Last year, on a whim, I found myself in London, department-hopping in search of a new fragrance. As much as I love the grandeur of Selfridges and Harrods, the sheer volume of choice can be completely overwhelming. So, I headed over to @spacenk on the King’s Road for a more intimate browsing experience.
Initially, I had Byredo Mojave Ghost on my radar – a soft, powdery fragrance that seemed to have charmed many – but a helpful staff member suggested I try Byredo Bal D’Afrique instead. “It’s like Mojave Ghost’s more intense sibling,” they said. One sniff, and I knew I’d found the one.
Fragrance Notes
Here’s the breakdown:
Top Notes: African Marigold, Bergamot, Buchu
Heart Notes: Cyclamen, Violet
Base Notes: Cedarwood, Vetiver
My Review
Byredo Bal D’Afrique is an effervescent, happy fragrance, the fragrant equivalent of sunlight and warm, summer air. Though some might find it leans slightly feminine, I think it’s delightfully unisex. It’s uplifting and fresh – ideal for daytime wear, whether you’re wandering through cobblestoned streets, meeting friends for coffee, or trying to inject a touch of joy into your office attire.
While floral notes like cyclamen and violet are at its heart, they don’t dominate. Instead, the composition is beautifully balanced. For me, it evokes the image of a perfect summer’s day: laughter, soft breezes, and golden light. That’s the magic of Bal D’Afrique – it’s nostalgic, grounding, and optimistic all at once.
Most would likely reach for this in warmer months, but I enjoy it in the dead of winter, too. On those grey, drizzly days when everything feels cold and heavy, a spritz of this brings a dose of brightness and cheer.
The fragrance settles comfortably on the skin, offering moderate sillage – enough to elicit compliments from those who lean in close. My only criticism is its longevity. After four hours, it seems to have faded entirely, which is a shame for something so beautiful.
Still, it’s hard to mind too much. Bal D’Afrique is like a friend you wish would stay longer, but who always leaves you smiling when they go. A bottle of sunshine for when you need it most.
