Le Jardin de Monsieur Li Hermès for women and men

Le Jardin de Monsieur Li Hermès for women and men

main accords
citrus
white floral
green
aromatic
fresh
fresh spicy

Perfume rating 4.09 out of 5 with 4,674 votes

Le Jardin de Monsieur Li by Hermès is a Citrus Aromatic fragrance for women and men. Le Jardin de Monsieur Li was launched in 2015. The nose behind this fragrance is Jean-Claude Ellena.

Read about this perfume in other languages: Deutsch, Español, Français, Čeština, Italiano, Русский, Polski, Português, Ελληνικά, 汉语, Nederlands, Srpski, Română, العربية, Українська, Монгол, עברית.

Pros

Pros

62
0
Clean and fresh scent
57
0
Simple and not overwhelming
52
0
Suitable for spring weather
41
0
Natural fragrance
30
1
Evokes happy memories and nostalgia
28
0
Good tribute to JC Ellena's creations
14
8
Matches expectations of a typical Chinese garden
11
11
Lasts 2-3 hours on skin
Cons

Cons

29
17
Low projection and longevity
26
15
Way more feminine than masculine for some people
11
18
Disappointing for the price
9
20
Similar to other common fragrances
14
30
Formula is unoriginal and lacking in complexity
8
22
Forgettable and uninteresting scent
2
30
Smells like sunshinescented dog shampoo to some people
0
34
Masculine citrusy scent not suitable for all genders

Note: The pros and cons listed on this page have been generated using the artificial intelligence system, which analyzes product reviews submitted by our members. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, we cannot guarantee the complete accuracy or reliability of the AI-generated pros and cons. Please read the full reviews and consider your own needs and preferences before making a purchasing decision.

Fragram Photos

Fragrance Notes


Kumquat
Jasmine
Mint
Green Sap

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All Reviews By Date

Claire Dessert

I received a sample a couple of days ago. I vaguely remembered not liking it much when I previously smelled it so didn't expect much of sampling it again. OMG, was I wrong.....

This is such a delicious, joyous and elegant perfume! Jasmine, green notes, a hint of mint and a generous dash of citrus make this fragrance sparkle and shimmer from top to bottom.......I love it and wonder what I was thinking when I discarded this before! Maybe it's because I'm not much into florals in general, but this jasmine is so effervescent, zesty and green it puts a smile on my face. There's a delicious mineral quality about it as well that makes it quite unique.

Spring in a bottle!

Krismi

Great perfume!

ayamail26

This is a STUNNING perfume. So simple yet so elegant! It’s quality! ❤️

ettenig sayam

The Hermes Jardin Collection is one of the first perfumes I ever bought at Sephora and actually consulted the with associate to find the right fragrance. This is my second full bottle. It's down to less than 4ml. Yikes! I just placed an order for a new bottle. It's not something I reach for every day or even easily. I have had this bottle for two years. Maybe more. I just returned from a short walk in the woods with my dog. It's a mild overcast day in New England. The snow is gone (I hope). The trees are bare. It's kind of gloomy. I'm wearing Le Jardin de Monsieur Li. It's a very soothing and calming sweet lemony fragrance. It doesn't have that incensy/perfumy kick to it. It acts more like a body oil than a perfume . This is a nice fragrance to wear for every day whether you are going out or staying home. It boosts my mood and makes me smile. For me it's a keeper.

ahurvitz2

This is a tangy, sharp, acid like, flowery and citrusy perfume.

For those who associate Jean-Claude Ellena with barely perceptible notes, this will not fall in line with those expectations.

Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is more of a wake up type of scent, something you spray on yourself when you are drowsy and perhaps looking forward to spring. I'm not sure I recognize anything in this perfume which I can name, but it comes across as a perception of surprise, like a gentle slap in the face, comparable to squeezing a lemon and then getting hit in the eye with it.

Whateverwhocares

Brilliant use of kumquat and mint that doesn't last. Opens with a strong hint of zesty lemon. If you've ever wanted to smell like the freshest lemon in the supermarket, look no further. This opening will make you pucker. Quickly tones down into a light floral, mildly fruity fragrance that just rises above mediocre in terms of scent and performance. Hermes, bottle the opening!

Dorange Sense

Not so sure wether people understand this one… to me it’s a very abstract perfume and this is exactly why I admire it. I was once in an contemporary museum in lithuania when I cought that smell… the very first minutes I was sure it came from the art itself (a mix of resins, canvas, paper etc.)… it smelled a bit familiar because my late father was a painter (oil). Of course I realized quickly it came from a woman. Took all of my courage and asked her. So happy I did this. It does have something of stone if you will. And pond. And zen as well. Elenas vision does come through, while you still can make your own associations like I did. It smells sophisticated and boujiee and I just baught it.

ablesister

Not a citrus note person. But I like this better than un jardin sur le nil (I received these two as a Christmas gift). The sweet mint is nice.

Odor Aeternitatis

Not too much to say about this fragrance. It's clean, refreshing and soapy. All the noes are soft and the overall composition is mild. It has the minimalistic approach of Jean-Claude Ellena. Projection and longevity are below average. It is worth trying and buying especially because it was created from a great perfumer and a good house!
6/10

temporal

Very light jasmin with some citrus sparks, it brings a sense of holiday and quiet happiness. It has an almost therapeutic effect - for a deeper breath and observing life around you.

Perfume Zeppelin

I bought this fragrance blind, and wanted to like it so much, but sadly it really isn't for me. The fruity and green notes are, for my tastes, completely tainted by what I think must be a type of white musk. Exactly the same note that's in most of the newer Hermes fragrances (particularly Galop, the Merveilles and Eau lines). It's a note I REALLY dislike, and makes Monsieur Li much more modern, and far removed from the earlier Jardin fragrances, like Méditerranée and Nil. A huge disappointment for me, but will definitely appeal to lovers of newer Hermès fragrances.

deentova

i like this fragrance but i find it so subtle that it is almost non existent after about 1 hour on me. the scent of the perfume is very subtle and I can't think it would cause a problem in any situation. so i would propose that you try it and if it stays up to you to buy it

Vellocet

Words can't describe how much I love and respect this work of art. I love mint perfumes and this just might be the best of them all. The mint note here is very photorealistic, it smells like a mint bush in full bloom. Very uplifting, very bright. The kumquat reminds me of the kumquat in Dama bianca, And it pairs so well with the mint. Smelling this makes me feel like I just entered a dewy mediterranean garden early in the morning. It's so peaceful in a way that is hard to describe, but at the same time very sophisticated and alluring. The only negative is the longevity, I wish Hermes could make an edp version.

JmThms

Oh its light alright. Way too light. As if I'm not sure this decanted juice by a known and reputable source is of normal potency. I like lots of understated, light scents, but sometimes it's too light and that's irritating. Its like you're listening to a symphony playing at such low decibels that it's all but impossible to enjoy. And this has nothing to do with "insecurity" (lol). I was hesitant giving this a review based on one wear, and given that the strength of this juice may be compromised. The jasmine seems watered down and dialed way back to 1 O'Clock. It comes across more like a pastel, soft honeysuckle in water or something. I get no Green sap. Nothing sour. Nothing tart. That said, what I can smell is nice.

deVia

I really like it; reminds me of an old deoderant I used to have (Axe Air) with a super fresh smell.
It is a scent for those looking for something complex, not if you are insecure and need something pungent.

pcsanjuan_89

Monsieur Li is a soft summer blanket of warmth and freshness , this is a strange perfume , like a phantom it disappears and appears once in a while during the day but like most of the jardin collection, this is best worn in warm windy places because this spreads beautifully in the breeze, if it is not breezy, ML is an intimate scent that i had the most compliment. People always say this is weak, but i think it depends on your body chemistry, your own heat and the radiant heat from your environment which makes this standout...again like a phantom, it comes and goes throughout the day, definitely full bottle worthy if you ask me. This and Mediterranee from the jardin collection are my favorites.

Tshahb

Wonderful opening, but 40 mins later I'm left with sour vetiver.

Dlittlegarden

Light green, bitter and sweet like nibbling fresh snap peas and sipping on a lemon La Croix.

Sassafras23

Heavenly. Only a ‘like’ for me because it’s so expensive. But I’d love to bathe in it or roll in it, like a cat in catnip. Kumquat is something else. Cartier has a pure kumquat perfume. AUD410. Maybe I’ll sell a kidney.

EssentialMust

This fragrance is like a phantom. I sprayed it in the morning before going about my chores and the market. The first impression was a comforting aroma of freshly cut, dampened by the morning dew, hay at the countryside. Quite low toned but pleasant. As I sat down on my desk to sort bills and the shopping list, I got a whiff of bitter jasmin, similar to what we have in our garden but a bit bitter, or, perhaps it was the koumquat which I don't know how it smells. I did not get any mint.

After a while the scent disappeared. OK, I said, that's all there is to this scent. Then, as I got up to go out, magic! The scent followed me all around the house until I went to the car. Sat down in the car, the scent disappeared again. OK, I'm confused now. Went to the market, walked around, and the scent followed me and my nose like a phantom. I don't know if others could smell it because I didn't ask anybody, but, by the time I got back home this scent was haunting me whenever I was in motion, and went dormant when I was motionless, until about 8 hours after I first applied it. Weird. Magic.

I re-applied it on my arms before going to bed. It was already a pleasant fragrance to my nose. Got up in the morning, no scent on my arms. Well, now I know, that on me, this scent will never last long enough.

This scent needs air to show itself. It's not my favourite, I have another favorite from the Hermes cologne line, but this one is quite pleasant. I would say it is unisex and has a unique aroma, even though I have only tried the Le Jardin a Cythere from the other fragrances of the Hermes Jardin line.

hayjuney

I had no idea what to expect out of a perfume with kumquat notes, but this is such a happy and calming scent. It seems fitting that it’s light.

christopherdior

For those who like lighter fragrances, this is for you. I liken these to the Aqua Allegoria scents from Guerlain - lighter scents that are reminiscent of Spring/Summer. However, these Jardin scents from Hermes are SUPER light. They are more like a whispher of a scent.

At first this was very clean and soapy smelling but instantly dried down to the Jasmin. I never really got the mint. Within an hour, this is practically gone. I'm not really a fan as I would like it to last a bit longer.

fourleafedrover8

I should start by saying Mediterranee is my go to from this line, and by personal preference I like it's aquatic, tea like, almost-sweet quality more than this. But if you are new to the freshie party from, let's say, the Chanel side of the fragrance world, you will love this as it has a bit of mature white floral that is timeless. This would be the perfect perfume for a young woman exiting her youth and looking for her first "adult" fragrance, perhaps for her first job out of Uni (college). It's both fresh and sophisticated the dry down is all soap, but I don't know why that offends people so much. THE CONS: I find it to be very poor in terms of staying power though, this vanished far faster than its sister fragrances in the line that can last all night on me. Worth the money? You'd have to absolutely love the scent.

