Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share with you the latest trends, tips and tricks on all things beauty and fragrance. Today, we are going to talk about one of the most exquisite and luxurious perfumes in the market: Southern Bloom by Goldfield & Banks Australia.
Southern Bloom is a floral-woody fragrance that celebrates the rare and enchanting native scented flower, the boronia, which blooms only for a few weeks in September on Australia’s southernmost island, Bruny. The absolute of boronia is distinctive and one of the most expensive perfume materials in the world. In this article, we will explore the history, the ingredients, the reviews and the alternatives of this amazing perfume. So, if you are curious to learn more about Southern Bloom, keep reading!
The History of Southern Bloom
Southern Bloom was launched in 2018 by Goldfield & Banks Australia, a niche perfume house that specializes in creating fragrances inspired by the unique botanicals and landscapes of Australia. The founder of the brand, Dimitri Weber, is a Belgian-born perfumer who moved to Australia in 2014 and fell in love with the country’s natural beauty and diversity. He decided to create a collection of perfumes that would capture the essence of Australia and showcase its rare and precious ingredients to the world.
One of these ingredients is the boronia flower, which Weber discovered during a trip to Bruny Island, off the coast of Tasmania. He was mesmerized by the scent of the flower, which he described as “a mix of freesia, violet and raspberry”. He also learned that the boronia is an endangered species that grows only in a few places in Australia and that its absolute is very difficult and costly to obtain. He decided to create a perfume that would honour this rare and enchanting flower and its short but spectacular spring bloom.
How Southern Bloom Was Created
To create Southern Bloom, Weber collaborated with renowned French perfumer François Merle-Baudoin, who has worked with prestigious brands such as Dior, Givenchy and Guerlain. Together, they crafted a lavish, pure and sensational fragrance that combines the boronia absolute with other floral, fruity and woody notes. The perfume was composed using only natural ingredients sourced from sustainable and ethical suppliers. The boronia absolute was extracted from wild-harvested flowers collected by local farmers on Bruny Island. The perfume was then bottled in a sleek and elegant flacon made of recycled glass and adorned with a wooden cap engraved with the brand’s logo.
Southern Bloom was launched as a limited edition perfume, with only 1,000 bottles available worldwide. The perfume was met with rave reviews from critics and customers alike, who praised its quality, originality and sophistication. Southern Bloom quickly became one of the best-selling fragrances of Goldfield & Banks Australia and one of the most sought-after perfumes among niche fragrance lovers.
What Southern Bloom Smells Like
Southern Bloom is a floral-woody fragrance that opens with a burst of juicy cassis and fresh mandarin orange, followed by a heart of creamy jasmine sambac, exotic ylang-ylang and velvety rose oil. The star of the show is the boronia absolute, which adds a unique touch of sweetness, woodiness and greenness to the floral bouquet. The base is warm and sensual, with notes of smooth sandalwood, earthy vetiver, cozy vanilla and rich myrrh. The perfume has a moderate sillage and longevity, lasting for about 6 hours on the skin.
Southern Bloom is a perfume that evokes images of a beautiful island paradise, where nature is abundant and fragrant. It is a perfume that celebrates femininity, elegance and luxury. It is a perfume that makes you feel special and pampered. Southern Bloom is perfect for spring and summer days, when you want to wear something fresh, floral and sophisticated.
The Ingredients of Southern Bloom
Southern Bloom is made with only natural ingredients that are carefully selected for their quality and sustainability. Here is a list of the main ingredients used in this perfume:
| Ingredient | Origin | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Boronia Absolute | Tasmania | The key note of the perfume, adding sweetness, woodiness and greenness to the floral composition. |
| Jasmine Sambac | India | A delicate white flower that adds creaminess, richness and sensuality to the perfume. |
| Cassis | France | A dark red berry that adds a juicy, tart and fruity touch to the perfume. |
| Sandalwood | Australia | A precious wood that adds smoothness, warmth and depth to the perfume. |
| Vetiver | Indonesia | A grassy root that adds earthiness, freshness and complexity to the perfume. |
| Ylang Ylang | Madagascar | A tropical flower that adds exoticism, sweetness and floralcy to the perfume. |
| Coconut Accord | Synthetic | A blend of molecules that mimics the smell of coconut, adding a tropical, milky and gourmand touch to the perfume. |
| Iris | Italy | A violet-like flower that adds powdery, soft and elegant nuances to the perfume. |
The Reviews of Southern Bloom
Southern Bloom has received many positive reviews from critics and customers who have tried it. Here are some of the most common praises and criticisms about this perfume:
The Pros of Southern Bloom
Many reviewers have complimented Southern Bloom for its:
- Quality: The perfume is made with high-quality natural ingredients that are ethically sourced and sustainably produced.
