Le Couvent des Minimes Botanical Fragrance Collection

A couple of weeks ago I was introduced to Le Couvent des Minimes Botanical Fragrance collection at a macaron making session at Mille Feuille Bakery. The event was to celebrate their new botanical fragrance, Cologne of the Cloister. Macaron flavors were inspired by Le Couvent’s existing line of fragrances, it was a brilliant idea to introduce the fragrances and get to know the brand.

The four botanical fragrances from Le Couvent des Minimes come from an age long history of plant-based care and well-being that started at the convent of Mane which was once home to botanist monks—the brothers of Minimes—and the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. Crafted with all-natural ingredients, carefully selected and blended with passion, the alluring scents each preserve a moment in time.

The botanical fragrances include: Cologne of the Cloister (floral scent), Eau des Minimes (citrus scent), Eau des Missions (Vanilla scent) and Eau Aimable (Orange Blossom scent). All the fragrances features artwork that inspired the scent on the packaging and bottle. The great thing about the fragrances are that they’re pretty unisex and not overbearing, I get major headaches when the scent is too strong. I personally like the Cologne of the Cloister and Eau des Minimes the best.

Full collection available at usa.lecouventdesminimes.com and select items at ULTA Beauty.

More info after the jump..

Botanical Cologne of the Cloister
Heritage: The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary spent long hours in the gardens of the cloisters, chatting and tending to the fragrant flowers that bloomed there. In the midday heat, the scintillating scent of rosebushes and vibrant flowers would rise in the heat and mingle with the cool shade of the arcades of the cloisters, and the convent would be a place of friendship and happiness. The Botanical Cologne of the Cloister honors this joyous tradition by capturing the scent of the gardens of the cloisters with its luminous floral fragrance. The emblematic engraving on the products depicts the shaded arcades of the cloister and a sundrenched court filled with fragrant, luscious roses.

The Fragrance: The floral cologne opens with sparkling fresh notes of Grapefruit and Ginger that flirt with Black Current and Ivy, capturing the coolness of the cloister arcades. At the heart is a beautiful, intoxicating Rose magnified by Magnolia and fresh Peony. The fragrance warms to base notes of Cedar and delicate Musk for a feeling of reassurance and authenticity. (3.4 oz, $38 ; 8.4 oz, $49)

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Eau des Minimes Botanical Fragrance
Heritage: “Miraculous waters,” better known as colognes today, were first distilled in convents beginning in the 14th century. Combining plants, citrus fruit and eau de vie—water of life—these curatives waters are the inspiration behind Le Couvent des Minimes’ Eau des Minimes, featuring a drawing of stills and other distillation tools in honor of its heritage.

The Fragrance: This generous botanical fragrance refreshes the senses and boosts your mood with fresh, sparking citrus notes of lemon, blood orange and grapefruit as well as seven plants selected for their beneficial properties. (16.9 fl. oz, $69; 8.75 fl. oz, $49; 3.4 fl. oz, $38, 1fl. oz $14)

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Eau des Missions Botanical Fragrance
Heritage: The Botanical Cologne of the Missions pays tribute to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary and their commitment to people all over the world, notably in Madagascar, Indonesia and the Americas. This tradition of beneficial journeys is told through this Le Couvent Eau des Missions recipe, which blends vanilla and exotic plants and features an engraving of an old Java landscape.

The Fragrance: Warm and comforting, this fragrance captures the essence of vanilla, from the precious flower to the rich, intoxicating bean. Featuring five beneficial plants and warm notes of benzoin and Virginia cedar, the blend soothes and calms, promoting a feeling of well being. (16.9 fl. oz, $69; 8.75 fl. oz, $49; 3.4 fl. oz, $38)

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Eau Aimable Botanical Fragrance
Heritage: Since the 14th century, Orange blossom floral water has been distilled and used in numerous convents in the south of France. Beloved as a remedy for a variety of ailments, the floral water soothed, healed and softened the skin. Le Couvent’s Eau Aimablee is heir to this tradition.

The Fragrance: Sparkling and delicious, this floral-fruity blend combines sweet orange blossom, citrus fruits and five beneficial plants to evoke sweet memories. The scent transports you to a springtime stroll through Mediterranean orange trees and conjures the fresh, juicy scent of summer fruits. (16.9 fl. oz, $69; 8.75 fl. oz, $49; 3.4 fl. oz, $38)

Photos courtesy of Le Couvent des Minimes