I'm just tuning into the house of By Kilian now, at the supposed end of the L’Oeuvre Noire series, with Sweet Redemption. I had heard a lot about this house being on the strong side, and seeing that I like bold and somewhat outrageous smelling fragrances, I find that this house, and this fragrance in particular, suit my personal tastes.
Sweet Redemption is either a love it or hate it. I personally adore it, however I have had many repeated wearings, over which time the scent has grown on me. It opens with a deliciously zesty and juicy mandarin orange, slightly sweet but also very natural. Once settled, Sweet Redemption has a somewhat medicinal accord, slightly antiseptic but strangely likable.
The scent becomes darker and richer as the fragrance progresses. My nose seems to detect a hint of creamy benzoin, chocolate, vanilla icecream and smoky myrrh. Honestly, it is a bit of a gourmand experience, especially with all the vanillary and orangey sweetness.
The base is quite sexy, with the myrrh, incense and opoponax creating something quite animalistic and gritty. I've been game enough to wear this to quite a few social gatherings, where men in particular have gone bananas over the drydown of this fragrance on my skin. It is unisex after all, and although sweet, I wouldn't call Sweet Redemption entirely feminine.
This fragrance clings to fabric so well, that I can smell it on my coats and jumpers for days. The longevity is of course, very impressive, as is the sillage, which could knock someone out if applied too heavily. All in all, I'm impressed.
