Byredo, Now at The Grove

Visited the much-anticipated Byredo grand opening at The Grove yesterday. Naturally, any thought of documenting its pristine interiors escaped me the moment I saw a wall of candles, but it’s exactly as you’d imagine any of the brand’s boutiques. The moment you step in you’re immediately taken out of the hustle of L.A.’s favorite shopping center: inside, it’s white and minimalist, made colorful only by way of an olfactive experience—a burning candle at the backdrop of perfumes being spritzed onto blotters and bare wrists, eagerly outstretched for a kiss of what just might become their new signature scent.

I wasn’t planning on leaving with anything—Lord knows I have more Byredo than I know what to do with—but (also naturally), I couldn’t resist the temptation. Turns out, the millennial beauty girl within couldn’t fathom existing without the most beautiful palette of neutrals she’s yet laid eyes on. I adore the more portable pebbled palettes (I own Sciomancer, a stunning curation of jewel tones reserved for special occasions) but so far the neutrals from that collection have been too orange in undertone for my liking. Remembrance is warm without treading terracotta territory: cool without being aloof and rosy in finish: a perfect homage to memories, romance, and all the things worth remembering. A work of art truly, created in collaboration with makeup artist Lucia Pica. I certainly didn’t need it (I can’t remember the last time I reached for eyeshadow), but it’s an objet d’art at the very least, almost too precious to use—pretty pans for looking, not touching.

At least not yet.

Fragrance I most certainly didn’t need—but it doesn’t mean I wasn’t thinking about bringing home something new. (My personal collection is growing by the second because of a fun project, but every Byredo fragrance I own I’ve purchased on my own.) Below are the most singular and definitely worth sampling:

• Gypsy Water: powdery wisps with a hint of summer skin
• Slow Dance: if White Oleander (the book, not the movie) were a perfume
• De Los Santos: sacred tea, spiced herbs, and a sultry earthiness

Hand cream, though, I can’t refuse. I’m picky about texture and Byredo’s formulas boast a fragrance-to-cream ratio so beautifully balanced that it plays well with most perfumes. The silage is soft with longevity. Tender, not delicate. For quite some time, Slow Dance Hand Cream with Gypsy Water was a favorite combination; this time, I landed on Bal D’Afrique: a classic with the complexity I crave, but offers a bright, sparkly luminosity that wears well throughout the summer heat.

It was a most decadent Friday to say the least, even with the self-restraint on display. Luckily, Great White was on site with fresh-pressed juices to wash away all material sins. Life is all about balance, after all.

.   .   .

xx

A SENSIBLE EDIT