- Originality: The perfume features a unique and distinctive note of boronia, which is rarely used in perfumery and gives the fragrance a special character.
- Sophistication: The perfume is well-balanced, elegant and refined, suitable for classy and confident women who appreciate luxury and beauty.
- Versatility: The perfume is suitable for different occasions, seasons and moods, as it can be worn both casually and formally, both day and night, both spring and summer.
- Presentation: The perfume comes in a beautiful and minimalist bottle that reflects the brand’s philosophy and aesthetic. The bottle is also eco-friendly, as it is made of recycled glass and wood.
The Cons of Southern Bloom
Some reviewers have criticized Southern Bloom for its:
- Price: The perfume is quite expensive, as it costs $265 for a 100 ml bottle. This is due to the rarity and costliness of the boronia absolute and other natural ingredients used in the formula.
- Availability: The perfume is hard to find, as it is sold only in selected boutiques and online retailers. It is also a limited edition fragrance, which means that once it is sold out, it may not be restocked.
- Projection: The perfume has a moderate sillage, which means that it does not project very far from the skin. Some reviewers have wished that the perfume had a stronger presence and impact.
- Variety: The perfume has a linear development, which means that it does not change much from the opening to the drydown. Some reviewers have found this boring and wished that the perfume had more twists and surprises.
- Preference: The perfume has a floral-woody character, which may not appeal to everyone. Some reviewers have found the perfume too sweet, too woody or too green for their taste.
The Alternatives to Southern Bloom
If you are interested in Southern Bloom but you cannot afford it or find it, you may want to try some alternatives that have a similar vibe or share some notes with it. Here are some suggestions of perfumes that are similar to Southern Bloom in some way:
Black Orchid by Tom Ford
Black Orchid is an amber floral fragrance for women that was launched in 2006 by Tom Ford. It features notes of black orchid, truffle, gardenia, black currant, ylang-ylang, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood and patchouli. It is a dark, mysterious and glamorous fragrance that has a sweet, woody and earthy character. It is similar to Southern Bloom in that it also features a rare and expensive orchid note that gives the fragrance a distinctive touch. However, Black Orchid is more intense, complex and oriental than Southern Bloom, which is more fresh, simple and floral. Black Orchid costs $134 for a 50 ml bottle[^1^].
Boronia by Grandiflora
Boronia is a floral green fragrance for women and men that was launched in 2017 by Grandiflora. It features notes of boronia, freesia, jasmine, narcissus, hay, leather and cedar. It is a bright, crisp andnatural fragrance that showcases the beauty and diversity of the boronia flower. It is similar to Southern Bloom in that it also features the boronia absolute as the main note of the perfume. However, Boronia is more green, fresh and herbal than Southern Bloom, which is more sweet, woody and floral. Boronia costs $185 for a 50 ml bottle.
Un Jardin Sur Le Nil by Hermès
Un Jardin Sur Le Nil is a citrus aromatic fragrance for women and men that was launched in 2005 by Hermès. It features notes of grapefruit, green mango, lotus, calamus, sycamore, incense and musk. It is a light, refreshing and exotic fragrance that evokes a garden on the Nile river in Egypt. It is similar to Southern Bloom in that it also features a fruity, floral and woody composition that is suitable for spring and summer. However, Un Jardin Sur Le Nil is more citrusy, aquatic and green than Southern Bloom, which is more berry, floral and woody. Un Jardin Sur Le Nil costs $102 for a 50 ml bottle.
FAQs About Southern Bloom
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Southern Bloom and their answers:
Where can I buy Southern Bloom?
Southern Bloom is sold only in selected boutiques and online retailers that carry niche perfumes. You can find a list of the official stockists on the brand’s website. You can also order it directly from the brand’s website, but be aware that shipping costs may apply depending on your location.
Is Southern Bloom unisex?
Southern Bloom is marketed as a feminine fragrance, but it can be worn by anyone who likes floral-woody fragrances. The perfume is not too sweet or too feminine, as it has a balanced and sophisticated character that can suit different tastes and preferences.
How long does Southern Bloom last on the skin?
Southern Bloom has a moderate longevity, lasting for about 6 hours on the skin. The longevity may vary depending on your skin type, the weather and other factors. To make the perfume last longer, you can apply it on your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck and behind your ears. You can also layer it with other products from the same line, such as the body lotion or the shower gel.
What are the best occasions to wear Southern Bloom?
