense

Every Spring when the cherry blossom trees of the Luberon region of Provence burst into flower, their redolent and heady scent fills the air, while their creamy petals carpet the ground (… that cherry blossom scene in Disney’s Mulan …) – nature’s fragrant & showy way of ushering in the season, I’m guessing. This year, L’Occitane en Provence launches Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense to the range, a vibrant fuity/floral bouquet in a beautifully detailed bottle that has me thinking: perfect Valentine’s Day gift. You’re welcome.

Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense (CAN $65.00/50 ml) – A contradictory long-lasting yet light scent, the initial citrusy burst of lemon & orange, complimented by fruity blackcurrant and raspberry notes and rounded out with touches of wild lily of the valley, give way to the heart of this fragrance: red cherry tree with actual cherry extract, to bind them all together into a pleasing accord that is at once vivid, delicate, and feminine. Created by L’Occitane’s master perfumer, Karine Dubreuil, her inspiration behind Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense was to “celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms in the setting sun and the arrival of their glistening red fruits“.

The rhombus-shaped glass bottle (basically a slanted rectangle) with its signature aluminum embossed cap, comes in a gentle colour gradient of red to pink, perfectly capturing the hues found in cherry blossoms, while the surface bears raised & delicately rendered floral details – which also happens to provide a good grip (not sure if that part was intentional or not, but will be appreciated by anyone who’s every dropped a bottle of fragrance ahem).

I am ultra-picky when it comes to fragrances, as some can trigger almost instantaneous migraines – in particular certain florals (and anything by Calvin Klein too, for that matter), so I always approach these types of tests with a lot of care (and prayer). What surprised me the most from Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense, is that while the name says “intense” and I found out that it truly is quite long-wearing, it’s not overpowering at all. There’s a rather unisex tone overall and it manages to initially come off as fresh, unique & playful and after about an hour or so, settles into a smooth blend of delicate creaminess. I actually really, really like it – it’s invigorating in the way you know that Spring means Summer is around the corner kind of way.

L’Occitane en Provence – Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense

Are these blooms not absolutely stunning?

L’Occitane en Provence – Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense

L’Occitane en Provence – Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense, detail of raised design

L’Occitane en Provence – Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense, iconic embossed aluminum cap

L’Occitane en Provence – Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense

L’Occitane en Provence – Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense, info & ingredients listing

L’Occitane en Provence – Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense

I love how difficult is it to nail down this scent; one minute it’s feminine and almost dainty, then another whiff reveals a sexier, more coquettish side, while a third sniff makes you think of crisp linens drying in the sun – so original and my new favourite daytime scent (yay for being able to wear a fruity/floral!). With its red ombré bottle, Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense couldn’t BE a more perfect Valentine’s Day gift (to give or to treat yourself) – it even comes with its own flowers!

Available now through all L’Occitane en Provence boutique or online. Find more information via: