Crabtree & Evelyn Somerset Meadow

A celebration of the eponymous floral landscape, Crabtree & Evelyn Somerset Meadow is a fruity-floral fragrance laced with greenness.

Described as ‘an aromatic impression of a beautiful English landscape in bloom’, this scent marries the sweetness of wildflowers with the leafiness of meadows. The sugary tone is distinct even as it mingles with the floral notes, while the green accent is faint. Though the sweetness is evident, it doesn’t completely overwhelm, thankfully. This is actually an almost-clean fragrance on me, once it settles. It’s a very pretty scent…and one that will certainly appeal to many ladies.

The scent of sparkling bergamot and dew-kissed blackberry buds is refreshing and tart, its juicy sweetness perfectly balanced with the bitter greens of ivy and fern. A heart of white blossoms, water lily and earthy geranium flourishes as if warmed by the morning sun. The scent of leaf, grass and fragrant petals are suffused by creamy clouds of musk, whilst willow and moss tether all the casually floating notes close to the skin and bring a soft sensuous touch.

– Crabtree & Evelyn

There are 5 products in this collection:

• Somerset Meadow Perfume Gel (12 ml/ S$25)
• Somerset Meadow Eau de Toilette (60 ml/ S$58)
• Somerset Meadow Bath & Shower Gel (200 ml/ S$35)
• Somerset Meadow Scented Body Lotion (200 ml/ S$40)
• Somerset Meadow Hand Therapy (100 g/ S$33)

While it’s undeniably pleasant-smelling, it isn’t as unusual, olfactory-wise, as the brand’s Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed Oil and Avocado, Olive and Basil collections. Then there’s Himalayan Blue, which is in a class of its own for its exotic blend. There’s no fault in being sweet and lovely but this might not be for you if you prefer something more uncommon.

Do note that like the Crabtree & Evelyn Summer Hill and Nantucket Briar collections (also odes to floral spaces), there is a disparity in the packaging design: The cartons bear gorgeous illustrations, yet the bottles are practically austere, by comparison. I would’ve loved for the bottles to have a similar print but continuity matters, I suppose!