It seems to be a privilege of niche brands to explore boundaries, to push a fragrance direction to the extreme, and to deliver uncompromising quality. Sandalo is a niche scent in the best sense. It moves into a fragrance direction dominated by a few Guerlain scents: Jicky and Mouchoir de Monsieur.
Thus, the designation "Sandalo" is not even half the truth. It starts with a medicinal note. At first, one does not know where the scent is headed. But quickly, two essential aspects become clear: an immense powderiness and a note that I perceive as cinnamon-like. Rose and lavender remain in the background, providing a solid elegance. Labdanum may contribute a certain resinous quality, as well as some volume, perhaps along with the musk, which does not stand out too much.
Does the powderiness come from an iris not specified here? Or can such a thing also be an effect of sandalwood? Sandalwood is included in so many perfumes that use woods. Nevertheless, it is by no means as pronounced as, for example, cedarwood. And although I have tested so many perfumes with sandalwood, I still lack a clear picture of this fragrance note. I think it is similar to musk. Sandalwood seems to have become a collective term for a whole range of ingredients that are somehow supposed to relate to the smell of natural sandalwood. So let's leave it at that: Sandalo has a dry powderiness that can be perceived as woody.
Anyone who ventures into the class of the best must also be compared to them. I find the Guerlain scents a bit more complex. In particular, Mouchoir de Monsieur is finer. Perhaps Sandalo should have been more restrained with labdanum or musk and accepted a little less volume in return. Compared to the Guerlain scents, Sandalo simply comes across as more one-dimensional.
Nevertheless: Sandalo is an excellent fragrance. If it weren't for Jicky and Mouchoir de Monsieur, I would acquire it.
Couchlock 13 years ago 