Titti Claren

A beautiful citrus, delicate and nice. Not very original or ground breaking. Cute.

Comicalcupcake

I wish I got what others get from this one. To me it smells bitter, green, and soapy. I do enjoy other creations by Ellena and I'm not sure what it is about this one that my nose doesn't get.

suzanne_ronald

LUCKY GARDEN of CIVILIZATION. There's an allegory here, of a wild & bestial nature tamed by luck, and pressed into service of a well-mannered Chinese garden. Signed by perfumer Jean Claude Ellena, this solar jasmine scent opens with a forward kumquat note with its tart, sweet, citrus-lemon-pine & bitter nuances enhanced by aromatic mint. A picture of civilized behaviour, kumquat is symbolic of good luck in China, where it's often kept as a houseplant and given as a gift during the Lunar New Year. Almost as if to bestow luck the minty kumquat continues nearly throughout, acting as a lid to a clipped & declawed jasmine heart, resting on a tree-sap base. Here in the heart, Hermes DNA is present, and the jasmine is a tamed & trimmed version of the animalic and musky variety. Some scents eliminate this animalic facet of jasmine, but Jean-Claude Ellena takes this bestial side of jasmine and makes it conform inside the Chinese garden. Rather than being "molested against the wall" by a salty animal hide, we get lucky pennies thrown into a koi pond, wet rock and contours flous white-floral up to a civilized baby-wipes note. The result is a very unsettling but civilized jasmine scent, with a feeling that chaos may brake loose in the next unfolding, and yet it remains poised on the precipice of an imagined descent into a savagery.

Contrast to Jour d'Hermes Parfum Hermes:
These are not the same, although LJdML could be considered a sheer Jour d'Hermes, or an 'Eau Fraiche' in the Jour d'Hermes line. The white-floral/jasmine is similarly musky & animalic, although Jd'H dries down a lot sweeter on the skin, and while LJdML does sweeten as it dries down, it doesn't go as far, settling out at the baby wipes note sometimes associated with jasmine. There are similarities in the openings where both open with a musky citrus and both seem like the work of Jean Claude Ellena. Jour d'Hermes outperforms.

Overall: This wasn't love at first sniff for me, but I've come to appreciate and enjoy it. Although it was released in 2015, it's still a contemporary and sophisticated approach to a light wearing summer jasmine scent with above average performance - no one will mistake this for a body spray. This is the perfect scent to wear when feeling in need of a a little luck or a civilizing influence. It's a love for me. Jasmine lovers. enjoy!

SalinasL

My favourite of the three Hermes Jardins I’ve tried so far (this, Toit and Nil). I would recommend trying this if you’re looking for a non-perfumey perfume, for something aromatic/aromatherapeutic, something along the lines of exotic natural spa/medicinal products. Within those parameters, I like this.

tarajane91

Pretty, fresh and clean, and lovely for spring and summer. I don't get much, if any, of the kumquat (perhaps my older travel spray has lost this over time?). But I do get the jasmine and it is beautiful, and not indolic, with the green notes. I find this fairly linear and lasts about 3 hours, which is not surprising given the composition. The projection is not huge; I would say arms length maximum.

Lotte_Liese

Kumquat, jasmine and green notes- these three fragrance notes come together to offer a clean, fresh scent that is interesting enough but not spectacular.

Norathar

This and Jardin sur le Nil are my favorite Hermes perfumes; this one is warmer, but just as fresh and delightful as a spring/summer scent. It's pleasant, and I definitely pick up the jasmine in the top note, but it blends nicely with the citrus. I suppose I get a little of the mint, but it isn't especially minty smelling; it adds a nice edge to the top note. Really does evoke a bamboo garden in the sunshine to me, and smells delightful especially in my hair.

katie02kat

This is a very subtle scent with a gentle floral soothing. A scent that I love very much, it is an integral part of my collection. I love Hermès perfumes but this one is amazing it's beautiful 💛

Oldbrook

Yes, it is not a beast of a fragrance. Yes, it does not last 8 hours. But!
I had it and lately, as summer is nearing, I find myself looking into getting it again. What I smelt on myself was a pleasant, very lightly floral fresh scent, which disappeared in half an hour. But then whenever I went out to a meet up that was held outside, I got at least one compliment each time. And that settled it, it's a very particular fragrance, one that comes alive in only certain conditions - out in the fresh air, not in the blazing sun but rather a late evening or just after rain.

It needs air to do it's best work, but when it does come out - it's nothing like anything else.

tatVC

I absolutely adore the Un Jardin line but this one is kind of a miss for me. It's VERY light citrus smelling and I don't really get any other notes or smells from this. It's just kind of 'meh' to me.

Reine_des_Neiges

I truly admire the fragranticans who are so well versed with scents that they can tell different notes, how well something is blended and how elegant a perfume is - and most of the time how eloquently they can put this into words. I can't. So here's my unrefined commoner's take on this.

I love this. This reminds me a lot of D&G's Light Blue and Jo Malone's Wood Sage & Sea Salt. I'm not entirely surprised they're not listed in the "This scent reminds me of..."; that's probably due to the aforementioned unsophisticated nose of mine, i.e. "floral citrus? = smells like Light Blue". But I find this prettier than Light Blue. It lacks the woodsy note and the drydown is a lot more floral in this while the citrus remains at the forefront while I always felt that in Light Blue it (unfortunately) takes a backseat rather quickly. I also find Monsieur Li more refined, more elegant smelling somehow, like a polished version of Light Blue. It's very smooth with its citrus managing a beautiful balancing act between sweet and acidic. It might be the floral note that ensures this quality. I'm not usually a fan of jasmine but in here, it's a very well executed support for the citrus so it can shine at its most gorgeous and pleasing.

It's just a beautiful, airy fresh scent perfect for warm weather. Unoffensive and stays close to you. I do find it lasts pretty well for an EdT, especially one from the Jardin line whose longevity is somewhat infamous for being not great.

sbmmbs21

Clean & fresh like you’re straight out the shower, in my eyes this is perfectly unisex without leaning too much either way towards being overly feminine or masculine, which is nice.

It evokes a watery zen garden in my eyes. It actually has a hint of Tom Ford Mandarino Di Amalfi to it thanks to the citrus & mint, although it’s way more one dimensional & a lot weaker.

I do like it but as a simple, light skin scent that didn’t necessarily blow me away, I wouldn’t run out to get a bottle, based on the price & lack of strength.

borose

Never letting reviews but this one deserves it! Because after years (3 precisely) of searching for a fragrance that would stay in the hot and very humid south asian climate I now live in, I finally found one that, no matter how sweaty, how polluted, sticky or heated my skin turn in this environment, this one always keep smelling just very fresh citrus, floral and a 'je-ne-sais-quoi' of a light musc. Longevity here is better than any eau de parfum I tested, niche, mass, even extrait de parfum. This one is an eau de toilette, and last better than any other. Hesitated to get Jardin de Cythere, if all the Jardin line perform as much good as Jardin de Monsieur Li in this climate, I might let down all the V canto, Monegal, LV, BDK and others for just Hermes.

derby2169

This more interesting that I expected. Essentially a green jasmine mixed with a jammy sweet citrus facet reminiscent of a orange marmalade, nothing photorealistic in terms of kumquat, but pleasant and well blended. At time it becomes a touch screechy on my skin as a white floral notes tend to do, but overall it is a nice experience.

Lasura

Really fresh, definitely citrus in the beginning, like lemon curd! Then softly transforms into lovely floral scent. Perfect scent for a hot day, refreshing and not too heavy.

Sbl

I love this fresh scent. So not sexy but refreshing and invigorating. After the initial lemony stage, the jasmine begins to peek through and then unfolds into a fresh floral scent. Not heady at all, but like sitting in my grandmother's garden as a child, where I would catch he occasional whiff of her jasmine "trees". Nothing cheap and cloyingly sweet about it.

alternateu

I love the Un Jardin line, but this one is my least favourite. It's not "bad" by any means, but it's just... meh. Lightly fruity/sweet (from the kumquat? not sure why, it smells a bit synthetic to me, which isn't inherently a bad thing), lightly green, and just...ok.

dulcew

The only citric that I like

Abry_81

Another of the wonderful works by Jean Claude Ellena in his glorious Hermès times, Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is consistent with all the line's creations, but it is the one with the least aquatic character of the entire collection, sharing the abstract and minimalist of all the "Jardins" and in this case inspired by a Chinese garden with a lot of Zen energy.
This fragrance is the least complex of the entire collection and the most linear, but not for that, the least enjoyable, it has a citrus chord of dwarf orange Kumquat that has a certain duality and does not behave like the usual citrus fruits of the house that are or very Ripe or extremely green, this dwarf orange accompanied by bergamot has a revitalizing and slightly sweet citrus approach which is tied to the note of jasmine, the jasmine flower of a neat and relaxed white, with a certain chlorophyll green approach, which becomes most notable for the presence of green notes like natural sage, the latter not at all experimental or modern, but immensely natural and serene, all this with a subtle musk in the background
Here no note stands out over the other, they all complement each other and dance in unison in an imaginary garden, quiet that was stopped in time for a long winter and that awakens in the spring, where its jasmines bloom, along with the Kumquat orange groves and the flexible Bambo trunks that surround a small pond where ancient carp live in absolute calm.

SammyIX

Soapy, boring. I use it as a room and linen mist.

on-that-day

Having been a Mediterranee devotee for years, I finally got my hands on a sample of this. It's a personal record for shortest time between sample and FB order.

The opening initially, for approximately 2 seconds, had an astringent alcohol tone that didn't bode well but instantly vanished and was never heard from again. The rest of the opening is a delicate interplay of soft kumquat and even softer jasmine, the least indolic jasmine I've ever had the fortune to experience. It never veers into laundry territory despite that gentle hint of almost - but not quite! - soapy jasmine. Aromatic mint, fresh and cool but still gentle and well blended, joins the party next and it begins to develop into that "zenlike" vibe often referenced.

Oh, and I dislike jasmine in almost every scent I've ever tried. I love it in this. I can only assume JCE sold his soul in return for magical powers.

Once the aquatic note makes its entrance, the fragrance has me vividly recalling an ornamental water feature my neighbours had when I was a kid; that scent of cool water running over pebbles, tinged by the grass growing around it, is a core memory I didn't even know I had. There's nothing in the notes to give away what grounds this fragrance, but there is a depth to it on the dry down that is, perhaps, faintly woody and aromatic. It never loses that dreamy, meditative quality.

