Sampaquita, is probably the least exotic-smelling perfume in Ormonde Jayne's group of lush tropicals. Known as the national flower of the Philippines, sampaquita (more commonly spelled sampaguita) means jasmine sambac. So, basically, this is a jasmine-centered scent, but with a twist- the typical OJ grass/wood/pepper touch.
I'm not a big jasmine fan and it takes a lot to make me love jasmine soliflores. The closest I got recently was with the exceptionally made and utterly gorgeous Love And Tears (By Kilian). Sampaquita is not quite in this league, but it still works for me. I don't think of this Ormonde Jayne creation as a true jasmine. It's a lot more unisex than many scents that focus on this note and has a very sheer, watercolor-like quality rather than the usual sultriness. The opening is a bit challenging, though. It's too sharp and makes my eyes water until things settle down a little. The rest of the scent is sheer flowers over a green wood and musk base. It's easy to wear and feel clear and cool like a waterfall. I'm not even bothered by the water lily and muguet, a combination that usually sends me running for the hills.
Sampaquita is light-weighted and light-hearted. It's not on the same level of Ormonde Jayne's true masterpieces, but sometimes this is the right thing to wear on a miserable rainy Monday.
Ormonde Jayne Sampaquita (£68.00, 50ml EDP but also in a £54.00 travel spray version and a full range of bath, body and home products) is available from ormondejayne.com (they ship worldwide) and for the lucky ones also in the London boutique and in Harrods.
Art: Sampaguita Flower by Yencagulada on deviantart.com
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