To the Fairest, Aubine : by Penny Williams

To the fairest [kallistei] was inscribed on a golden apple from the garden of the Hesperides. The apple represented beauty, knowledge and power – qualities claimed by goddesses Athena, Hera and Aphrodite. This classical motif celebrates woman as muse – embodying the arts, imparting wisdom and inspiring creation.

To The Fairest is a small indie UK fragrance house founded by Rebecca Rose, who collaborates with perfumer Penny Williams to create what are, in my opinion, very beautiful fragrances. Rebecca kindly sent me a little Aubine package recently that contained Aubine Satin Body Oil, Aubine Eau de parfum, a 2ml sample and a lovely linen drawstring bag. Aubine is the fourth fragrance from To The Fairest and it is positively celestial in its gentle scented beauty.

Right from the start I’m not going to pretend this is a loud and proud show stopper. It’s not. If, however, you love subtle skin scents that whisper “class” and make people who hug you think of petals and white clouds, then you have found your Nirvana.

I’m a huge fan of gardenia and orange blossom, so I had a feeling this would be a hit with me before I even sprayed it. I was right. Add a subtle nuance of gorgeous Frangipani and this is mine, all mine. If white flowers have rubbed you the wrong way in the past, this may be the cure.

Some people have an aversion to both tuberose and gardenia with their reputation for diva mood swings and headiness. Have no such fears with Aubine. Aubine takes everything gentle and ethereal about white petals and transfers it to the wearer. You won’t fill a lift, or empty a commuter train, but you will glide among others, assured of your quiet elegance.

The base notes have olibanum (frankincense) and woods. I can’t say I noticed them massively, but there was a hint of something warm and reassuring that stopped the flowers floating off with the fairies. The body satin that goes alongside it just melts into skin, and we all know that layering gives you lasting power. On my 55 year skin, it felt like rain on a desert and you don’t need to rub it in. I use it on neck and décolletage.

Verdict? Perfect for understated chic. It would also make a beautiful wedding day fragrance.

Where to buy it

You can buy To the Fairest Aubine and other fragrances from the To The Fairest website. Prices start at £5 for 2ml of eau de parfum. The full 50ml bottles are £85 and the body satin is £38. You might also like the pretty candles too.

Disclosure

I was kindly sent the “full Aubine experience” by Rebecca Rose, for which many thanks. My decision to review it and my opinion are both my own.