After My Own Heart (2006)
by Ineke

This has instantly become my favorite lilac based scent. Fresh, natural, breezy, like a breath of Spring coming from my tiny sample bottle. Other reviewers have already described this beautiful fragrance far better than I could. I will mention that on me one spritz was all I needed, and it lasted for many hours. Full bottle worthy.

I grew up in a house surrounded by lilac hedges. Without a doubt, this is the best, most true lilac fragrance I’ve experienced – I’d say a perfect rendition of that phenomenal blossom. No need to describe the scent because Ayala has offered the definitive description already. I’d like to add, though, that the lilac note responds just like the lilacs of nature – it carries a stronger sillage than its light, delicate, minimalist persona would indicate: Such a lovely feminine scent… awesome and long lasting.

Ineke’s perfumes, unlike their longish titles, are minimalist and calculated. The lilac-bouquet named After My Own Heart is an alphabetized representation of the emotion of longing and romance: a burst of lilac flowers, twigs and all, softly brushing against a blushing cheek in an anticipation for caressing kiss. A promise of love, the buds of passion invoked by hints of indole and the luscious juice dripping off freshly picked raspberries. As the crushed twigs and rubbed petals lose their freshness, they make room for rosy and powdery accords, gradually sweetening into a dry out of musk, vanilla and heliotrope.

After and before
Today and tomorrow
Sand becoming a wave
What was it I saw at the top of the world
as I fell asleep last night?
I tried putting lilacs in your dreams
You smiled in your sleep
I hear your words like the wind
whispering in my ear
the most enchanting words
after my own heart

This is a perfect scent for spring, and I absolutely love it. It's amazingly fresh, light, and youthful, without being juvenile. When I smell this, I am reminded of a field of fresh flowers (NOT a bouquet of flowers, mind you -- a field of fresh flowers) swaying in the breeze, under a clear blue sky. It reminds me of new beginnings, happiness, and hope. With all of the not-unusual notes, this scent smells familiar, but at the same time, it has been mixed in a way that it also smells unique. I got a sample (now almost used up!) from Ineke.com, and am planning to get the full bottle soon. It's really lovely.

Ineke has made 3 more perfumes (2 for gals, 1 for guy), and this one is my favorite.

Enchanting! "After My Own Heart" is a very fresh green scent with bright, true-to-life lilac and hints of fresh spring-water. It's En Passant without the bakery or the rain...En Passant on a sunny, lazy day...(My love for En Passant is unmatched, however)...

The staying power is all right, but not great.

But - both of my sons and my husband really like After My Own Heart, which allows me to rationalize the necessity of buying a bottle.

Described by the perfumer as "the scent of fresh lilacs floating on the early evening breeze," After My Own Heart (also called A) is a lilac soliflore with marine, sandalwood and musk notes.

It opens with fresh lilac over green notes, gradually joined by a whiff of sea breeze. The sandalwood and musk in the dry-down enhance the lilac without drawing undue attention to themselves. This is not a fragrance designed to precede you into a room or make a big statement -- it's subtle and stays close to the skin.

I find A could use more staying power, but my dry winter skin is probably a contributing factor. This would be a lovely spring/summer fragrance.

Ineke is a San Francisco-based perfumer who trained in the French tradition, studying with Isabelle Doyen and Dominique Ropion. More info at: http://www.inenke.com