Caselizas

If you have to walk through the woods and hop over rocks to get to your local beach, Salted Muse is for you.

I knew this would be my favorite of the launch. The opening is oceaninc but doesn't veer into your typical marine, which I appreciate. I think salt notes + skin scents are such a great match. The fig transition into the woods reminds me a bit of Jazmin Sarai's Fayoum. The drydown is a nice amber + wood, but I wish the middle notes lingered for longer as they're by far my favorite part. Overall though, this is a lovely, earthy blend that will be a summer go-to.

Ironically, I wish the cedar in Salted Muse was less prominent. but here, I wish cedar and clove came out to play a bit more! The white florals really are the star of the show here, and while I love a good tropical floral, I'm finding myself craving a bit more depth. Honey would've been a nice addition too, similar to The Harmonist's Moon Glory.

That being said, Blooming Fire does monoi and jasmine really well, and if you're looking for a reliable summer scent this is a good bet. For me, I think I'll layer this with some spicier notes to get the fire I'm really looking for.

Also, this goes for Orebella as a whole: I'm really enjoying the formula! I didn't think too much about the concept, but the emulsion sprays easily and my skin feels super soft. I think the brand works really well as a skin scent line and I'd like to see more.

I've been eyeing some full-size Rook Perfumes for a while now, but I put them on hold so that I could contribute to the Faqqua Iris campaign. It was my first blind buy in a while and I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I've always liked how Nadeem does his green notes so I was sure I'd be a fan. Fast forward a few weeks and it's my most reached-for spring fragrance. The violet opening is almost fruity and transitions easily into the powdery iris. The oakmoss and amberwood add balance and a much-needed earthy edge to the sugary florals. I've been enjoying powdery and creamy notes in my green fragrances lately, and this is no exception.

Like most of the Rook collection, Faqqua Iris has incredible longevity. I sprayed it once in the morning and it's easily lasted for at least 7-8 hours. It lingers but it's not overwhelming; I can easily wear this to work, on the train, etc. without offending anyone. I'd argue it's one of the more universal Rook scents, a crowd pleaser that still retains its uniqueness and charm. A beautiful tribute and a worthy cause.

EDIT: okay, after several hours, i take it back, the drydown is much spicier than i originally thought. reminds me of rook's baklava musk, which i love or hate depending on the day.

This is a quirkier, more youthful version of Chanel 19. Is that controversial? I don't know. The cannabis note is more dank than others I've seen. It feels leathery for a bit (probably why N°19 is on my mind), and then I get a wet leaves type of scent, like MM Autumn Vibes. It transitions well with the sandalwood base note and dries down into a spicier wood. Evidently, not everyone's cup of tea, but I think it's a lot of fun.

I'm definitely getting a crash course in maceration this year. When I first sprayed Fayoum, while incredibly realistic, the clay note was too overpowering (and a tad musty) for me to enjoy the other notes fully. After about a month, I see the complete picture. The date and fig are pulling through the most for me, and the dry down has a woody element that I'm really enjoying.

I've warmed up to the clay quite a bit, it's damp and earthy, antiquated but alive as it becomes fresher over time. I researched the Fayoum Oasis and it's ancient, ever-evolving geology to better understand the scent's story. If Dana says this is the oasis, then I believe her.