A summer in Stockholm can be so beautiful. This is what the fragrance makes us feel, as it is supposed to reflect the warm season in the Swedish capital, according to the manufacturer. The test of my second sample from Vilhelm Perfumes will reveal it. When I imagine a summer in Sweden, I think of some sea air, delicate plants and herbs, combined with a generally Scandinavian atmosphere with pleasant warmth. One can say that the fragrance goes in this direction and reasonably meets my expectations, while also containing an interesting twist.
It begins with citrusy nuances that are not too sour, bringing a freshness instead. This is combined with green notes and herbs that add a certain ethereal component, making the blend very invigorating and pleasant on the skin. Unfortunately, this top note only lasts half an hour, as this beginning is so wonderful and summery, I could bathe in it.
The transformation then begins. The twist comes from a powderiness that is not listed in the fragrance pyramid and, in my opinion, comes from the almond. Here, almost notes of freshly washed laundry are interpreted, which are accompanied by a certain warmth and earthiness from patchouli. There could easily be parallels to "L'Homme Intense | Prada," which had a similar dirty powderiness. This was unexpected and makes the fragrance interesting after the rather citrus-herbaceous top note.
At this stage, the fragrance remains until the end. You can tell that it occasionally tries to integrate other notes in the background, but not to the extent that describes a further development. Here and there, a slight sweetness comes through, then again a hint of green notes. Everything is finely and elegantly packaged.
I even dare to claim that it is a wonderful everyday companion and could be an alternative for those who find L'Homme too boring. In summer, it is definitely very wearable. It wonderfully hugs the skin and forms a layer that invites you to sniff it again and again. It could also be aptly named "second skin."
Sprayed on the neck, the fragrance manages to distribute its fine clouds in the wearer's nose whenever they turn their head, delighting them accordingly. The surroundings are not overwhelmed with too much scent, so it mostly supports the scented day as an unobtrusive companion. The longevity is at a level with which I am completely satisfied considering the DNA. The workday should be accomplished with it, even if the notes slowly retreat after five hours.
A truly beautiful fragrance that I will definitely continue to test. If it continues to impress me like this, I can easily imagine a rating of 9.0 for the fragrance, and then perhaps a small bottle will find its way into my collection.
