Buddha-Wood Zarkoperfume 2016 Parfum-Serum

I chose this title because my first test of Buddha-Wood reminded me of Feminité du Bois by Serge Lutens, not of the current fragrance, but of the original one by Shiseido. That doesn’t mean it bears a strong resemblance to it; I cannot and do not want to claim that, as my scent memory is too long ago to be precise. The woody, deep, and extraordinary essence, that was probably it.

Curious from the previous statements about the perfume, I ordered Buddha-Wood blind a few days ago. I was particularly attracted by the mentioned nouns silence and authenticity; it had to be a special fragrance that evokes these associations. Additionally, I like woody perfumes, and one should, if they want to wear this scent.

For the purpose of the order, I then googled Buddha-Wood and found out that this is not a new coinage, but that the essential oil of the same name is also used in aromatherapy, where it is attributed calming and relaxing properties. I also found an interesting explanation regarding the first part of the botanical name of the emu bush, whose wood this is: Eremophila Mitchelli. Eremophila derives from the Greek words eremos (desert, quiet place) and philia (to love, in a friendly sense). This somehow seemed to fit the expressions here in the forum and was, for me, sufficient explanation and trigger for the desire to order the perfume. Of course, this is much more than essential oil. Serums aged in barrels, refined and intensified by added top and heart notes and molecules, that sounded exciting.

Now back to my scent impression. I perceive intense, soft wood that somewhat resembles sandalwood. Along with that, there’s a hint of smokiness. The scent is absolutely unsweet, almost a bit bitter, which is why I initially found it rather masculine. After the third test I have now changed Masculinity to Androgyny, as I find it suitable for both genders, and this word stands for the union of male and female qualities as well as wholeness. The perfume is a serum, meaning it is extremely intense, and a sparing dosage is advisable. The first time I overdid it with 3 drops and therefore also perceived something bitter. In this respect, applying it with a pipette or by dabbing makes sense; spraying could quickly lead to overdosing. The scent lasts on me for 8 - 10 hours and is consistently softly perceptible during this time, although stronger for me than for my surroundings. The slight smokiness also reminds me of something familiar, and thus a spontaneous sentence formed in my mind. However, I had to sleep on this or let another "wearing day" pass; it could have been due to too much mulled wine or something, but no, I stand by it:

This wooden Buddha breathes, as a Buddha should, deeply, calmly, and for a long time, and the air he breathes is infused with Moroccan desert air.