Howdy ULGers! I was trawling around in my cupboards this week and wasn’t quite sure what was going to get the spritz. I had plenty of time and a hankering for a forgotten beauty. Something I love but that has sat unremembered for a long while. The box with my Oriza also has Robert Piguet, Andrea Maack and Miller et Bertaux. To be honest, I thought it was going to be a Piguet kinda day. Maybe Bois Bleu or Alameda. When I looked in the box Secret Joly, a fragrance I’ve not worn in ages, called my name. OK. So I spritzed, and remembered why I bought it in the first place. I’ve pulled it out of the cupboard and it’s now own my desk. So wearing it for the third time in less than a fortnight I realized it needed a post.
Secret Joly by Oriza L. Legrand 2020
Oriza Legrand gives these featured accords:
Top: Hyacinth, Ylang-Ylang
Heart: Gardenia, Tuberose, Jasmine Sambac
Base: Civet, Tonkin Musk, Peruvian Balsam
Floral creaminess, a rich and hefty tropical miasma that is utterly entrancing. Secret Joly smells like nothing else but also has hints of a sneaky side eye reference to the BWF stunners of the 1980s. I think it’s the animalic undertow. Already the chosen flowers are pretty meaty but add some civet and musk style depths and GROWL.
If you’re expecting some gardenia blue cheese you will be disappointed. Well, it doesn’t show up on my wearings.
Normally I save Secret Joly for cool weather wearings. It is so ripe and warm and feels really cozy. Today is 36C and super humid here in Sydney and THIS PERFUME HAS BLOOMED! I just took the dogs for a walk and the combination with the days heat and my bodies extra walking warmth and a bit of sweaty man. WHOA NELLY! I smell amazing. Eye rolling, mind blowing, heart racing amazing.
The last few wears since rediscovering Secret Joly have been fairly sedentary. Yesterday, by the time I went to aquarobics most of Secret Joly must have burned off beforehand because I just got some pretty reawakening and then the last vestiges washed off.
Definitely aimed at the girls but only a minor stretch to the guys and it smells F I N E!
Did you ever get your sniff on Secret Joly?
Portia xx
P.S. I also really loved Oriza Scotch Lavender and wish I’d bought a bottle.
Undina's Looking Glass 
Sounds like a Joly that’s not so Secret! Is it a room rocker? Is sounds like it should be with the 80’s BWF reference, though I can imagine it being less of a Beast from the name!
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It’s much more low key than the 80s bombast Alityke. It is fragrant though and very beautiful. I’m wearing it again today,
Portia xx
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Gardenia always has a way of adding a creamy, tropical aspect. I’ve not had the opportunity to sample Secret Joly, but you’ve piqued my interest, Portia.
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Heya Flaconneur.
Yeah, I think kn the ylang plays a part too.
I’d love to read your thoughts if you ever do try it.
Portia xx
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It’s on my list.
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I bet that list is as long as your leg, mine is
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I’ve never tried this one, but it sounds marvelous. I tried some of the Oriza’s when I first discovered the brand about 10 or so years ago. None of the ones I initially tried worked for me so I haven’t tried any of the more recent offerings.
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This is a big step away from their heavily powdery original line up RR but still has the feeling of the brand. I can’t speculate if it’s a far enough reach to change your position on them.
Maybe?
Portia x
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Anything with ylang ylang calls my name, and what a pretty bottle!
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Yeah, I’m a ylang lover too Vanessa. Received a bottle of Body shop Ylang recently and it’s so good. An easy spritz joy.
Portia xx
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