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Of Woods, Herbs, and Bazaar Dreams
"Cuirs" by Carner was truly love at first sniff for me!
I had already sniffed around the Carner portfolio a bit. Latin Lover left me completely cold (despite the hot name). Although the highly praised Tardes appealed to me very much in principle, it reminded me too much of my beloved almond skincare line from L'Occitane for me to consider investing in an additional perfume. And with Rima XI, I wavered between fascinated repeated sniffing and I-know-it-from-the-high-end-drugstore-segment.
And then - just when I had almost put Carner Barcelona aside for myself - the encounter with "Cuirs".
First, I must say: For my nose, and despite the many listed notes, this is not a very complex fragrance. I perceive little "depth" throughout, but rather a very pleasant warmth. And: "Cuirs" simply has an enormous presence!
I would absolutely confirm the similarity to "Black Afghano"!
Although this Carner composition may not be quite as finely crafted and balanced as Nasomatto's olfactory nuclear explosion, I prefer it for everyday wear...because it accompanies me quietly yet noticeably.
Now, onto the scent itself:
As I said - the strength of "Cuirs" for me does not lie in high complexity or refined composition. The scent progression on my skin is relatively linear. From the very beginning, I perceive a very present oud note, a lot of spices - and a (pleasant!) cannabis note.
This mélange has a teleporting effect for me: Suddenly, I find myself in the middle of the bazaar - or rather: the huge and sprawling souk - of Marrakech. One of my favorite travel destinations...
I see myself strolling through the narrow alleys with their 1000 tiny shops offering all sorts of colorful & glittering wares. From the finest leather goods to beautifully chiseled lamps and shiny silver teapots, syrup-dripping sweets with nuts and dried fruits - all the way to herbs, dried flowers, and oils that (along with a bit of well-measured magic) are said to cure all the world's ailments.
The scents of all these shops blend with the spicy smoke of the grill fires that are ignited every evening in the nearby main square - the Djemaa el Fna...and with the also smoky notes wafting down from the cozy rooftop terrace of a backpacker hostel into the narrow alley.
I smell this mixture - and for a precious moment, I feel both safe and free at the same time!
Aren't we all fragrance-obsessed for exactly this reason?
Because nothing transports you so directly to a specific place or mood as a long-forgotten scent memory?
Thank you, Carner Barcelona - for this beautiful little everyday escape with "Cuirs"!
I had already sniffed around the Carner portfolio a bit. Latin Lover left me completely cold (despite the hot name). Although the highly praised Tardes appealed to me very much in principle, it reminded me too much of my beloved almond skincare line from L'Occitane for me to consider investing in an additional perfume. And with Rima XI, I wavered between fascinated repeated sniffing and I-know-it-from-the-high-end-drugstore-segment.
And then - just when I had almost put Carner Barcelona aside for myself - the encounter with "Cuirs".
First, I must say: For my nose, and despite the many listed notes, this is not a very complex fragrance. I perceive little "depth" throughout, but rather a very pleasant warmth. And: "Cuirs" simply has an enormous presence!
I would absolutely confirm the similarity to "Black Afghano"!
Although this Carner composition may not be quite as finely crafted and balanced as Nasomatto's olfactory nuclear explosion, I prefer it for everyday wear...because it accompanies me quietly yet noticeably.
Now, onto the scent itself:
As I said - the strength of "Cuirs" for me does not lie in high complexity or refined composition. The scent progression on my skin is relatively linear. From the very beginning, I perceive a very present oud note, a lot of spices - and a (pleasant!) cannabis note.
This mélange has a teleporting effect for me: Suddenly, I find myself in the middle of the bazaar - or rather: the huge and sprawling souk - of Marrakech. One of my favorite travel destinations...
I see myself strolling through the narrow alleys with their 1000 tiny shops offering all sorts of colorful & glittering wares. From the finest leather goods to beautifully chiseled lamps and shiny silver teapots, syrup-dripping sweets with nuts and dried fruits - all the way to herbs, dried flowers, and oils that (along with a bit of well-measured magic) are said to cure all the world's ailments.