Projection and sillage pretty much don't exist, and longevity is slightly worse than others of the line, but despite the poor performance, I really, REALLY had to have this. It won't irritate or offend anybody nearby, mostly because they won't be able to smell it. You can wear it at night to maximise that dreamy mood, and/or... all the usual suspects (office-friendly, spring/summer, you know the standard Jardin recommendations). It's a fictional dusk in springtime, dancing close to your skin as the sun disappears. Who wouldn't want to smell like that?

Also, because it isn't a hit like Sur Le Nil, you can get it waaaay cheaper than any of the others in the line. That did help my decision to buy it!

klioux

This is one of those perfumes that feels more like a feeling or a vibe than a perfume. The kumquat is a really interesting note, as it is juicy and citrusy with a bit of tang from the rind, yet never overly sweet or overly bitter. The green notes in this feel more aquatic than vegetal, like a sprinkle of dew. All together it feels like a floraldehyde, a category which normally feels too sharp and mature for my nose, yet this one is light and ethereal in its balance.

A great palate cleanser and burst of energy for a hot sweaty day.

Aelis

I find this one particularly hard to describe. Firstly, it's not a typical citrus. The kumquat top note is not acidic/sweet, it's rather bittersweet and herbal. Refreshing, but devoid of any sharpness. The floral accord is delicate and subtle - a very tender white floral touch to round out the fruit. The aquatic note that all Hermès Jardins more or less share, which can be a bit too much for me depending on the weather, does not bother me here. I don't even get it that much, or at least not in the same way. Again, hard to describe.

Surprisingly, given its discreet nature, this is one of my most complimented perfumes. The Jardins all seem to have this radiant and diffusive quality about them which gets them noticed, despite them not being strong perfumes per se.

Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is different to most things out there - it's kind of quirky, not necessarily immediately likeable, not conventionally "seductive"/particularly feminine either (definitely unisex, as advertised, but also the softest of the Jardins in my opinion); but it is also elegant, pleasant, clean (and not in a sterile way), calm, joyful. It feels somehow golden and warm. I find it most interesting in late winter/early spring, when it's still cold outside. I love catching whiffs of it in the morning chill.

Kostas54

I love Un Jardin sur Le Nil and Un Jardin Medierranee, by Jean Claude Elena, but this one is plain air. Nothing. Nil. No smell and believe me, I am not anosmic. A waste of money. Shame!

Fragaddict123

Another waste of money and time coming from our beloved and controversial house Hermes
Favoriting weak and non inspired fragrances over complex and more powerful creations
All thanks to another controversial figure in the perfume world master perfumer JCE
But I digress
Citrus and florals
Later for a good while projection is non existent
Obviously after testing a lot form Hermes I can officially say this House is one of my worst 3 designer brands

belinda.1

Initial review: Need to put some more work into this one before I review it properly. Sprayed on cards it's not an immediate love - I'm getting cold fresh green/white floral, a little funereal. The notes sound like my jam on paper, and I've loved others in this line. Will try again on skin and update accordingly.

6 months of inaction later (lol): tried again on paper and I like the immediate-immediate light floral opening but within a minute the floral note is getting a little cold and old for me. I won't try on skin as chances don't seem good enough that I'll like it more that way. That said, I don't hate it.

tuberoses

There’s something so captivating about this fragrance, but I can’t point just what it is. The four notes listed above are so well blended and they create something entirely new - to my nose, at least. This is indeed a minimalistic garden, airy and spacious, and I absolutely love the peace and calm it brings to my mind. It makes me think of a zen garden.

NoseE

fresh green citrus powdery opening for 2 minutes.
dont know what it is after that.

nique_nax

my mom's signature scent. fresh and has a beautiful scent bubble.
A very natural and effortless scent. I wouldn't wear it personally but I would hate for it to be discontinued.

catonmars

Now this is a citrus fragrance done right. The jasmine makes the perfume more light, so it doesn’t smell completely like lemon peel, like a lot of citrus perfumes tend to do. I usually dislike strong citrus fragrances because they lean more masculine, but this smells very classy and elegant!

t0ocozy

A very fresh, comforting, and soothing scent. Smelling this just puts me in a good mood. I love it very much.

fcataldo

Early summer in Madrid, during a heatwave. Trying to hide from the Sun during the day, the white stone buildings shine brightly in your face. The heat roasts clementines and lemon trees, filling the air with their scent. There is no respite until sundown, drinking G&Ts on a rooftop and a soft breeze that cools you.

The Wolf

Great opening but I'm noticing a trend with these. Jasmine. Remove the jasmine and I might buy it otherwise it leans too feminine just like Sur La Laguna.

Scent 6.2/10

KöbiD

This fragrance does such a lovely job of evoking a lush garden in spring or early summer. I can smell the green, juicy leaves on the trees and a variety of blooming flowers. During the drydown, I even get some citrus wafts, which is my favorite part. Once dried down, the fragrance reminds me of a combination of Jour d’Hermès, Un Jardin sur le Toit and Un Jardin sur le Nil. Therefore, in case you know those fragrances, Le Jardin de Monsieur Li smells most probably familiar to you.

ramin1215

(South Garden) in The Decay of the Angel by Yukio Mishima

trabuquera

Well M. Li is a kind and classy guy and it's a privilege to waft into his garden, led gently by the nearly-always-diplomatic M. Duchaufour. Seems like M. Li is a connoisseur and a minimalist, he's some sort of software millionaire with a magical open-air orangery on a vast, immaculately white-tiled roof terrace, with bright mint growing between all the loveliest rarest citrus specimens, everything clipped and tended to within an inch of its life by flunkeys in bright white uniforms. (They come around carefully spritzing everything with droplets of fresh purified water about every 2 hours, which sadly is about as often as you'll have to keep spraying yourself with this to keep this smell idyll going. )

Just fantastic. Clean, crisp, transparent, intensely refreshing. Completely perfect for summer. The kumquat has character without getting too acrid or fermented-fruity, and stays light and un-musky. Doesn't do much in cooler weather; this is one to fight muggy, dirty, urban humidity or raging shimmering heat, not cold or gloom. For those hotter climes, this Jardin is just as great as all the others in the series.

Two notes of caution - works better sprayed than dabbed, and it won't live forever - bottles past the expiry dates do lose quite a lot of the zing at the top end of the scent. So just use it up faster!

I give it a bow of sincere respect. Merci Monsieur Li, thanks for letting me visit - I would love to drop in again soon.

jesses

Wow I really love this fragrance!
It smells very fresh and airy and light. Very inoffensive I think and the scent stays close to the body. I wasn't expecting the scent to last long however I've been wearing 1 spray for over 4 hours and I still smell it on my wrist (not so much the citrus and mint, but the floral/powdery smell in the dry down)!
There is something in this perfume that reminds me vaguely of something in Hermes eau des merveilles - possibly the ambergris?? But in this scent ambergris is not a note but there is something that smells slightly musky/powdery to me and I really like it!

jerhmie

This perfume makes me happy. I don’t know why, but it just puts me in a good mood. The sillage is intimate to moderate, but I don’t care as I’m not wearing this for other people; I’m wearing this for myself, and it uplifts my mood.

It's like visiting a garden full of kumquats, with a touch of jasmine in the corner, during the spring or autumn.

ajraccounts

For *maybe* 5 minutes, I get fresh, clean, aquatic, green, herbal, citrusy, with faint hints of florality. Pleasant enough. But then it becomes a skin scent in which I primarily smell synthetic melon (so, calone or one of its relatives) for hours. Several hours later, the synthetic melon has become a faint hum, and I detect a clean-laundry synthetic musk scent.

Nothing to suggest a Chinese garden, no sillage or lasting power. Overhyped (I mean, not that it's overhyped per se, but that Hermes has a certain reputation, ya know) and overpriced.

suzuu

Crystal clear kumquat....almost soliflor, pleasantly sour and cold. Refreshing in summer heat.

DariaFrancesca74

Another great masterpiece by Jean-Claude Ellena for the maison Hermès. Triumphant citrus notes of Chinese mandarin solemnly celebrate the elegant freshness of Le Jardin de Monsieur Li. Clear, transparent, a fragrance that allows access to an olfactory path of great cleanliness and order. The refreshing notes of dry mint are masterfully in accord with the floral purity of the white jasmine. A sensory journey of great caliber. Fresh, dynamic sillage. Duration appreciable even after many hours. Chapeau

MsFCAS

Clean, citrusy, fresh-smelling but very faint. I don't think it's the best citrus fragrance I've tried (Atelier Cologne has that game in the bag) but it's pleasant and I'd wear this on a warm day. I agree that it's unisex.

yasemink

This is fresh, clean, simple but warm and elegant at the same time. It is sweet, floral and warm with higher sillage in the beginning but becomes more subtle, minty/green, fresh after almost an hour.

The opening reminds me of the smell of clean sheets at home in the morning during summertime, clean-flowery-warm-peaceful. The change into more green and mint was calming and refreshing for me during the day. Unfortunately I cannot smell it after 4-5 hours but I am always happy to reapply.

I thought this was going to be the least interesting one in the Jardin series but it surprised me the most.

mirrorghost

i get kumquat and something mildly rubbery (green sap?) followed by jasmine, then mint. it all combines together as an unsweet herbal and citrus concoction. the notes seem perfectly balanced to me. it's like standing under a tree on a warm day with some jasmine nearby.

ahurvitz2

This is a very sharp, citrusy, acidic, and white floral perfume that has very summery quality; bracing, effervescent, like a gin and tonic if you squeezed a lemon and some of it hit you in the eye and stung.

Neither male nor female, but very Jean Claude-Ellena, meaning that it works with subtlety and a few notes, and could easily be mistaken for just smelling clean or freshly showered.

I have a sample from Fragrance Net, and I think it cost me all of $12 and that is fine with me as I would not buy a full bottle of this.

RandomPatterned

The least appealing/unique to me of all of the Jardin series I have tried. Definitely wearable as a non-aquatic fresh summer option. None of the notes particularly stand out to me which is ok, I don't like an overly sweet fruit sensation or strong mint. This is a balanced blend of something green, with light fruit and mint.

livelovelaugh0810

you know those honeyed yuzu tea syrup/compotes they sell in asian super markets?
well it smells like that, but less sweet.

very nice citrusy. not special, but very nice.
easy reach type of scent.
kind of green, which keeps it from being boring and too sweet.
love it.

raw umber

Realistic non-sweet, refreshing, bitter, tart kumquat accord which is not something I have encountered in any fragrance before. There's the usual Elena Jardin series hint of compost which makes this identifiable as another iteration of one contiguous idea, realized through garden themes from various locales. Each is a variation on a modern minimalist portrayal of rustic-chic which borders on Scandinavian in its smooth streamlined surfaces and emphasis on nature.

