Maison Royale - Plaisir Oriental

Elysium
05.09.2021 - 12:50 PM
2
10
Pricing
8
Bottle
7
Sillage
7
Longevity
10
Scent

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

In Italy, there is a chain of department stores called UPIM, a historical one founded in 1928. Inside some stores, there is a perfumery, which, together with the most famous design brands, also houses the perfumes of Maison Royale. I had been looking for Plaisir Oriental for a long time, since last spring when it was introduced to the market; I appreciated its fragrance, and I immediately recognized and enjoyed its particularity. The other day I went there to see any news, and I found this little gem in promo in this period at €15.90 instead of €19.90. When I read the name, I knew I would like it. The only doubt was that some perfume I already own inspired it. Two sprays directly on the back of my hand, and immediately the surrounding air becomes thick, gummy, sweet. I smell smoky, earthy, amber, and spicy chords. The perfume immediately displaced me, captured, kidnapped, and transported me to another dimension. I immediately think of something of Montale or Mancera, even if I felt nothing rosy in it. Neither Intense Cafe nor Roses Vanille Eau de Parfum . It is firm, penetrating, and pleasant at the same time. So oriental, amber, and genderless. They do not make it for the summer months, which is in these days, coming to an end. Late autumn and the harshest winter are better. Having bought it, I own almost all the other Plaisirs, which cannot be missing in the collection.

Once inside the house, I researched, and I discovered that this perfume, among its inspiration, comes from something niche that I do not know, precisely Indomable. If the similarity is the same as the other half-siblings of Maison Royale, then I can say that the original must be something phenomenal. A sumptuous oud combined with cashmere wood and vanilla beans, a combination never dared before, a real olfactory jewel, timeless. It already manifested the stubborn character of this perfume on the top, where we find a contrast of resinous oud and creamy cashmere notes, a heart of patchouli and blossoms, and a base of musk and amber.

Plaisir Oriental belongs to the oriental-amber family and reveals itself with boozy, slightly medicinal, and creamy accords. There is a camphorous shade, like mothballs, not disgusting, instead of soothing and balmy. I recognize something alcoholic similar to rum, like a syrup made from sugar. There is a bit sumptuous oud, synthetic, but not as solid and penetrating as in the scents of the Middle East. It is a creaminess that resembles cashmere wood, that accord between musky and velvety.

Earthy, bitter oud meets the more syrupy accord reminiscent of Deglet Noor's date, with a soft honey-like taste that distinguishes it from other dates. Not too gourmand and pleasant to catch even on this not too hot summer's Sunday. In the heart, I get a velvety dry floral touch, akin to dried rose petals, the same as you found in the pot-pourri. Though, the rose is not mentioned among the ingredients. There are soft leathery nuances presumably from labdanum, which blend with earthy patchouli and tons of spicy clove buds.

And then it comes to the base, cozy, homey, and gourmand—clean and creamy hints of white musk fuse with brownish vanilla pods and salty ambergris. Here the woody and medicinal note of the oud is tempered, softened by amber and sugary notes. The result is a warm, sensual and mysterious fragrance, which, especially with these warm temperatures - gives its best and can project instantly into scenarios of a thousand and one nights. Not excessive for me, but with the different components well harmonized with each other.

Ultimately, Plaisir Oriental is a syrup-coated oud that will appeal only to those who are not put off by this overly indulgent style, and it has irresistibly drawn many to it. This, I find, would be nice to scratch off the occasional sugar craving, not something I would reach often. It's straightforward: saturated sweetness is the critical event, and it doesn't get messed up by including weird off notes for "interest." Instead, there's synthetic oud for a more extensive body and vanilla in pure candy mode. Finally, a mix of lovely patchouli and a pinch of cloves and musk complete the scent. It is among the most popular sweet fragrances, an intense perfume characterized by the long "trail" it releases and its persistence. Sillage and projection are extreme, more than the other fragrances of the same brand. On the skin, it lasts all day, while vaporized on fabrics it resists the day after. Plaisir Oriental is a Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

I based the review on a 100ml bottle I have owned since September 2021.

-Elysium
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