The original Elizabeth Arden Green Tea fragrance, a citrus aromatic scent for women, was composed by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian in 1999. Its appeal lies in its harmonious blend of fresh and invigorating notes, which evolve from a vibrant top to a soft, tranquil base. While the overall ingredient list for a perfume is a trade secret, the fragrance notes are the aromatic components that define its character.
Deconstructing the Fragrance Pyramid
Fragrances are typically described using a pyramid structure, composed of top, middle (or heart), and base notes. These notes are perceived over time as the perfume dries down, revealing different layers of its composition. The original Elizabeth Arden Green Tea scent is built around this classic structure.
Top Notes: The Initial Burst of Freshness
The top notes are the first you smell and provide the initial, sparkling impression of the fragrance. For Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, these notes are bright, zesty, and minty, designed to be instantly uplifting.
- Lemon: A sharp, citrusy note that adds a clean and energetic feeling.
- Bergamot: A fragrant citrus fruit that contributes a spicy, elegant note.
- Mint: A cool, crisp aroma that provides a refreshing and invigorating sensation.
- Rhubarb: A tangy, tart, and slightly fruity note that adds a unique twist to the opening.
- Orange Peel: Adds a sweet, zesty quality that complements the other citrus notes.
Heart (Middle) Notes: The Core of the Scent
As the top notes fade, the heart notes emerge, creating the main body of the fragrance. The middle notes of Elizabeth Arden Green Tea introduce a gentle floral and subtly spicy accord.
- Jasmine: A classic floral note known for its sweet, rich, and intoxicating aroma.
- Carnation: Adds a spicy and clove-like floral nuance.
- Oakmoss: A grounding, earthy, and woody note that adds depth and classic chypre character.
- Fennel: Provides a slightly sweet and anise-like aromatic note.
- Musk: A clean, soft, and slightly powdery note that bridges the middle and base.
- White Amber: Offers a warm, slightly sweet, and resinous aroma.
Base Notes: The Lasting Impression
The base notes appear once the heart notes begin to dissipate, providing the long-lasting and grounding foundation of the perfume. These notes linger on the skin for hours and are what ultimately leave a lasting impression.
- Green Tea: The signature note, providing a clean, slightly bitter, and fresh aroma.
- Amber: Adds a warm, sweet, and comforting quality to the dry-down.
- Musk: Continues from the heart notes, lending a clean, skin-like warmth.
- Oakmoss: Another note that persists from the middle, adding a lasting earthy character.
- Celery Seeds: A surprising aromatic note that contributes a spicy, green facet.
- Caraway: Offers a slightly spicy and herbaceous scent.
- Cloves: Provides a warm, spicy, and inviting final touch.
Beyond the Scent: Other Formulation Ingredients
In addition to the core fragrance notes, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, like all perfumes, contains other components for stability and longevity. For example, a detailed list for the eau parfumée version includes:
- Alcohol Denat.: The primary solvent, which helps to disperse the fragrance.
- Aqua/Water/Eau: A simple solvent and base.
- Butylene Glycol: A solvent that helps to hold the scent together.
- Parfum (Fragrance): The proprietary blend of essential oils and synthetic compounds that create the scent.
- BHT: An antioxidant that prevents the scent from degrading over time.
- Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: The actual green tea extract for a subtle, natural aroma.
Green Tea vs. Its Flankers
Over the years, Elizabeth Arden has expanded the Green Tea line with numerous flanker fragrances. These variations offer unique twists while maintaining the original's core freshness. The original Green Tea is a complex, multi-layered scent, while a flanker like Green Tea Summer emphasizes different notes.
| Feature | Elizabeth Arden Green Tea (Original) | Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Summer |
|---|---|---|
| Key Scent Family | Citrus Aromatic | Aromatic |
| Top Notes | Lemon, Bergamot, Mint, Rhubarb, Orange Peel | Lemon, Tangerine, Black Currant |
| Middle Notes | Jasmine, Oakmoss, Fennel, Carnation | Cyclamen, Water Lily |
| Base Notes | Green Tea, Amber, Musk, Celery Seed | Sun-warmed amber, White Musk |
| Main Impression | Refreshing and tranquil | Fruity and floral |
The Legacy of a Perfume
The longevity and popularity of Elizabeth Arden Green Tea are a testament to its masterfully crafted composition. Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian created a scent that strikes a perfect balance between stimulating citrus and soothing aromatic accords, making it a versatile and timeless choice. The scent is both invigorating and calming, much like a cup of green tea itself, providing a sense of natural tranquility to the wearer. This simplicity and clarity have ensured its place as a fragrant icon for decades.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Elizabeth Arden Green Tea combine to form a classic aromatic citrus fragrance with layers of complexity. From the initial burst of bright citrus and cool mint to the warm, earthy, and spicy dry-down, the scent takes the wearer on a journey. The star of the show is the distinct green tea accord, supported by notes like jasmine, amber, and musk. This timeless blend of natural and sophisticated elements ensures the perfume remains a beloved choice for its refreshing and serene qualities. For a more detailed look into its notes, explore reliable fragrance databases like Fragrantica.
