Dolby

If a scent doesn’t belong in the “I’ve gone to heaven and back” category, it has to, at the very least, be interesting.
"Interesting" is indeed a criterium of utmost importance now that my nose has been around the block a few times.

It doesn’t have to contain a myriad of notes to appeal, but it needs that little je ne sais quoi that captures my imagination, lifts the corners of my mouth, and sets my head off on an automatic nodding motion.
I guess these days, I’m after the “Hoot-Factor” when it comes to fragrances.

Siwa sadly lacks on all counts.
Wore it last night to bed and I’m almost glad that I fell asleep soon afterwards.
It smells like a generic cheap body lotion.
It could have been a soft, creamy, and gentle skin scent if it wasn’t for a gratingly persistent synthetic note, which I suspect is popcorn, rendering the composition slightly nauseating.

Shame really but hey, you win some, you lose some.
Next!

You know when people say "this perfume is truly intoxicating!"?
Well next time you hear this, do me a favour and tell them "Bullsh*t! you try Kalemat and then we'll talk again about intoxicating".

Because THIS is the real Mc Coy.

You put it on, and fumes that are both evil and devilish instantaneously assault you ... literally.
Full on.
Bam!
No joking.

This smells toxic and poisonous ... But deliciously so.
Think candied rose petals mixed with freshly prepared tar. All hot and smoky.
It gets to the back of your throat.
You can taste it.
R'Oud by Kerosene does the same thing.
Here, however, the effect is compounded with a sweet jammy rose, resulting in quite an extraordinary experience.
Wonderful projection and longevity.
Just fabby ;)

Lalique Le Parfum is one of my happy acquisitions.
Funny that it should be housed in such a solid, square, and imposing bottle because this scent is all about softness and curves.
It is utterly charming and gentle.

The predominant notes, to my nose, are sweet almonds and liquorice.

Understand that I am not referring to the black sticky confectionary here, but to the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant.
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to chew on a stick, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
It has a sweet earthiness to it, which is really quite striking.

This is a perfume I gladly go back to, and one I turn to when in need of chill time and cushy moments.
It wears relatively close to the skin and has good longevity.

I have never smelt a Vetiver quite like this one.
It is cloaked in the softest of musk and wears a Venetian mask of Petit Grain.
The opening is bright and fizzy ... An energetic little burst of citrus that soon dissipates.
It seems to be a click of the fingers to attract your attention, and when it gets it, you become enthralled by this strangely bewitching composition.

It is not a Wham Bam thank you Ma’am type of scent.
Think beautifully cut crisp white shirt. Perfectly suited to the quietly confident type.
The projection is medium but certainly present. It has good longevity and dries down to a gentle soapiness.
Discreet and alluring are the two words I would use to define Esvedra.

In the bottle, this perfume is an opaque sea of golden liquid.
Unusual, and I have to admit to being slightly apprehensive before spraying because I sure didn’t want to end up like a Glitter Diva for the next week of so (you know how hard these pesky particles are to get rid of) … anyway, my fear was unfounded because absolutely nothing remains on the skin.
Odd.
In any case, I have now learnt that those particles are very finely ground mother of pearl.
Not gold.
Nice touch, but rather pointless in the grand scheme of things.

Like most Ylang and vanilla fragrances, this one is sensual and sweet.
There is a strong touch of peach and, as Martine says, “Fruit of the Loom”.
This lends the composition a quirky gourmand edge, reminiscent of bubble gum or fruity shampoo.
It’s a shame because it cheapens an otherwise pricey perfume.
Overall it's ok. Just.
Nothing spectacular, and very linear.
I expected more from such lush-looking nectar.