In my mind, mixing incense and amber with algae is akin to making a Nutella-pickle sandwich. Yet a sample of this is what triggered the purchase of the whole Matin Discovery Set. Algae done right can blend so well with skin on a hot summer day. On the other hand, incense and amber are winter staples to me, best appreciated at nighttime. But somehow… it works.
I was enthralled by the opening. The algae note reminds me strongly of a favorite of mine, Parfum d'Empire's Acqua di Scandola , where it's evocative of skin warmed up by the sun after a sea bath. The beautiful airy incense that laces the algae after a few minutes remind me of another of Sheldrake's brilliant execution, L'orpheline, whithout the cold aldehydes. To my taste, what's might be out of place is the amber basenotes (disclosure: not a vanilla fan). Although I happily own Acqua di Scandola, I want to keep experimenting with Dans le bleu in different seasons and settings. Surprisingly, for a line I understand is meant to be on the quieter side, I could smell my blotter meters away and for days. Test on paper first.
Smells like the colors: pale yellow and purple.
Update: after having tested this on a very hot day, I can tell this is not the right setting to wear it. Heat pushes the briny facet to the back, keeping only an ozonic vibe, while the ambery, almost vanillic incense is thrusted forward. Still looking for the setting where this oddity would be just right.
