Guillotine Parfums Sophiste

Apparently, humor is part of the game at Parfums Sophiste. Because anyone who names their fragrance Guillotine and fills it with ingredients like tomato, blood orange, and then red grapefruit shows a playful spirit. What has emerged is neither a Halloween fright nor a gag item, but rather a summery perfume that can certainly be taken seriously.

In the opening, grapefruit and blood orange dominate. One might almost think that a small mint leaf has sneaked in, adding a hint of sharpness to the mix. Thus, Guillotine not only becomes fresher but also shifts its color play from the supposedly fruity red to a more refreshing green. One can't help but think of fizzy powder, as this rather effervescent scent sparkles quite lively. However, it is only very gently sweetened.

The refreshment lasts relatively long, although one perceives almost nothing of the stated oak moss. At times, one gets the feeling that our Guillotine was not composed of 100% natural materials. And if one thinks a bit further, the question arises whether the scent leans less towards niche and more towards the drugstore.

Whether one should have incorporated red gummy bears, beetroot, red wine, cherry jam, or radishes into this mix is pure speculation. Otherwise, it is a fresh-fruity summer scent without real depth but with substantial longevity, which neither spins your head nor leaves you headless. I think it would suit young women quite well, less so older gentlemen, despite the rather martial theme.