H4nn4h

Gâteau de Carnaval lives up to its name: it undeniably smells like fried dough with a big dollop of cream and lots of powdered sugar on top (but not a hint of apricot for me, unfortunately). The result is delicious, obviously, and the greasy aspect of the confection is thankfully played down, but I'm still not entirely sure whether it's succesful as a perfume. Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying it quite a lot, but it's realistic to the point of being conspicuous, and I usually prefer this kind of all-out true gourmand scent coming from the kitchen rather than my skin. Although it can be just what the doctor ordered on a couple of cold, bleak, comfortless days a year... So I think my big sample is all I'll ever need; I'll treasure it for those rare occasions when it'll feel just right.

Fichi e Panna is true to its name: a wonderful vanilla pudding with figs on the side, really delicious. The fig note is prominent in the opening especially, and it's very nicely done, natural and a little green. Then the sweet creamy accord grows gradually stronger, providing a lovely contrast with the fresh figs at first, before replacing it entirely. And best of all, that delicious drydown seems to last forever, all day at least.

So this one is getting full marks for me, and even more so because it's the first Kyse I've tried that I'd wear in public without any qualms: it's definitely a full-blown gourmand, but it's a bit less conspicuous than some others from this line (that I also like, but only wear around the house).