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RaniJuli
8
Of woods, herbs and bazaar dreams
"Cuirs" by Carner was actually love at first sniff for me!
I had sniffed my way through the portfolio a bit before.
The LatinLover left me completely cold (despite the hot name).
The highly praised Tardes liked me in principle very well but reminded me too much of my beloved Almond skincare line from L'Occitane to consider investing in an additional perfume.
And with Rima XI, I vacillated between intrigued ever-again sniff and know-me-from-the-high-end-drugstore segment.
And then - when I had almost shelved Carner Barcelona for me - the encounter with "Cuirs". In advance I must say: it is for my nose and despite the many listed notes not a very complex fragrance. I perceive little "depth" over the entire course, but a very pleasant warmth. And: "Cuirs" has simply a tremendous presence!
I would absolutely confirm the similarity with "Black Afghano"!
Although this Carner composition is perhaps not quite as finely composed and tuned as Nasomatto's olfactory Nulklear explosion, I like it better for everyday wear...because it accompanies me more quietly yet noticeably, rather than loudly screaming for attention.
But now to the fragrance itself:
As I said - "Cuirs"' strength lies for me not in the area of high complexity or refined composition. The scent progression is relatively linear on my skin. I perceive from the beginning a very present oud note, a lot of spices - and a (pleasant!) Cannabis note.
And this melange has for me virtually a teleporting effect - because it evokes in my mind's eye the image of another, very nice travel memory. That of the bazaar, or more correctly, the huge and rambling souk, of Marrakech. One of my favorite travel places....
I can see myself strolling through the narrow alleyways with their 1000's of tiny shops, hawking all manner of colourful & glittering things. From the finest leather work, beautifully chased lamps and shiny silver teapots, syrup-dripping delicious sweets with nuts and dried fruits - to "pharmacies" that sell herbs, dried flowers and oils against all the ills of the world (and also promise their customers a little magic). The scents of all these shops mingle with the spicy smoke of the barbecue fires lit every evening on the nearby main square - the Djemaa el Fna - and with the equally smoky notes wafting down the narrow alley from the cosy roof terrace of a backpacker hostel
I smell this blend - and for one precious moment, I feel both safe and free!
Aren't we all scent-crazy for this very reason?
Because nothing puts you in a certain place or mood as immediately as a fragrance memory you thought you'd forgotten?
Thank you, Carner Barcelona - for this wonderful little escape from everyday life with "Cuirs"!