I was not looking for an understated skin scent.
As a child of the 80s whose first experiences with perfumes included Timeless by Avon and later Poison by Dior, I just wanted something that I thought smelled good and other people would notice. Perhaps a more modern version of my 90s favorite, Ysatis by Givenchy.* But in my search for a modern aldehyde with a touch of nostalgia, I found a discovery set by Clean Reserve that contained Skin. Yes, that sounds weird, doesn't it?
I ignored the little sample spray, moving it to the back of the set in favor of Acqua Neroli or Warm Cotton. But one day, I decided to give Skin a try. The fresh musks and bergamot in the top were pleasant enough and I sprayed a little extra on my shirt knowing that skin scents aren't meant to project. At least this would help it last. Then I walked over to my husband's home office and, between phone calls, gave him a hug. Let's just say, he really, likes Skin. I mean, my skin. I mean, the perfume. You get what I mean, right?
The salted praline, Copaiba balsam, vanilla orchid landed just just right. A few hours later, I checked in with him to see if he could still smell the perfume. Did the warm skin musk, white cedarwood, and salt accord in the dry down last? Apparently so...
Skin [Reserve Blend] (2016) Profile
"I was inspired to create a fragrance that felt like a warm embrace, to remind us to treasure the simple moments that connect us." - Perfumer Richard Herpin
The History
The Structure
The Strategy
Professional Mood Profile
Clean, office-friendly, and exceptionally polite. Perfect for educators and professionals who need an understated signature base that warms up softly without casting an overwhelming horizontal cloud over a desk or lecture space.
Textural Analogy
Sheer cashmere, clean sun-warmed cotton sheets, and faint, sweet architectural wood shavings.
Layering Partners
Pairs beautifully as a grounding foundation under sweeter profiles (like Burberry Her Elixir or Cherry Baby) or fresh citruses to instantly cut juvenile sweetness, add mature texture, and lock down molecular longevity.
Bypass the full-size bottles if you are building a seasonal rotation. Committing to a full 100ml luxury bottle at retail requires a significant investment. Instead, secure a highly portable 10ml travel spray in a nice, utilitarian square bottle (won't roll off the table) to audition its chemistry on your skin first, or locate a sample spray within a Clean Reserve Give Layering Set* to completely avoid boutique pricing strains.
Clean Reserve
Skin [Reserve Blend] EDP
*If you purchase through the link above, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