Transparency is key here as with all members of the Jardin line, but I was not expecting so much coumarin to emerge as this scent dries down. There's also a fresh lingering musk that is captivating if you like those "your skin but better" types of clean intimate scents, but the thick powdery coumarin feels excessive. I'll try to look past it because the rest of this sunny summer scent is both unique and divine, and entirely avoids all those stale, gloopy citrus-aquatic "blue shower gel for men-not actually so fresh" notes that have been done to death. It also smells nothing like the citrus in dish soap or any other functional products. Recommended for anyone who loves a cologne vibe but wants to smell modern and wealthy in an understated kind of way.

Nounou9

A very fresh green clean (without soap) with a hint of sweetness that quickly disappears like a shy girl, that i hope it lasts. Perfectly unisex & safe blind buy, it's hard to dislike actually coz it evokes a sense of familiarity, when you try it a nice place or memory will pop into your mind.

BaldBoyBaris

Actually I feel a little disappointed after test this fragrance on the tester.
The opening was soft, sweet, smooth, flawless, and, thus, flattering, as many Hermes parfum do in the opening to attract customers in their stores.
You can notice everything wrote in the fragrance notes, kumquat + jasmine + tea, you can smell the wet as Shanghai or Suzhou or Hangzhou do in summer. I have to say this combination reminds me of cities in that area, thin sweat, fruits and flowers and tea that citizens there were taking when you go pass by a tiny garden of someone's house.
The thing I hate was still the same problem, this fragrance is too smooth and flawless. It selects and beautifies the cityscape from a rich man's point of view. It makes me imagine a high-end private club, with quiet fountain and garden furnished with redwood and celadon tiles, rich people were fishing and talking about their corruption experiences but pretent to be a philosopher, and when you go to the toilets there or their garden-view restaurant, you may probably smell this.
From personal points of view, I would like to have more tea, green, wet, and earthy notes.
------
说实话有点失望。
开初仍然是爱马仕讨好在店里闲逛的顾客的做法,轻柔顺滑光洁无暇但无聊的风格。
然后你能闻到金桔、茉莉、茶香,带有一些像是在林间吹晨风的长三角夏天的温度(有点清凉但并不很冷)和潮湿感。很长江中下游。这个意向是可以把你带回苏州杭州这些城市的。
但后面还是会讨厌爱马仕香水一贯的精英感。会突然感觉自己进入了某个高级园林会所,里面散落着大腹便便的达官显贵,在你进会所的卫生间或者在摆餐具的餐厅中的时候会闻到这种高贵的味道。我个人会喜欢更接地气一点、更市民的味道。

Comicalcupcake

I don't know what's wrong with me but I could barely smell this after 8 sprays. I used up half my 1ml sample within a day to get the scent. It's a nice citrus white floral with a little of that kumquat bitterness, but I will be giving away the rest to someone who can smell it better.

Lottie30

I am a citrus/fresh scent kind of gal, so this is right up my alley. It kind of reminds me of Clinique's Happy but better!

BeardedIris

On first spray there's refreshing kumquat, transparent jasmine, green mint. A bright opening passes and Le Jardin de Monsieur Li settles to an appropriately garden- or hothouse-like scent. Faintly tropical but very gentle and soft.
On skin I like it. It's hard to classify. Labelling it a citrus seems the nearest to its light, fruity, aquatic accord, although it's more aromatic than Un Jardin sur le Nil, say. Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is clean, delicate and watery, minty in the lightest way imaginable, quiet and undemanding. If it has a downside it's possibly a bit too neutral and inoffensive, but that reflects its wearability. This is the perfect eau for warmer weather, like a feathery breath of cooling breeze under a shady tree on a hot summer day.

Szafirowy czar

This is quite a nice refreshing summer scent, perfect for both women and men. However, I don't think I will be buying it anytime soon as "Un jardin sur le Nil" has already stolen my heart in the citrusy summery category 🍋 It also brings to my mind "Fico di Amalfi" which I adore

EnergeticCrab

This scent reminds me of a tree in a courtyard garden. It is very fresh and spring-like. Suitable for summer and warm weather too. On me, it has a hint of sweet fruitiness from the kumquat, a nice jasmine, a bit of coolness from the mint, and a slight bitter element from the sap. It feels light and airy, but maybe missing something. A warmth of sun-heated stone wall, or paving stones in the aforementioned courtyard.

Enrium

I am a fan of the Les Jardins line. The earlier ones were created by Jean-Claude Ellena, and showcase his talent for creating olfactory watercolours. Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is a fresh citrus scent that manages to be somewhat unusual. Aromatic and muted, it has floral and woody nuances, and the citrus accord is provided by the unusual bittersweet kumquat note, keeping things interesting.

This scent opens with the kumquat, bolstered by fresh, dewy green notes. Some aromatic mint enhances the green freshness. Instead of being very bright and tangy, the freshness is soft, nuanced and fairly intimate. Some clean jasmine rounds it out, adding a blossom-like quality, which, along with soft woody notes, grounds the light, fresh opening. It remains soft, fading after about three hours. Sillage is on the intimate side, and longevity is moderate.

Perfectly unisex, this is a simple scent featuring an ususual take on citrus. It is quite restorative and uplifting in an aromatherapy manner, while being a pleasant, subtle summertime scent. Really nice, but not quite as good as my beloved Le Jardin Sur Le Nil. 3/5.

chloewyd

I loved this perfume at first! The first ten minutes are clean and bright with citrus and a touch of mint. Once the fragrance settles, the jasmine becomes the dominant note, pushing the citrus to the background. This is perfect for warm and hot days, but unfortunately I am not a big fan of white florals, so I will not be repurchasing.

3.5/5 because of the white floral prominence and it does not last long

SarahTheBoss

I don't know how @petcake below could be any more accurate. This is exactly me today, although it's so cold here our first opportunity to open the windows was today, in late April. This is perfectly clean without even a hint of soap. It's fresh without being overtly citrus. And it exudes an understated, carefree class. This is pure Ellena.

petcake

This fragrance is THEE DEFINITION of clean to me. It's that first warm week in April when you throw open the windows and clean up the house. The scent of a fresh start. Lovely.

Breezy82

Blind buy from Marshall’s for $40. Couldn’t pass that up. As a guy, I was a little concerned on my first sniff- it is definitely on the feminine side.

BUT.. I put some on and wow!

It reminds me of one of my favorite nostalgic scents : the long discontinued Zest Energy Rush body wash from the early 2000s. I paid a fortune for a bottle of that Zest through eBay years back and have been using it sparingly just for old times sake. This Monsieur Li smells just like it (at least the dry down does). The smell is so comforting.

Despite the fact that it leans a little feminine, I think I can pull this off. It has a shower fresh, spa-like quality that just feels clean rather than “perfumy”.

MjTheBeck

Funny to see so many describe this as more feminine because it instantly reminded me of higher end colognes my mother would buy my father when I was younger. I like it but I am unsure if I would wear regularly - while it's technically light, the combination of accords is more aggressive than I prefer. I interpret a bit of powder/musk (which I assume is the white floral) that I'm not the biggest fan of. Believe I would enjoy this on others but might not love smelling it on myself every day.

Samantha.Boni

Imagine summer in a bottle, delicate, sophisticated and classy. It is like meditating by the sea

FreddyK

Fresh and floral. Nothing offensive. Good scent.

chakukan

so elegant and pretty and fresh floral, love love love

Mizi

Gentle and pleasant, green with slight warmth, Jasmin very soft and barely there, very light so don’t expect to leave a scent trail…

thestranger

The smell is pleasant for spring/summer, but it is way too weak. Four sprays (four!) on my wrist, and ten minutes later it is no more than a skin scent.

karma_

Just got the sample while searching for mom's best, you get the warmth and sensuality in the bottle, i dont know what is it but here there is one dominant factor in Monsier li that makes it expensive and remarkable that evokes your memory and dejavu.

ingeneuxo

-Pretty, fresh, feminine.
-Monsieur Li is summer in a bottle.
-I don't see how anyone can dislike this.
-Even as a jasmine-hater i think this is decent. (-)

_wynona_

A funny story.

The first time I visited Seattle, my iPad was stolen from my hotel room.
Fast forward a few years, I am given a sample bottle of this perfume. I forget who gifted it to me but I absolutely loved the scent. I found it so fresh, like warm rain at dusk in my tropical homeland.

A few weeks later, I plan a trip to Seattle with my friends. The weekend before we leave, I receive a text from a mysterious woman informing me that she suspects that the iPad she was sold had been stolen from me (thank you Apple ID). She is in Seattle and would like to return the item to me.

I go to meet her in a public place. She is beautiful and so sweet. I thank her and she gives me a hug. She is wearing Jardin de Monsiueur Li. I ask. She confirms. I get shivers and the scent lingers with me all day.

This to me smells of synchronicity and deceitful simplicity. An aura of grace and innocent mischief. Beneath it all, sweetness. It also agrees with my skin, blooming into what I can only describe as a clean ray of light.
I love to wear this on long walks while listening to lyrics in a language I barely understand, eyes glued to the horizon.

aaronmilic

So this is the second of four I purchased in 15ml form at the Hermes counter at Nordstrom. The deal is you get to choose four for one price. First one I tried and reviewed was Eau de Néroli Doré Hermès which I really liked.

I was intrigued by the name and this line overall and this one smelled great on the card. On me, it's pretty generic and also sadly aquatic notes come to the surface, which I hate. Good news is, it's pretty light and fresh so it's not bothering me too much.

I'll try this one again in the Spring, I can see this being very alluring in the right setting but for now, this is the dud in the four pack I chose. Should have taken the time to try it on my skin first. Rookie mistake.

JessVanEgg

This is a nice fragrance with notes of citrus and jasmine, with hints of mint. It's quite fresh and aromatic. It's perfect for those hot days where you just wanna cool down.

It has a more intimate sillage and it lasted for about 4 hours on my skin. It's unisex, although it leans more towards the feminine side. The performance tho makes the value just okay. It could be better for the price, but it could be worse.

7/10. It smells wonderful but the value for the performance is alright at most, unless if you're looking for a more subtle fragrance.

vhdkly

A very delicate combination of jasmine, mint and citrus. Cool, fresh and very soothing. If you are looking to show off, this perfume is not for you.
This is a fragrance for mysterious-introverted and calm people who are in complete peace with nature.

violetscout

I hated it at first, but I've learnt to appreciate the smell. I even crave for the smell because it's so refreshing especially here in the Philippines. It's a great perfume choice when you feel stifled or suffocated with other heavy scents.

clintjr82

As guy I didn't expect much, when I tried it, it was amazingly fresh and long lasting. So I Instantly bought a bottle. It smells fresh clean/green and springish season type scent. The goods now, for some reason this stuff is actually is a woman magnet on me. Its unisex. I get lines like this for example.
"What is that scent your wearing, it smells very good and fresh, what's the name of it, I may buy it". I got compliments from males and females surprisingly.