The scents of all these shops blend with the spicy smoke of the grill fires that are ignited every evening in the nearby main square - the Djemaa el Fna...and with the also smoky notes wafting down from the cozy rooftop terrace of a backpacker hostel into the narrow alley.
I smell this mixture - and for a precious moment, I feel both safe and free at the same time!
Aren't we all fragrance-obsessed for exactly this reason?
Because nothing transports you so directly to a specific place or mood as a long-forgotten scent memory?
Thank you, Carner Barcelona - for this beautiful little everyday escape with "Cuirs"!
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Of Tropical Nights, Tuberose & the Longing for Distant Places
When a fragrance carries you away, it is - especially in these times - a great gift.
Nothing brings memories to life as quickly as a scent that you associate with places or experiences. It is, so to speak, the sensory bridge between the images glued into the mental photo album and the present, the here and now.
When I close my eyes and let Do Son work its magic on me, I primarily perceive the intense scent of white flowers. Slightly sweet and metallic, this fragrance strikes me. Striking and clear. There is little else to sniff, perhaps a very faint hint of wood and something that reminds me of coconut.
But aside from the fact that I find this scent very pleasant overall, it transports me at light speed to Asia. More precisely, to Southeast Asia.
The day is drawing to a close, the heat is slowly subsiding. Dusk comes very quickly in this part of the world. And precisely for that reason, it is one of the most precious moments of the day.
The light becomes soft and diffuse. Everything seems to breathe. It is the time of leisure.
When you are no longer preoccupied with escaping the heat or reaching a specific destination, you perceive your surroundings much more consciously. And suddenly it is there: The incredibly intense scent of the white flowers that grow in the garden of the small guesthouse by the river. They climb up the wall, decorative yet rather inconspicuous for much of the day. But now - in the twilight - they show what they are made of.
I sit barefoot on the porch, in a cozy rattan chair, my hair still a bit damp from the long-awaited shower after a day of travel. The brass fan on the ceiling hums softly, moving the air just enough to cool gently without needing to wrap a shawl around my shoulders. And it blends the scents in my surroundings.
The old wood of the porch, adorned with beautiful carvings.
The coconut oil that I applied thinly to my sun-damaged skin after the shower.
And of course, the unmistakable scent of small white flowers....
Nothing else. And it is enough.
It is enough to close my eyes, set aside the open travel journal once more, and simply arrive fully in this moment.
Thank you, Do Son - for these wonderful moments of remembrance!
Nothing brings memories to life as quickly as a scent that you associate with places or experiences. It is, so to speak, the sensory bridge between the images glued into the mental photo album and the present, the here and now.
When I close my eyes and let Do Son work its magic on me, I primarily perceive the intense scent of white flowers. Slightly sweet and metallic, this fragrance strikes me. Striking and clear. There is little else to sniff, perhaps a very faint hint of wood and something that reminds me of coconut.
But aside from the fact that I find this scent very pleasant overall, it transports me at light speed to Asia. More precisely, to Southeast Asia.
The day is drawing to a close, the heat is slowly subsiding. Dusk comes very quickly in this part of the world. And precisely for that reason, it is one of the most precious moments of the day.
The light becomes soft and diffuse. Everything seems to breathe. It is the time of leisure.
When you are no longer preoccupied with escaping the heat or reaching a specific destination, you perceive your surroundings much more consciously. And suddenly it is there: The incredibly intense scent of the white flowers that grow in the garden of the small guesthouse by the river. They climb up the wall, decorative yet rather inconspicuous for much of the day. But now - in the twilight - they show what they are made of.
I sit barefoot on the porch, in a cozy rattan chair, my hair still a bit damp from the long-awaited shower after a day of travel. The brass fan on the ceiling hums softly, moving the air just enough to cool gently without needing to wrap a shawl around my shoulders. And it blends the scents in my surroundings.
The old wood of the porch, adorned with beautiful carvings.
The coconut oil that I applied thinly to my sun-damaged skin after the shower.
And of course, the unmistakable scent of small white flowers....
Nothing else. And it is enough.
It is enough to close my eyes, set aside the open travel journal once more, and simply arrive fully in this moment.
