Wood Mystique Estēe Lauder 2011

Every year, the question about my birthday wish arises, followed by the statement: "It's really difficult to gift you a fragrance."

You can hardly believe it, but this problem existed even before Parfumo, as my collection has been quite extensive for a long time. Only the expectations for new additions have somewhat increased during my time here.

So that my husband doesn't show up empty-handed on my special day, we once again visited the perfumery I trust yesterday.

In the running were Wood Mystique by Lauder and Tardes by Carner (the latter was preferred by my husband).

As soon as I applied Wood Mystique, I was completely smitten!

I had expected another typical Oud creation, like many brands currently offer, but this Lauder behaved very differently.

The fragrance started on my skin with a spicy-fine soapy note, which I hadn't anticipated. However, I tried to keep my growing enthusiasm in check, as the last Lauder fragrances weren't to my taste, and behind a beautiful top note, as we all know, a lot of dreadful things can hide.

It then smoothly transitioned into the heart note. Here, a very elegant floral accord was created. To my surprise, the fragrance did not become cloying or sweet here either, but retained the fine soap from the top note as a counterpoint to the flowers. However, I wasn't ready to throw my doubts overboard just yet, so I spent the entire afternoon with it on my wrist, making sure not to miss any fragrance note.

The Oud note, praised by the saleswoman, was truly embedded in an elegant-spicy base note, thus clearing away any last doubts.

After about three hours, my wish was clear. It had to be the Lauder, and hopefully, it will be.

The longevity was, as with all fragrances from this brand, outstanding. The sillage was pleasant and emphasized the fine character of the perfumes.

I was quite surprised by the price of Wood Mystique! At €160.00 for 100 ml EdP, I wouldn't have expected that from Lauder. Apparently, they want to bring the image to the same level as their in-house line Tom Ford and also penetrate the high-end segment.

If I don't receive the fragrance for my birthday, I will treat myself to it! Until then, it's a waiting game.

Addendum: I don't have to buy it myself; I just unpacked it. :D