MargotHarow

Beautiful fragrance. Ellena and Hermes' Jardin range are all beautiful, interesting, feel very personal w low sillage and not offensive. The only parfumes (along w Tom Fords fresh range) Ive found worth wearing to the office.

venussansfurs

Straightforward summer casual that smells like lemongrass. The scent is light but projects fairly moderately. Perfectly unisex. Longevity is not bad for a citrus - it lasts five or six hours on me.

DulciusExAsperis

This grew on me in reverse; which is to say, I liked it at first and then grew to dislike it over time. It's not the fragrance's fault, because it's not unpleasant. It's just that it reminds me TOO much of a scented deodorant I used to wear as a teenager or maybe in my early 20s, and catching whiffs of that all day is not the place I'm in as a grown woman. I just don't need to be reminded of my own bygone armpits and all the mistakes they made.

bethjwb

This is nice, but I wish there was more kumquat and mint and less creamy white floral. If that's what you like, then this is the same kind of floral as Jour D'Hermes. Not quite my vibe, though.

anna1987

Smells good & sophisticated but a tad too citrusy-green for me.

Pacifica_

Very pretty but very fleeting. I doused myself in it about 20 minutes ago and I can already tell it’s trying to make its departure. I don’t get any of the mint listed, but rather a sweet jasmine, citrus and musk combo. I get a ton of mint from un Jardin En Mediterranee though, so if you’re looking for mint try that one.

KopaneDePooj

Zen in a bottle. Uplifting. Simple yet sophisticated. Unique. Different kind of freshness than your usual designer's. I think I enjoy it more than "Sur le Nil" which I also own. This is becoming an all-time-favorite for me. (male, 52)

Kumquanista

Absolute love. What’s not to love? Kumquat for ever. Next to mimosa. Still awaiting my signature scent ;-)

FutureKiwi

Sweet memories! I wear it only in the Summer, during hot days and long nights. Brings back memories of going clubbing alone to an underground electronic music place, located by the beach. Loose pants, worn t-shirt, a hoodie and this fragrance - and I felt kind of sexy. It is similar to Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche, but less masculine - this one has no sharpness, it`s more juicy in a way. A simple, joyful scent for summertime, which brings me sense of freedom and adventure.

Eiland

Very fresh and citrusy, but never becomes more than this. Doesn't stay very long.

azgalvin

Loving Elixir Des Merveilles which is basically my signature fragrance, I decided to venture on to a new Hermes fragrance, or a new Chanel fragrance. I tested Le Jardin de Monseur Li on my skin and just smelled a sample of Un Jardin Sur Le Nil. I walked around with the scent for a bit. Loved this one! With the first spray there was a quick memory of my signature, so I kind of knew I would like it but would it be that much like my signature? No, it was a joyful change and I love, love loved it! I may hold off on purchasing Elixir Des Merveilles for a bit. Change has always been in my blood. This change is really nice...for a while.....

eau de nath

This fragrance evokes a sense of familiarity. It pictures me of having a breakfast of fruit jam on toast and jasmine tea in a cabin in the woods during a misty morning where the rays of the sun are passing through wet plants.

It starts as bright and tarty citrus that is mellowed with a refreshing hint of mint. This is then followed by a floral-green citrus note accompanied by a non-indolic, quite sweet jasmine scent and dries down into a floral-green scent that somewhat resembles a lotus.

The citrusy bright notes are more prominent on the clothes, while it smells more watery-sweet floral-green on the skin. A beautiful, calming, and simple fragrance.

Riverwind79

Have been considering this for a long time. Went to Sephora to get a sample. Due to covid19, I had to smell with my mask on. The staff was kind enough to overspray on the perfume paper to let me try. Smells really good. Even the staff herself said it smells nicer than Sur Le Nil (I wanted to try both to compare). Gosh, the smell lasted on the paper the whole day and even until the following day. I'll probably get a bottle.. I hope it last as long on skin though.

HeweyLeweyDewey

Love at first sniff. 😍

880267

This is peace and serenity in a bottle. I might be influenced by the marketing of this fragrance, but I do envision an expensive hotel lobby ( as many below have referenced ) and a well-kept zen garden in the heat of summer.

I bought this by accident after the sales rep sprayed this on me after initially purchasing Hermes' Rocabar. I came back the next day!!!!

Simple. Delicious. Luxurious. Transparent. Crisp.

This is absolutely great for a hot city like manila. I doused myself and my linen shirt today at 10 am ( 7-8 sprays) and I am still getting yummy wafts as I type this at 2:40 pm. I'm not expecting stellar performance for a citrus freshie, but so far I am pleased with how this is performing! I also love the generous sprayer that comes with the bottle.

The opening is crisp, sparkling and juicy and reminds me of the opening to Atelier's Cologne's Cedrat Enivrant, which I also own. I'm thinking of layering them together this afternoon before heading out to dinner. They seem like distant cousins ready to play together.

This might be my official freshie and signature scent for the entire year.

dianaelz.1

My all time favorite summer scent.
I finished last summer a bottle of this underrated gem. It smells clean very crispy and bright sweet lemon complimented by white jasmine. Very well balanced gorgeous office appropriate day fragrance for hot summer days. You will get noticed without being loud.

monkmonks

I have had a bottle of this for quite some time, but could never connect with it. I finally tried it this winter and am now in love with it.
This scent is not mind-blowing, but it will bring a bit of zen. I am a lover of citrus scents, yet as I’ve gotten older I find a lot of them too “screechy” for me to wear. Monsieur Li is a citrus that is so....mellow. It is sweet and floral, but delicate. It does not sit on top of the skin—it melds with the skin. If you are afraid of the mint note, I would still give this a try. It is there for me, but very subtle. If you are a fan of clean, soapy, relaxing scents, I would recommend.

Vanian

I have this fragrance for 5 years now and I really don't know why when December comes (winter time here) I want to wear it. This fragrance brings happiness to me. I've never tried qumquat fruit, or smellt it, now I want to. The fragrance itself has a little bit of every note mentioned, assume citrus is coming from the fruit qumquat, green notes, Jasmine, I don't detect the mint, but definitely there is some cool freshness attached to it, which I guess comes from it. Everything is combined to a perfection. Why I love it so much, well it does remind me of a stepping in a bathroom in an expensive holiday hotel - clean, soapy, fresh and elegant. Nothing more nothing less. Just perfect. I am feeling somehow connected with this scent. Love.
p.s. I posted my review and started reading all the reviews below me, lots of people are mentioning hotels... yes, there is a good reason for that:-)

peanutbuttercups

I love this!

The best description I can think of is that it smells exactly like the reception area in a really beautiful 5 star hotel- in the best possible way. I can't imagine anybody would ever be offended by this fragrance- it is clean, fresh and sophisticated. Absolutely unisex- my ex used to borrow it and it worked well for him, too.

Unfortunately, on my skin it doesn't have good longevity. A great day fragrance, though, and I would repurchase it in the future.

ViouAmara

To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour. WB

Sweet rainy jasmine, an introspective and incredibly positive scent. It has the deep transparency of the silence in a zen garden.

Rozalina

Very pleasantly mild citrus, just like a triple-milled kumquat-flavored bar of soap from an expensive hotel.
I don't smell any tanginess from mint at all, in fact I was sure that tea leaf was going to be one of the notes but I guess that is the jasmine.
Overall, a pleasant and clean scent. I wonder why kumquat isn't more popular as a note in perfumery, as the little fruits are so delicious.

p.kalamaja

A beautiful simple fragrance in my opinion. Fresh and citrus. With jasmine and mint.

SoSofiasofia

As a few people also mentioned this is a very innofensive green scent... slightly bitter, slightly floral, slightly citrusy. There's something so natural and clean about it which makes it almost disappear. It is certainly an impressive feature but in all honesty, you are better off just taking a shower...

I feel like I should make clear that I do not dislike it. In the same way that makeup released by luxury brands are often on the "your skin but better" side, this fragrance is "your scent but better". I have a hard time justifying spending so much money on something this forgettable but if you have the money and want to smell clean all the time, it is the right fragrance.

WildDove

I don't get any of the official notes in Monsieur Li, but rather an impression of lemon and light musk, plus maybe some fresh-cut wood and pepper. Clean, light, airy, defined, exquisite. Jean Claude Ellena and Hermes all the way. An understated fragrance for sophisticated tastes. Unisex.

huet82

Not sure if I got a mishandled batch or something (batch codes CKACH (bottle) and CBA#2 (coffret) if someone also has it), but I'm not getting anything remotely similar to the listed notes. Very soapy, smells terribly similar to the Palmolive "lavender" dish soap my parents used to stock our kitchen with. Too bad I really like the bottles in the Jardin line. Blind buy mistake.

mutatismutandis

Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is a rather nice perfume. It opens with a shower fresh vibe at first and all three notes can be detected. Gradually, the mint fades first leaving you with a kumquat and jasmine smoky floral accord as the projection goes from moderate to soft. I would say it is on the feminine side of unisex but can be worn be both men and women without generating any comments. I'm not sure it would work in winter but I think it makes for a good daily perfume in all other seasons during the day. I like it but the smoke element that kicks in means I won't be getting a second bottle.

There is a nice, green freshness in Le Jardin de Monsieur Li just as there is in all of the Jean-Claude Ellena Jardin series but I think I would turn to others in the series first. Worth a try though. There are elements that remind me of Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino and I've seen Atelier's Cedrat Envirant also mentioned as being similar to this. I'd incline towards the former rather than the latter on that assessment. Yes, it's a curious mix of the citrus, the green and the aromatic. I get about eight hours out of it.

Look elsewhere dans les jardins d'Hermes!

nicolasnmc

Smells clean and lovely. Fabric softener lightness, very airy and breathable. A perfect reach for a casual day and could definitely make a great signature fragrance. Although light in projection this is a perfect fragrance when you’re in the mood to wear something effortless. The jasmine note to me is the strongest of the three main notes.

ayken

I would not call this the worst but from the jardin line this is the least likable (have to correct myself the least likable is the red bottle), maybe because the citrus tone is too strong for me so it just seems like a citrus fragrnace but maybe it gets better on the skin but for me on a paper it just wasn't nice and wearable. and my favourites are nil and toit from the jardin line and mediterranean.

adice

The citrus and mint are both noticeable and pleasant. However, the jasmine used in this one doesn't sit quite right on my skin. Even though the jasmine is airy, light, and is balanced well with the other notes it's going a bit too indolic (poopy/dirty body/animalic) on my skin. I really love the Le Jardin line but this one does not work on me (more of a personal problem than a knock on the perfume, I'm sure, lol).

