Byredo is one of those fragrance brands that I had been eyeing for ages but never had the heart (or budget) to pull the trigger. That, along with other brands like Diptyque and Le Labo.
However, I convinced myself that I absolutely had to have Byredo’s Gypsy Water EDP when I tried it out in Melbourne. I actually fell in love first with another scent (which I forgot by now) but it was unfortunately out of stock. I then decided to grab this one, under the pretext that I had tax refund!
Product Description
Gypsy Water captures the spirit of freedom and bohemian lifestyle and wakens a dream of a colorful lifestyle made of innate nomadism. It opens with fresh citrus notes of Bergamot, Lemon, and Juniper Berries, balanced by a hint of Pepper, evoking the invigorating energy of outdoor exploration. The heart reveals smoky Incense, soft Iris, and Pine Needle, conjuring memories of campfire nights beneath the stars. A warm base of Amber, Sandalwood, and Vanilla grounds the fragrance, embodying the free-spirited pursuit of adventure and the allure of the wild unknown.
Ingredient List
Alcohol, parfum (fragrance), aqua (water), limonene, linalool, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, citral, bht, geraniol.
Funnily enough, this perfume contains butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, which are chemical sunscreen ingredients used to protect against UVA and UVB rays respectively. I don’t think you get much protection from spritzing light doses of perfume on your skin, but it was cool to know!
Product Review
The packaging is classic Byredo. Very simple, very classy, and actually looks amazing as an art display on your mantelpiece. I like to put this near my door so that I remember to spray it before I head out.
The 50ML size could be just nice for those who want to pop it in their bags for a light touch-up or for travel. The former purpose is kind of redundant though, because one light spritz is enough to last the entire day.
For those who know, Gypsy Water is the signature scent of Byredo. I would even go as far as to say that it embodies and embraces the brand DNA. Byredo concocted it to smell like freedom and a bohemian lifestyle. They do so by opening with fresh citrusy notes, which settle into a soft, smokey blend. The base is my favourite woody mix of Amber, Sandalwood, and Vanilla.
When I was in my late teens and early twenties, all I loved were floral fragrances. However, as I grew older into my mid and late twenties, my preferences started gravitating towards woodier scents. Gypsy Water really hits all the right notes (pun intended!) here by formulating a scent journey reminiscent of a carefree travel through the wilderness.
I’m also very amazed by how long-lasting the woody notes last. They linger on for more than 24 hours even after a bath (yes, I tested this). It continues to smell fresh instead of rancid. I would even say it’s like the amazing memories that linger long after you return from your travels.
Final Verdict
Luxury fragrances are not often talked about in the beauty sphere. That’s if you consider that their benefits don’t seem to match their price points, as compared to other beauty products that really show efficacy.
However, it is after using Byredo that I realised why some people feel naked without their fragrances. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I belong to this camp, but I do feel a lot more ‘complete’ and wrapped up with a nice spray of a scent that I truly resonate with.
If I had to pick just one fragrance to live with for the rest of my life, I think Byredo’s Gypsy Water Eau de Parfume would be it.
Overall Rating
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