HappyHoya

This is a pleasant and clean scent, but with some complexity. It isn’t groundbreaking or head-turning, but I think it’s more complex than most reviews here give it credit for. All the notes are sort of clean and even-keel, but this does evolve in my skin throughout the day. I typically prefer a stronger perfume, but this is something I wear when I’m not feeling bold or want a gentle scent. For some reason, in a world where I smell way too many gourmands while out and about, I find these clean scents more sophisticated than other easy reaches.

Based on the notes, descriptions, and reviews I was really hoping this was going to be a spicy fragrance in the tradition of Coco Noir and Black Orchid, two of my favorite perfumes. This perfume isn’t unpleasant, but it’s extremely unexpected based on the description. I barely pick up any spice from this, nor do I get a lot of sandalwood. This smells extremely ambery to me, and the card inside the package describes the perfume as being “coated in hazy amber,” which I find so strange because I saw no mention of amber in any other descriptions. After being disappointed by the first spray, I applied a bit heavily trying to achieve some detectable spiciness. I can’t find any. My eyes are burning from patchouli before I pick up any cardamom, cinnamon, or clove.

I’m going to give this some time to sit on my skin and try it again on a different day. I had such high hopes for this perfume. I’m surprised it’s fairly flat, but wanted to leave an honest review for anyone else drawn in by the marketing.

Updated after more time and reflection: Licorice, patchouli, amber. That’s the notes, to my nose, on the nose. This would be a stellar fragrance if that’s your thing. I’m undecided.

A lovely, slightly sharp and citric tea. Has a faintly smokey, almost incense-like quality, without my picking up a clear, realistic incense note. A nice alternative to the overly sweet, gourmand, and winter cozy-coded teas, Indigo is comforting but wearable and energizing.

The silage and projection are almost perfect for a daily scent, to me. The fresh notes of this perfume trail a bit, while the full complexity reveals itself closer to the skin. After a full day of wear, I get occasional light whiffs, and never get tired of any lingering scent.

I love this fragrance and i’m surprised by the lower ratings. This is a beautiful honey that is balanced and not overly sweet. It has a waxy, floral quality. It almost hints at art supplies because of the waxy quality and the slight woodiness—think crayons and pencil shavings. It brings me back to the beeswax room at the Phillips Collection gallery in DC. The scent evolves nicely over the several hours it lasts. It’s definitely delicate and ephemeral, but for the affordability and beautiful experience of it, this is worth a try.

This is a rich and delicious take on the trendy fruity gourmands. There is a bold sweetness that is not so cloying and allows you to linger with it long enough to smell something warm and rich underneath (perhaps the cocoa note?). This is one of the best-grounded scents I’ve smelled by The Good Scent. I only wish it lasted long, but for the price point, I don’t mind throwing it in my bag to reapply.