This is a joint review of the last five Stronger With You flankers (2020-2024). Cécile Matton keeps composing flankers that are mass-appealing, but also have enough character to strike my fancy. Not every scent must pose a challenge; sometimes I want to wear a simple one.
What are some characteristics of the line? Other than sweet, creamy vanilla, Cécile often utilizes elemi, lavender and chestnut. Elemi and lavender provide spicy airiness, elevating the scent and balancing sweetness. Chestnut complements vanilla, bringing earthy nutiness, which is arguably the most appealing aspect.
It's no surprise that the most complex release is my favorite. Vanilla is accompanied by a more resinous base, making it aromatic. The opening is spicy, which is a proper treat for my spoiled brat of a nose. Then there's also earthiness of chestnut.
Tobacco and pimento are the real stars of the show. I can pick up peppery spiciness of pimento, as red as the bottle. What's even better, tobacco actually has some development here, which is unusual for a designer. It starts out green and slightly bitter, almost leaf-like, then dries down to designery cherry-like pipe tobacco.
I'm honestly surprised by the creativity. Where Herod is more polished, Emporio Armani - Stronger With You Tobacco is way more playful. There's an argument to owning both if you like sweet tobacco perfumes. The former for going out and/or special occasions, the latter for casual daily wear.
While nowhere near as complex as the tobacco flanker, quality of this blend is decent. It's mixed so well that I have to say there are no rough edges. I prefer multifaceted scents, but I can't deny that there's beauty in simplicity.
Using lavender as a top note gives it more of a fresh twist. It's green and a bit soapy, which goes well with resinous heart and creamy sweetness in the drydown. It lacks complexity for my taste, but look no further if you want something sweeter.
My least favorite from the line, but that's my subjective opinion. The oud accord has a strong medicinal smell. In my head, I associate this kind of sickly sweetness with Lattafa (low quality).
It's not unpleasant, but sadly I can't help it. I dislike fake oud, and medicinal ones are the worst offenders. If you don't mind the sweet smell of bandages, this could be a good flanker for you. There's a woodier base, which works well with creamy vanilla.
The problem child of the line. Cécile had the right idea; bergamot to elevate rum in the opening, davana and lavender in the heart to introduce greener notes, so that chestnut and vanilla don't become too unbearable.
Well, the plan has failed successfully. This will obliterate your nostrils. It's incredibly boozy and almost too sweet. I've been wearing it for a year and always wait for cold temperatures before putting it on.
As if it wasn't strong enough, there's some Iso E Super and patchouli in the base, making it stick to your skin like glue. If you enjoy boozy gourmands, this might be right up your alley. Masculine leaning, because it's loud and unapologetic.
Gorgeous, but too one-dimensional for my taste. Lavender fades away quickly, then it's creamy sweetness of chestnut and vanilla for the rest of the wear. It's clean and unisex, so there's that.
It's not too leathery - think of leather as a creamier supporting base for the vanilla. With some woodiness in the mix, this flanker might be worth the chase if you like creamy gourmands, but can't stomach medicinal oud.