It does smell very unisex even with the prominent jasmine, imho.

eelyncka

I just got this as a blind buy and i’m in awe 😍 The kumquat doesn’t stay long on my skin unfortunately, but it quickly turns into a creamy and green lotus with just a vague hint of mint. I don’t smell jasmine, but i do get the idea of a bamboo garden after the rain maybe. It reminds me a bit of Gucci Envy body lotion, although this is so deep, faceted and well rounded that it’s not fair to compare it to a lotion. It smells expensive and luxurious in the most quiet way. Definitely not unisex and you might benefit from a heavy hand with this, as it doesn’t last long on skin.

Sebastiana

The unusual astringent citrus note is prominent - the kumquat I presume. Underneath that is a somewhat earthy-algae-like lotus root, a woodsy element, and a smoky almost incense note. The smokiness with the earthiness of the lotus root give Monsieur Li depth, and it is surprisingly not shown in the notes above. More than a citrus scent. Wonderful fragrance for a sweltering summer day.

piyux

Le Jardin the Monsieur Li opens aromatic with a simple and unique combination of notes. The most prominent note is the Kumquat (also known, in some countries, as Chinese Orange), which can be described in this fragrance as a mild citrusy and a little sweet, slightly green, and bitter fruit that comes up and unique and pleasant. The jasmine is the second more prominent note and adds a soft white floral tone that enhances the fragrance without overpowering it. Finally, there is a pinch of mint which adds a soft green and fresh accord. The combination of these three notes creates a faint musky accord. Once Le Jardin de Monsieur Li has reached its full dry-down, it can be described as a moderate projecting, kumquat, and jasmine fragrance with a minty touch. The fragrance feels airy, aromatic, dry, exotic, fine, formal, fresh, gentle, modern, natural, nicely blended, relaxing, unique, slightly more feminine than masculine, versatile, playful, diurnal, and pleasant.

BATCH REVIEWED: 2020.
WOW RATING: 7/10. This is a pleasant fragrance, evocative of a lush garden; but not outstanding.
DISLIKE RATING: 1/10. The notes in this fragrance are in general inoffensive, however, some men will find the floral tones as excessive.
UNIQUENESS: 10/10. The kumquat makes it unique, this is not a common tone in fragrances and although it falls under the citrus category, its scent is different from what bergamot, mandarin, orange, or lemon can provide. That makes this fragrance unique.
MASS APPEAL: 6/10. Most people will find it pleasant.
PROJECTION: 4/10. Moderate, about four feet around the wearer.
SILLAGE: 4/10. Moderate, about four feet behind the wearer.
APPLICATION: Four atomizations will suffice. Additional atomization will improve performance but will not make the fragrance offensive.
LONGEVITY: 4/10. Moderate, about four hours.
SEASONS: Spring, summer, fall.
OCCASIONS: Formal events, outdoor gatherings, office, business, casual, romantic, dating. This is an office-friendly fragrance.
VERSATILITY: 7/10. This fragrance fits well on most occasions.
GENDER: Unisex with a soft tilt to the feminine side because of the floral tones.
AGES: Any.
RECOMMENDATION: The fragrance can be found discounted for under $60. For those looking for a unisex floral fragrance, this will be a good option. For those looking for a more masculine fragrance, this is not what you are looking for.
BLIND-BUY: No, sample it first.
SIMILAR: Here are examples of fragrances that fall in the same genre, but don’t necessarily smell like Le Jardin the Monsieur Li. Amouage Reflection Man's EDP is a great white flora, woody, and powdery fragrance; bond no. 9 Hamptons is a floral, citrus, and musk fragrance but its performance is not the best; Chanel Les Exclusifs De Chanel – Jersey EDP is floral, fresh spicy, vanilla, and musky fragrance, tilted to the feminine side but advertised as unisex; Creed Jardin D'Amalfi is a fantastic floral, fruity, spicy, and woody niche fragrance, with it comes with an impressive price-tag.
SUMMARY: A moderate projecting, kumquat, and jasmine fragrance with a minty touch. The fragrance feels airy, aromatic, dry, exotic, fine, formal, fresh, gentle, modern, natural, nicely blended, relaxing, unique, slightly more feminine than masculine, versatile, playful, diurnal, and pleasant.

sugarandchic

This perfume is subtle, but not silent.

It's the smell of raindrops on a lotus flower in the morning sun. You need to get closer to experience what it has to offer.

And when you do, it will be worth it. It's a soft-spoken, delicate green.

It smells like the lobby of the most luxurious hotel - where you see women in billowing, colorful silks heading to the spa and men in the finest tailored suits offering you a smile as they stride past to their meeting.

It's a perfume that exudes a quiet, refined and sophisticated confidence.

bintTapputi

This is a very mild, perfectly inoffensive and pleasant green scent. Very decent everyday spring time fragrance. Gotta say, the mint here is lovely. 5.5/10

pjspaceshit

Le Jardin de Monsieur Li isn't as original as others from this Hermès line, but it's still a wonderfully blended composition. The scent is dominated by the note of non-indolic green jasmine (it's probably the mint note, that gives it this twist) and a bittersweet citrus touch.

Initially the thought of mint in a fragrance didn't appeal to me at all, but fortunately this doesn't smell "minty", if you know, what I mean - no peppermint chewing gum vibes here. The mint note is not really prominent by itself, it just rounds and softens up the jasmine, which makes it likeable even for those, who are not fans of the classic jasmine in fragrances.

I have to say, that NO ONE DOES CITRUSES LIKE HERMÈS. I have a soft spot especially for Jean-Claude Ellena and this gorgeous line. One day I'd love to purchase full bottles of all the Jardins, display them on my vanity and smell like heaven for the rest of my life.

MarianB

Fresh and feminine scent. I get bamboo but that note isn't mentioned. Very pleasant, non offensive summer fragrance. Like it a lot.

stacia79

Lightly sweet, refreshing floral. Transparent like a watercolor painting. I feel this was made for a quiet, contemplative, intellectual and introverted person.

Coquita

I'm trying this on during a warm pre-spring afternoon (15ºC or so). On my skin, it opens with a HUGE blast of kumquat that slowly fades to a white-flowery scent (could be anything, it's very green and not jasmine-y) that's complemented with spearmint.
Everything about this EdT screams "moderate": sillage, longevity, likeability, etc. I very much LIKE it and totally see it as a go-to when you don't know what to use (the typical, nice no-brainer), but this would never be a fragrance I pick voluntarily like "Oh! I'm in the mood for this". It's just too average. Now, if you like soft, nice, girly scents, this is totally for you.

6/10

sistercurare

I love the Jardin series, but similarly to Jo Malone's they lack longevity.
This one is sweet, zesty and fresh

I bought a bottle for 40 euros and have refilled my dispensers several times.
reapplying is necessary throughout the day

marcel2782

Here the central fruit is Kumquat, an exotic alternative to orange. Citrus yes (there is acidity), sweet yes (there is sweetness of the fruit - but I don't know how it was achieved - if with amber, vanilla or whatever the hell), and flowers yes - there is something beautifully floral surrounding Kumquat. Honestly, I don't feel the mint - if there is any, it disappears when it competes with the Kumquat peel on the nose. Anyway: citrus orange (kumquat) and very good, flowery sweet. Intimate to satisfying performance.

LightOfJoy

My husband and I were both fortunate to take a day trip to Monaco. Wearing this fragrance reminds us of that day, which was filled with warm sunshine, walking through gardens and peering across the breezy bluffs. It's light, warm, natural, zesty, and unisex.

yerushalayim

my second love from jardin series. first one is nil. They are so similar. nil is more green, citrus, fruity, musky. this one is citrus around jasmine. so clean. no risk to buy it.

eaudemale

Sharp, floral, zesty, a bit minty but not too much. Very feminine, absolutely not for a guy. Reminds me of L'extravagance de Amarige but WAY less complex.

velhacega

This fragrance smells like how the bottle looks.
An excellent rendition of tangerine peel. Good ingredients, with modest sillage.
Requires many sprays to project better, but it's a very pleasing and comforting scent for both genders.

待我撕开半里这晨昏的乾坤

淡雅到闻不出什么味道,没什么记忆点,可能真的需要买支试管细细品吧

alicemorrigan

I adore the simplicity of this. Clean and fresh, it reminds me of sunny days and happier times. It's another been-there-done-that I suppose, but this is the first fragrance that I, who was averse to wearing perfume, feel comfortable of smelling and wearing.

It reminds me of a special memory of mine: back in the day, both of my parents worked so I stayed with my babysitter most of the time. She came from a village. When we were eating king oranges she taught me that if you want to smell like oranges, you could squish the peels in such way that the water inside sprays onto you. It doesn't smell the exact same, of course, but Le Jardin de Monsieur Li makes me recall that.

muahah

Clean, bright, refreshing, zesty, inoffensive. Somewhat dry-powdery. Almost soapy. Notes are quite blended, they are there, but can't really point at one. Unisex, but in my opinion rather on masculine side. For some reason I get association with city, metro, movement, modern people in oversize wool coats. Spring, summer, also possibly autumn. Youthful yet elegant enough. Age ~25+.

faramarz

it claims its a unisex perfume but i believe its more of a feminine one. jasmine & fruity scents here are too heavy for a man's fragrance in my opinion.
btw, it smells really fresh and lovely in the spring & summer and even early autumn BUT i prefer it on my girlfriend not on me.

abdullah_ali

it really simple you will get Kumquat in opening after that Jasmine, Jasmine and Jasmine it's refreshing clean
it not my favorite but if you like Jasmine try this fragrance

dcjimr

I got a sample of this and Un Jardin en Mediterranee but the lady failed to mark which was which. I sprayed one of them on this morning, using the whole sample, and walked to the metro. A beautiful mint kept wafting up to my nose. I checked the notes on Fragrantica and realized what I was wearing must be Monsieur Li. It’s an amazing scent of soft citrus and mint, but I’m not detecting the jasmine as much on me. Two hours later, it’s almost completely gone. I love it, but there are many other fragrances I’d rather spend my money on that last longer. I’ll revisit purchasing a full bottle in spring.

Aland2020

This is the closest thing I have to a signature scent. With just three notes listed, this is one of the most unique fragrances I’ve ever smelled. I can smell the mint most prominently, the other two are a bit nondescript. I definitely get a fresh floral scent. If there’s fruit it’s natural, like it’s still hanging on the tree/vine unplucked. This smells like you’re in a garden after it has rained, and you’re sitting right next to a bed of mint. It’s gorgeous. I get about 4-5 hours of good longevity and sillage, after that it depends on how heavy my application has been that day.

I do tend to go pretty heavy on this one, but you don’t need to for it to preform better than you would expect. When I spray this I find my nose glued to myself for at least the first 30-60 minutes. And I can’t take a look at that bottle whose color radiates like sunshine without opening the cap and smelling it so eagerly the scent stays under my nose for a bit after.

