Cartier Déclaration is An Exquisite Combination of Green Notes

A straightforward combination of three components — a bitter citrus leaf, piquant cardamom, and toasty cedar — resulting in an exquisite aroma of green earthiness with a hint of ethereal depth.

In 1998, Cartier introduced Déclaration, aligning it effectively with the prevailing aquatic trends. The fragrance included a heart of oriental notes, including pepper, ginger, and cardamom, complemented by a woody base and vibrant top notes of citrus fruits. The Cartier Déclaration has undergone multiple incarnations over the years — the citrus fragrant Essence in 2001, the woody-musk d’Un Soir in 2012, and the zesty-woodiness of Fraiche in 2018 — while the 2022 edition returns to its foundational elements.

Three-ingredient perfumes typically yield the most concentrated essence of each component in the smell. Consider it simply: while a scent consists of various elements, each typically exists in a percentage that fluctuates relative to the total volume of the bottle. This frequently results in the potency of specific chemicals becoming apparent, regardless of their position as top, heart, or base notes, and is, of course, contingent upon individual skin chemistry.

In Cartier Déclaration, each note—citrus leaf, cardamom, and cedar—equally prevails in this composition. The contrast between the freshness of citrus and its tangy bitterness, as well as the warmth of cedarwood and its heat. Even cardamom, though hot and pungent, can develop a sweetness if allowed time to mature.

Exuding sap from the cedar, complemented by the freshness of cardamom and the subtle delicacy of citrus leaves, the fragrance offers a "dirty yet refined" aroma, contingent upon suitable body chemistry.