Blanche

A clean, soft floral is how most people sum up Blanche, which Byredo released in 2009. About half add woody to that, and a minority find it spicy, musky or fresh.

Rose, pink pepper and aldehydes open it: the aldehydes give that bright, soapy, freshly laundered lift, the pink pepper a faint tingle, the rose a gentle sweetness. The heart is peony, African orange flower and violet, light and slightly powdery rather than lush. Sandalwood, soft woods and musk form the base, so it dries down to something like warm skin and clean linen.

Longevity is moderate for most wearers, with a minority finding it weak, and the sillage is moderate to intimate, staying close to the body. Summer and spring take most of the votes and it is overwhelmingly a daytime scent. That suggests everyday wear, warm weather and settings where a quiet, tidy floral is more welcome than a statement.

Blanche — for women fragrance by Byredo (released 2009). Top notes: Aldehydes, Rose, Pink Pepper. Heart notes: Peony, Violet, African Orange Flower. Base notes: Musk, Woodsy Notes, Sandalwood. — Parfica open fragrance database