12345

One of few scents that strike a resinous wave with my energy. Instantly aligned when wearing this.

flyergirl❤️perfumes

This is definitely summer perfume which is not similar like D&G Light Blue or etc..This is standing next to the Armani Aqua Di Gioia side because of minty freshness.This perfume is so subtle and delicate and dont know why first stage is a little bit powdery.This is given by my elder sister.She said it was mistakenly purchased instead of Le Jardin Sur Le Nil.IMO this is better & so glad to finish it.Time to wear DKNY be delicious for me ;)!

da7

Unique, Fresh, and changes a lot.
A masterpiece !

SundayGirl07

This smells a lot like Finesse shampoo to me. I feel like if you like that shampoo smell then you'll like this.

churinl

I have been going through a lot of my decants and minis lately, trying to move past the old faithfuls I seem to reach for over and over. I have a mini of Monsieur Li, along with a few others from the Jardin series. When I first tried this, I was a bit disappointed. It barely registered on my skin and what I smelled was too sour for me to find enjoyable. Sur le Toit was my favorite of the bunch and I now own a FB of that one. I tried ML today with an open mind, first dabbing some on the back of my hand, then decanting a bit into an atomizer to spray it on. Spraying does make a difference. This is still not a love, but I am really enjoying it! I can't wait to give it a go when the weather gets very hot. It's almost aquatic and ever so slightly floral from the jasmine. I think this is one instance where a heavier hand might make it come alive even more, unlike Sur le Toit, which became very cloying when I zealously sprayed it on when I first received it. This has the potential to be full bottle worthy for me. It is simple and elegant, a white cotton sundress on a hot summer day. So glad I gave it another chance!

Tamago37

I love this one because I detect whiffs of it throughout the day without it being the only thing I can smell! Very soft and breezy, like a cool and cloudy day in late spring. Fresh without being Lemon Pledgy. Two thumbs up!

Jabarakvlt

Impact
The spray starts exactly like a child’s bottle of bubbles, and is eye watering.
Instant sugared gummy candy, orange and lemon.
Gummy zest, getting soapy...

Wearability?
Not for me at all.
Greens, white floral, and mild musk will complement the bitter, somewhat delicious and sometimes sugary citrus notes.
The dry down on me begins to blend these notes into a sort of hay backbone.
A scorched vanilla, or aged oak, note emerges reminding me of my grandmothers homemade lemon meringue pie.
Delicious but I’m not a gourmand fan, not a typical one anyway.
The citrus begins to lessen and soap, like bubbles, dish soap takes over as well as sort of a corn husk note.
Basically it begs the question when and where would anyone want to express themselves in this scent, except perhaps, in a surrealist dinner party.
Part of this scent is almost begging to get dirty, to change, to emerge as a mature yet playful scent. Unfortunately, it just remains dark yellow.
Not very wearable, maybe to a farm, or fields of dandelion.
The cardamom comes through as a banana candy, and the remaining green stalk note can’t mature the cardamom to a toasted spice.

Bottom line
Projection is good albeit questionable as to why? Silliage is good, strange, not very balanced. Longevity is unfortunately decent.
Scent overall, this is not a fully realized scent, at least on my skin.
I wouldn’t blind buy, because it’s not sunshine in a bottle like others might suggest.
I could actually see this layered with a churchy floral incense fragrance.
On my skin this scent wants to express a somber feeling but remains too gourmand yet earthy, like you dropped lemon curd on farmed dirt.

masako_30

For work I deal with a sort of emergency escape routes projects, which is a whole saying in terms of perfumes as well.
This beautiful escape is not far behind, certainly it is ephemeral, just a break from everyday life. A saving pause that puts me back on track.
I'd like to advise someone still hesitant or doubtful (if any) to try it, and even suggest to myself to wear 'Monsieur Li' a little more than I already do.

rebred

Super fresh, clean, happy smelling scent. It has a bright, green quality to it, softened with white florals. I love this perfume for the summer, but wish it was a little more intense. I feel like I need to bathe in it. It's a great scent for daytime in summer and spring.

marinaw90

Love at first sniff. Really. It is my favourite from the Hermes Jardin line (and I find Sur Le Nil gorgeous!). But this is just amazing. It is SO relaxing. It is taking a nap under a tree with the fragrant scents of fruit and flowers lightly drifting by. The blend of citrus is incredible how it isn't screechy at all.

zrania

I cannot recommend this scent enough if you're looking for a green scent evoking fresh gardens. This is so clean, so inviting, refreshing like lemon in sparkling water. Unisex but I'd lean feminine on this.

Art

Zen-Like fragrance “Le Jardin De Monsieur Li” is the true power of illusion!

Hermés “Le Jardin De Monsieur Li” never been on my wish list after I saw some of reviews about this fragrance from some YouTuber. Anyway I just got it after Un Jardin Sur Le Nil are out of stock, so I ordered “Monsieur Li” instead, and result is shocking!
In my opinion this is the best of Jardin line and it full of story telling in the scent. This fragrance open with the citrus (orange) not sharp and not sweet, but kind of smooth orange, this is the best orange note I have found so far in perfumery world! The orange mixed seamlessly with jasmine (maybe Asian Sambac Jasmine, it fresh and cooler than western jasmines) also found heavenly green note in it just like a fresh green orange peel or something like green bamboo leaf. Anyway the most shocking me for this fragrance is the wet and earthy note behind the background! It smell like ponds and mossy rocks(in a good way).. and this is not the first time that Mr. Ellena shocking me with the realistic earthy scent, because once he has been created something like this for Terre D’ Hermès .
The earthy note in this fragrance is a bit of different because it not a kind of dry earthy soil but wet! Yes. This fragrance has wet earthy as the background this is a truly artistic creation! If you love the Jardin line please give it a chance to try. Believe me the scent has more notes than the pyramid note showing you, the main note is minimalism, but the back ground has something complicated behind, and you can feel it.

Scent: 10/10 (This is the real power of illusion in perfumery world)

Versatility: 10/10 (This is so natural scent and light, you can wearing it anywhere and anytime, formal, casual, all season all occasions)

Silage: 4/10 ( Don’t talk about silage after 30 minutes)

Longevity : 6/10 (It skin scent and It last 4-6 hours on my skin)

No doubt why Mr. Jean-Claude Ellena is the god among the master perfumer, because he is a real artist and talent! Oh my god I hope he back in perfumery world again...

With love in Jean-Claude Ellena

chrisk252

Very fresh, refreshing, ethereal scent but not in a sharp citrusy way. Like a walk through a fresh garden after the rain.

UPDATE: 5/9/2022 Revisiting after about a year. Very relaxing, refreshing, soft scent with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for Spring is what comes to mind, but also great for warm, relaxing summer days. Very nice.

Scent: 8 / Sillage: 7 / Longevity: 6

kastehelmi

Le Jardin de Monsieur Li has an impressive kumquat note. It is so very sheer though, and all of the sheer notes together open in a bracing way that makes me think just a little bit of a disinfectant. Perhaps a pleasant high end organic disinfectant, but the combo of bitter and soapy has its associations. I can pick out the jasmine slightly, it is a thin white note that brings a soapiness to the heart, blending with the bitter kumquat peel. Something mint-like permeates it all. A few leaves freshly picked on the hot summer day. Smelling thoroughly masculine, made for men's cologne. The bitterness of kumquat pip and peel doesn't go away, but when this stops smelling citrusy to me, the bitterness smells more like cedar shavings. This is my least favorite Jardin. I will stick with the refreshing green mango of Un Jardin sur Le Nil and the juicy,lemony fig of Un Jardin en Mediterranée.

Bubbles1964

I’ve never met a Hermes Le Jardin scent that I didn’t like, and Le Monsieur Li is no exception; mostly kumquat with a quieter, white floral. It has that fresh green aroma, but this time you’re walking in an Asian garden. If mint is here it’s with a light touch. Typical Ellena performance (2 hours max). File it under unisex, for spring and summer.

phongbach

I don't get how people say this is feminine. All I get is kumquat + men cologne which is a bit too sharp for my liking. It smells really good though.

justfloral

Kumquat (rind and flesh) + angelica? (or another umbellifer) + anise + trace of mimosa, acacia? (sweetness of suntan lotion).

There is a distinct sunny, "plasticky" anise-angelica-mimosa note to it. I've found similar note in Daylight by Sabatini (or even in Kenzo Summer).


Very nice, yellow fragrance. Oasis de Fleurs by Rituals is a sharper, less creamy version of it.

[email protected]

Clean, simple and sophisticated. I get Jasmine and citrus. Great sillage and longevity and just one day wearing it got at least 20 compliments. Very fresh so could be for day but also subtle and sophisticated with the jasmine giving it that touch that could be worn at night. Def. like entering a fresh blooming garden in early spring. I adore this scent and would not be without it. To me it embodies what can be done with a few simple notes combined in just the right fashion(it also works wonderfully with my chemistry). People love the feminine but not *overly* feminine aspect of it and it seems to evoke different memories and emotions in different people. Love this!

zhiang0113

Sharp, sweet top notes - like honeyed kumquat but with its green aspects enhanced. Dries down into a clean, non-indolic elegant jasmine scent. Great for swelteringly hot days.

Edit: I feel that this is a graceful, delicate, rather feminine scent. Great to wear when you feel pretty, but I wish it were more full-bodied, probably because of the lack of base notes.

pauroj

it is very fruity , almost too sweet at the beginning but it disipates quickly leaving behind a mild floral with the tiniest hint of dough smell

it is ok better for hot days , it would be quite safe for office and beachy days , besides that there is really nothing i can add it is quite linear and simple , meh

a00000k

On the test strip there was a gorgeous subtle jasmine scent that unfortunately I can't detect on my skin. I found the scent to initially be sickly sweet with a strong melon (calone?) smell, but fortunately this only lasts about 20 min, when it pares back to a citrus/floral/slightly spicy skin scent. Monsieur Li performs best in hot (30 deg) humid weather. I applied it at 11am, and by mid afternoon, I felt like I had spent the day on the beach, like I was wearing the remnants of a really nice suntan lotion. By evening, it seemed to become a little spicier, reminding me of some kind of really nice smelling mosquito repellent. This might not sound too appealing, but to me it really epitomises summer in the tropics. I think this will be my go-to fragrance for hot beach days this summer. Also, I could still smell it on my outer arm (perfume disappears on my wrist)the next morning, even after showering.

EDIT as the weather warms up, I am liking this more and more. Other than the sweet opening, this wears like a well blended aquatic on me. The yellow bottle is misleading, to me it should be light aqua colour, as the fragrance is quite cool.

elibal

No, it is not unisex, it is feminine perfume. For me white flowers dominate, not the citrus. A very good scent, but not something exclusive for the high price you pay.