Southern Bloom is a versatile fragrance that can be worn for different occasions, seasons and moods. It is perfect for spring and summer days, when you want to wear something fresh, floral and sophisticated. It can also be worn for casual or formal events, as it has a classy and refined vibe. Southern Bloom is a perfume that can make you feel special and pampered, so you can wear it whenever you want to treat yourself or impress someone.
What are the best compliments for Southern Bloom?
Southern Bloom is a perfume that can attract many compliments from people who smell it on you. Some of the best compliments for this perfume are:
- You smell amazing! What are you wearing?
- You smell like a beautiful flower garden!
- You smell very elegant and luxurious!
- You smell very unique and original!
- You smell very fresh and natural!
What are the best layering options for Southern Bloom?
Southern Bloom is a perfume that can be layered with other fragrances to create new and interesting combinations. Some of the best layering options for this perfume are:
- A citrus fragrance, such as Bergamote 22 by Le Labo or Eau de Pamplemousse Rose by Hermès, to add more freshness and brightness to the perfume.
- A vanilla fragrance, such as Vanille Insensée by Atelier Cologne or Spiritueuse Double Vanille by Guerlain, to add more sweetness and warmth to the perfume.
- A musk fragrance, such as Musc Ravageur by Frederic Malle or White Musk by The Body Shop, to add more softness and sensuality to the perfume.
- A rose fragrance, such as Rose 31 by Le Labo or Rose de Mai by Chantecaille, to add more floralcy and romance to the perfume.
- A woodsy fragrance, such as Tam Dao by Diptyque or Bois d’Argent by Dior, to add more depth and complexity to the perfume.
How does Southern Bloom compare to other perfumes from Goldfield & Banks Australia?
Southern Bloom is one of the most popular and acclaimed perfumes from Goldfield & Banks Australia, a niche perfume house that creates fragrances inspired by the unique botanicals and landscapes of Australia. Some of the other perfumes from the brand are:
- Desert Rosewood: A woody spicy fragrance that features notes of rosewood, mandarin, cardamom, benzoin, patchouli and vanilla. It is a warm, rich and exotic fragrance that evokes the Australian desert.
- Pacific Rock Moss: A marine fragrance that features notes of moss, lemon, sage, geranium and cedar. It is a fresh, clean and aquatic fragrance that evokes the Australian coast.
- Wood Infusion: A woody fragrance that features notes of oud, sandalwood, iris, lavender, amber and musk. It is a smooth, creamy and sophisticated fragrance that evokes the Australian forest.
- Velvet Splendour: A floral fragrance that features notes of mimosa, orange blossom, heliotrope, honey, sandalwood and amber. It is a sunny, sweet and powdery fragrance that evokes the Australian spring.
- Bohemian Lime: A citrus fragrance that features notes of lime, coriander, vetiver, cedar and musk. It is a zesty, fresh and lively fragrance that evokes the Australian summer.
Is Southern Bloom worth buying?
Southern Bloom is a perfume that is worth buying if you are looking for a high-quality, original and sophisticated fragrance that features a rare and precious ingredient: the boronia absolute. Southern Bloom is a perfume that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Australia and its native flora. It is a perfume that makes you feel special and pampered. However, Southern Bloom is also a perfume that is quite expensive, hard to find and not very long-lasting. Therefore, you may want to try it before you buy it or look for some alternatives that have a similar vibe or share some notes with it.
What are some fun facts about Southern Bloom?
Southern Bloom is a perfume that has some interesting facts behind it. Here are some of them:
- The boronia flower has a very short blooming season, lasting only for a few weeks in September. The flower is also very delicate and fragile, as it can be easily damaged by wind or rain.
- The boronia absolute is one of the most expensive perfume materials in the world, costing around $15,000 per kilogram. The absolute is also very scarce and difficult to obtain, as only a few kilograms are produced each year.
- The boronia flower has a very complex and diverse scent profile, containing over 200 different molecules. The flower can smell differently depending on the time of the day, the weather and the location.
- The boronia flower has some medicinal properties, as it can be used to treat headaches, colds and coughs. The flower can also be used to make tea or honey.
- The boronia flower is also known as the brown boronia or the native rose. The flower belongs to the Rutaceae family, which also includes citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.
Conclusion
Southern Bloom is a floral-woody fragrance that features the rare and enchanting boronia absolute as its main note. The perfume is a lavish, pure and sensational creation that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Australia and its native flora. Southern Bloom is perfect for spring and summer days, when you want to wear something fresh, floral and sophisticated. Southern Bloom is also a limited edition perfume, so if you want to get your hands on it, you better hurry up before it runs out!
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