Oriental Essence - Victoire d'Ambre Rituals 2017

The title says it all, in my opinion. And no, I am of course already an adult and not heading directly into a midlife crisis. Rather, I have a teddy bear that I like to cuddle with from time to time and enjoy tucking him under the blanket, making me feel even warmer around the ears :D

Victoire d'Ambre is a very warm, cozy cuddle scent that is very close to the skin.
Trust and security are conveyed to the wearer. You feel warm, carefree, and lovingly wrapped up.
A deep warmth that carries a golden and resinous core, brightening the approaching silence and darkness of winter, so that even the inner values receive plenty of sunshine.

The fragrance starts off slightly vanilla-like, immediately underscored by a gentle powdery note that slowly disperses in the air in all directions. Delicate hints of resin that gradually become deeper and stronger over time. Slightly crackly at the edges, with musk in the background. It doesn't come off too sweet, and I find it to be a very successful oriental scent, especially regarding the price-performance ratio. It doesn't take many leaps, and you don't have to study it for too long to understand it. The scent is packed with powdery warmth, with musk that blends in very well, without any animalistic bickering lurking in the background. Slightly spicy, with a delicate layer of vanilla that only solidifies over time. Mind you, it's not a shrill and strong vanilla. It's more of a gentle note that I really like. The resinous quality increases over time, and I feel very well wrapped up. Powder is metaphorically lifted into the air by a delicate hand from the old table. A small gesture, a little hand movement, that seems so elegant, making one think it’s time for a grand oriental show.

But that's not the case. Victoire d'Ambre remains restrained and loyal to the wearer. It engages with him and not with the surroundings. It is only there for him and gives him an incentive to cuddle. Everywhere, pink powder puffs are scattered, settling contentedly on the already warmed skin. Creamy nuances linger inside, making everything appear pink and beige. Warm tones, for the warming of body and soul.

The longevity is really not bad (upper mid-range), while the sillage is noticeably more subdued. The warmth glides through the room for a long time, making the tea taste even better, and you are absorbed in cozy thoughts. That's how I imagine the next few days.

When it’s already dark outside and I step out of the hot shower, I take my teddy bear, spritz the resinous juice of Victoire d'Ambre on myself and him, and snuggle into the fluffiest blanket I have. Pulling the blanket up to my ears for a few moments until I feel that the space created under the blanket surrounds only me and the teddy bear. And then enjoy a hot cup of tea, watching the snowflakes outside as they gently fall... Oh yes, that is a feeling that warmly envelops my heart. Victoire d'Ambre is extraordinarily well-suited for that.

As for the bottle, it really seems very solidly made, and I like the caps from Rituals anyway. The packaging is very appealing, I must say, and the price is absolutely not inflated, as you would hardly smell it out of the warm, golden, and resinous elite that costs significantly more.