1stclass

My favourite from the jardin collection.
Sparkling sweet greens.
I wear this when the weather is hot.

vkmcewen

This is my first Hermes fragrance-found in a duty free shop at the airport. It's quite lovely and will be my go-to scent for hot days and when I need something a little lighter/safer/classy. It reminds me of a (much higher quality) Bath & Body Works Gingham. That was one of their first fragrances that I can't even find in the database. I loved that one years ago, hadn't even thought of it until I smelled this Hermes, and am thrilled to find something that vaguely resembles a classier grown-up version.

chinook

Monsieur Li opens up with realistic kumquat and herbs. The herbs don’t smell distinctively like mint. On Sephora, bamboo is listed in the notes, and I think that’s more descriptive of the herbal note. The coolness of the herbs combines with citrus to give an impression of leather. Jasmine is hidden away. Monsieur Li doesn’t remind me of an imaginary garden, but of a smartly dressed young man (I’m in love). The notes stay true throughout the wear. Moderate projection.

peppermoon

On the opening, I get a fresh but not tart kumquat note, which smells like someone crossed a mandarin orange with a yellow bell pepper. There's definitely mint (mild, cooling, not sharp), a note that's like white pepper, a dusty tea sort of note, and a diffusive white floral that doesn't smell specifically like jasmnine. The bright kumquat topnotes fade quickly. I thought this would be a more watery or juicy scent, but to my surprise there's a fuzzy nose texture. It's more abstract and blended than the others in the line. It's my least favorite from the Jardin Series. Mildly sweet. Ok. Not for me. It fails to spark my imagination.

c.davis

As a Man I'm surprised with this unisex one. Simple, Fresh Fresh, Fresh, This stuff gets notice, compliments by all. I had a woman text me the next day after a night at a bar asking what scent it was and that it was still on her clothes.

spinderella

Today is a ridiculous hot day, so I decided to add some Mr. Li to make it bearable. This is a very beautiful soft, fresh fragrance that is not boring. I put on a lot of it this morning and now, late in the evening I still can smell it. Soft, but still there. Lovely. My favourite in the jardin-series.

BadDucky

To me Le Jardin de Monsieur Li smells like Chanel's Cristalle done right!

rjf

A pleasant enough tangerine, light floral.

scarlet.carsons

You may need to reapply this after couple of hours on hot summer days. This one is soft, pure, pleasing and lovely to me and yes, reminding so well of my grandpa's old garden. I can recognize jasmine clearly, a breeze of coolness - must have been the mint note and a clean, fresh hint of kumquat juice (pretty sure about it, since I'm too familiar with kumquats in my country). If you look for peace in the middle of nature, this should help you mingle well <3

Londonchick

Unique, aquatic and beautiful.
This is a sweet, (but not sickeningly so) refreshing melony aquatic dream.
Very comforting yet not generic in any way.
The unusual cumquat note makes it individual.
You can afford to be generous with spritzing this one as it’s fairly delicate.
Very good composition 4 /5

Lille Rosse

Sunshine in a bottle. It is how Le Jardin de Monsieur Li smells to me.

It is so clean and innocent. I usually dislike all kinds of citrus dominated fragrances, because I don't like smelling sour, but LJDML is a different story. The sourness of this turns into a very clean and sophisticated skin scent. You simply feel and smell so fresh and gorgeous so effortlessly.

Love the body products as well. Haven't felt that happy after a morning shower since Gucci Envy got discontinued.

muge

Just three notes tells you all. Pure simplicity. Defines a japanese garden. Pure clean elegant skin smell. Fresh citruses on a mildly base. It is my summer time scent now resting in my wardrobe waiting for summer

Cajou

I've been flirting with this scent for quite a while now. Being a fan of the Jardin line, I've found this one a bit boring when I first tried it (my favorite is Sur le Toit). With time I came to appreciate its particular character. It might the most shy of the Jardins, but it's also the most delicate, feminine and comforting. It might be a white floral, but it has personality!

I personally can't get much of the citrus, which is a pity, I love citrusy fragrances. But it does add a lightness, for sure. I get a looot of jasmin and basicly no mint. But no, it's not pure jasmin, let's say it's very well blended, with the flower being prominent.

I would use it as a everyday scent, it doesn't have much sillage (thank god!), it's office safe and yeah, it can be wore all year round, thought it's more the face of spring.

artificiosa

In my mind "Le Jardin De Monsieur Li" is quintessence of spring! Ethereal, crisp and like a breeze of fresh air!

Although it is linear,and has a weak sillage, for me it is very uplifting and even inspiring, simply beautiful perfume.

yantestrs

This is nice. I like this. It's a flower garden in the sun with bees and butterflies. It lasts only a few hours. It dries down to a single floral note that stays close to the skin. Try a sample. Great for a winter mood boost.

PricklyAndHot

Only the first three fragrances were interesting from this line. Another simple mess(

parfumparfan

All the Jardin scents are worth a sniff, maybe even a decant/sample and this is no exception. This one unfortunately doesn't last past 2-3 hours on me.
It starts out quite floral and I get some anise! It reminds me of chrysanthemum and chamomile tea. It's a very unconventional fragrance note, and I think it absolutely works as an interpretation of an Asian-inspired garden.
This one unlike the others, does have a bit of a soapy dry down, so if you're not a fan of soapy notes this might not be for you. I don't mind it and I think I prefer the dry down of this one.
It's not my favorite of the line but really worth a sniff. Its main cons are that it doesn't last long and it's not a very inviting scent. I don't imagine people will be clamoring to know what you're wearing but it'll make them do a double take because it's such a creative fragrance.
It's very feminine in my opinion unlike the rest of the line which tends to be unisex. It smells perfumey as well, while the others are more natural.
This would be perfect for fall since it's not fresh and not too spicy.

winterchirp

Ahhhh, how I love the kumquat smell and I'm also getting some white floral.

This smells very good although I get an initial brief headache on first spray for some reason.

There's not much thought to purchase because it fades very fast on me. I am on my 3rd spray this morning but will leave on all day to see if something happens.

Lishypants

Amazing citrus scent thats 90% Kumquat with sweet and sour perfectly balenced.

I love the whole hermes jardin line, but this and Med are my favourites, but very difforent. I also layer this quite a bit to give other fragrances a summer zing.

Other than fresh fruity kumquat i also pick up green leaves, jasmine and a bit of neirol but no mint.

As it dries the sour settels down and it gets a buttery kumquat curd/custard vibe. Fairly stable scent that does not morph very much over the 4 hour wear time.
⛤⛤⛤⛤⛤

miajoycat

This is my all time favorite parfum. It’s blended beautifully and masterfully but sadly it doesn’t last very long on me. The only time I get compliments on this fragrance is when I hug someone.
The blend is jasmine, citrus, floral although I don’t know specifically what is in this blend, what I do know is that I am in love with this. Because this doesn’t last long in me, I layer by using the shower gel and body moisturizer to get the full effect.
I would say this is my current signature scent but Twilly by Hermes might be in the lead.
Personally, I think Le Jardin should be used for spring summer, but when I want to be uplifted and happy, I take a spritz which puts and immediate smile on my face.

vgedin

This is such exquisite beauty; whoever said that thing about simplicity being the epitome of elegance was very right. Sure, the notes here are quite simple and this perfume doesn't develop on the skin in layers. Nor does it offer the kind of depth that we have come to expect from an Hermes.

However, this perfume is lesson in masterful blending. The complexity here lies in the fact that you can't quite differentiate the sweet freshness from the citrus tang. As a result, Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is so beautifully uplifting, and just.. happy! I am someone who is very careful in buying perfumes that cost anything more than £40. This one I was drawn to like a moth to a flame as soon as I caught the first whiff.

If optimism had a scent, this would be it. I'm in love <3

(Also, one of the most long lasting citrus fragrances out there; on me it lasts a minimum of 8 hours. Projection is moderate)

luxe_aura

I like it but I wish to love it. Its a clean, simple, elegant citrus. Pretty light in terms of longevity and sillage. I wish it were more to it because that first spray is awesome... but it gets lost on me way too soon. Refreshing to say the least!

Cauda Pavonis

A pretty little, lightweight (in every sense) floral. An easy-going aquatic jasmine; likeable but forgettable. A green and watery jasmine with note of the laundromat. A muted fragrance - not faded but restrained and quiet, not drawing attention to itself. Reminds me a lot of Japanese fragrances, which tend to have this quality. Weirdly headache inducing considering. An excellent pick for the office (though perhaps not much else).

Edit: I just realized what this reminds me so much of... Jennifer Lopez's Still! Not the opening with it's tart citrus but once you're in the dry-down it's very close. This is what I wrote for Still:

"A sharp, green, laundry-like floral. Very white and ozonic. Has a fairly pronounced synthetic quality but that's not necessarily a bad thing, it's more a part of it's personality. Cool and detached; almost aggressively modern."

Not bad for a $20 cheapie but one expects better from Hermes and Mr. Ellena.

Lom

It reminds me of Cabotine, with that extra Hermes ingredient that adds luxury to its fragrances. Too sweet, too cloying, unpleasant.

Michelle12345678

I like this, but it is neither interesting enough nor long-lasting enough to buy.

N30

As a scent it starts with citrus and ends in white florals. Unfortunately thats all there is to it. Its way more feminine than masculine. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my bottle.

osy2017

Amazing! I love this one. Very long lasting on me. The opening is a very nice citrus, that transforms itself while warming up. After citrus calms down has a very nice and very real hunny smell, very interesting, although not mentioned in the notes.

Mirella86

This is a very delicate and elegant citrus smell, not sharp, not sour. It is my favorite from the Jardin collection. Works well on hot weather, but I also wear it in spring. it really makes me think of a garden in the far east. I don't think it's unisex, the sweet notes are too strong for that

Siv7Stars

This is very fleeting. The top notes are quite bitter and then a very fresh moist jasmine like it's just picked from a garden, which is lovely, it's the kind of jasmine I want but this is so light and fades so fast I probably won't buy it.

no-fi

Monsieur Li is the simplest of Jean-Claude Ellena's Jardin scents for Hermes, and one of the best. In essence, it's a citrus floral with a green, aromatic twist. It opens with kumquat - sort of like a sour orange - and a nice dose of mint that is herbal and fresh, but not too bracing or clean. Jasmine adds a creamy floral twist and just a touch of indoles, which accentuates the sourness of the kumquat.

The overall effect, like much of JC's work, is a sort of hazy brightness, as though smelling a good cologne through an Instagram filter. Not nearly as wonderful as Jardin Sur le Nil, it is nevertheless an excellent scent for lifting one's mood, no matter the time of year. Lovely.

 
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