Product Review: Tale Parfum

Disclosure: I was given this product in exchange for this post. All opinions here are my own.

As of last year, I became more interested in perfume by expanding my collection as well as my knowledge of this smelly juice. Designer vs niche, top to base notes, which season to wear which perfume – you name it, I’m trying to learn about it.

Recently, I was able to try Tale Parfum’s first fragrance, Water Me. Located in LA, Tale Parfum is niche, vegan, and cruelty free. They launched in December 2023, which made me all the more excited to be one of the first to wear their perfume.

When I held my package, I thought, “Damn, this is strong.” I was able to smell the fragrance through the parcel!

However, once I sprayed it on me, I noticed the scent was not as pungent.

According to the Tale site, the notes are as follows:

Top: Limestone, Dewed Leaf, Moss, Fresh Water

Mid: Cyclamen Root, Oxidized Petals

Base: Oak, Amber, Earth, Musk, Cedarwood

The first notes smell mossy and wet, which amazed me as I never deemed a perfume as smelling “wet” before. It doesn’t smell aquatic, like typical cologne, but more so like damp woods. It was the most photorealistic moss I’ve ever smelled in a fragrance. It also projected well, as someone else was able to smell it on me without standing too close (this was with one spray). This is a unisex, aromatic perfume that is almost minty.

Admittedly, I appreciate the fragrance more so after the top notes dissipate as it smells more crisp and fresh. The beauty is in the dry down: there, it becomes a refreshing and personal scent. I would label this as a cold scent, perfect for spring and summer. Niche perfume collectors will most likely appreciate this fragrance and the nuances involved in the development of the scent throughout the hours of wear. For those looking for a sexy date night perfume that is mass appealing, this is not for you.

Water Me is currently retailing for $185 for the 50 ml size and comes with a sample for those to try before using the full size. I would not label this as a safe blind buy – I highly recommend trying before buying. Samples can also be purchased for $8. I was gifted the 10 ml travel size, which retails for $65. The packaging is sleek and minimalistic, which is my type of style.

Tale Parfum will be releasing two new fragrances this year: Rouse and Fleurt. The latter is available next week while the former’s availability is March.

Rouse (which isn’t vegan due to one product but is cruelty free) appears to be fruity floral with an edge.

Top: Dark Raspberry, Rose Otto

Mid: Roasted Espresso, Jasmine Grandiflorium

Base: Vetiver, Oud, Leather, Skin, Honeyed Hay

Judging by its notes, Fleurt seems to be a fruity gourmand.

Top: Melon, Peach, Pink Peppercorn, Pink Grapefruit

Mid: Cotton Candy, Fresh Cut Wildflowers

Base: Sweetened Condensed Milk, Musk, Vanilla Bean

Tale Parfum also sells candles. Visit taleparfum.com.