Thank you, Do Son - for these wonderful moments of remembrance!
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Of Film Divas, Powder Puffs & Almond Milk
I can only echo my predecessor's sentiments: I too am surprised by the rather restrained reviews of the beautiful scent "Mandorla" by Ortigia.
I bought it on a happy impulse in a small shop in the old town of Vilnius, which drew me inside with its beautifully nostalgic and imaginatively designed window display.
And what can I say: The magic continued inside!
Every single item in the assortment was chosen with love and great taste. Everything reflected the fine originality of the shop's owner. A woman in her 40s, elegant silk dress, blonde curly bob haircut, posture and gestures of a former stage dancer.
She greeted me warmly, then left me completely alone to wander in amazement - the perfect mix. Naturally, I was immediately drawn to the shelf with the perfumes. The small shop carried two brands: Ortigia and Papillon Rouge.
Now I must mention that my enthusiasm for the olfactory and the visual nearly balances out. Therefore, I eagerly reached for the original bottles from Ortigia, with leopards that looked as if they were painted directly onto the glass and authentically handmade. Inspecting (the scent is called Mandorla, so almond, perfect) - sniffing - hmmmm - spraying... HMMMM. What rises from my wrist immediately conjures an image in my mind's eye.
That of a film diva from the 1930s, sitting in a beautifully printed silk kimono at her lavish vanity table, applying her expensive powder with all the time in the world and a large soft puff. Nothing rushes her; the world outside will wait for her. This is a ritual that takes time. Among silver hairbrushes, crystal bottles, and powder boxes stands a tall slender vase with a few branches full of white flowers - almond blossoms that remind her of her last trip to Italy. Next to the vase is a small white porcelain plate with fine gold decoration and delicate almond pastries dusted with powdered sugar, which she also got to know and love on this trip...
Just as it smells at this moment in this place: That is how "Mandorla" smells!
The scent envelops me for a good 7 hours, gently retreating in between, only to unexpectedly rise back to my nose with a certain movement.
It changes only minimally. At first, I perceive a slightly gourmand almond note, which after about 2 hours gives way to a soft, never intrusive powder scent.
"Mandorla" is not a scent for a grand entrance, but for the hours leading up to it.
In which one takes time for oneself and the anticipation slowly grows.
Or perhaps takes another walk in the twilight, because right now the flowers in the surrounding gardens smell particularly beautiful.
For this, I couldn't wish for a better companion!
I bought it on a happy impulse in a small shop in the old town of Vilnius, which drew me inside with its beautifully nostalgic and imaginatively designed window display.
And what can I say: The magic continued inside!
Every single item in the assortment was chosen with love and great taste. Everything reflected the fine originality of the shop's owner. A woman in her 40s, elegant silk dress, blonde curly bob haircut, posture and gestures of a former stage dancer.
She greeted me warmly, then left me completely alone to wander in amazement - the perfect mix. Naturally, I was immediately drawn to the shelf with the perfumes. The small shop carried two brands: Ortigia and Papillon Rouge.
Now I must mention that my enthusiasm for the olfactory and the visual nearly balances out. Therefore, I eagerly reached for the original bottles from Ortigia, with leopards that looked as if they were painted directly onto the glass and authentically handmade. Inspecting (the scent is called Mandorla, so almond, perfect) - sniffing - hmmmm - spraying... HMMMM. What rises from my wrist immediately conjures an image in my mind's eye.
That of a film diva from the 1930s, sitting in a beautifully printed silk kimono at her lavish vanity table, applying her expensive powder with all the time in the world and a large soft puff. Nothing rushes her; the world outside will wait for her. This is a ritual that takes time. Among silver hairbrushes, crystal bottles, and powder boxes stands a tall slender vase with a few branches full of white flowers - almond blossoms that remind her of her last trip to Italy. Next to the vase is a small white porcelain plate with fine gold decoration and delicate almond pastries dusted with powdered sugar, which she also got to know and love on this trip...
Just as it smells at this moment in this place: That is how "Mandorla" smells!
The scent envelops me for a good 7 hours, gently retreating in between, only to unexpectedly rise back to my nose with a certain movement.
It changes only minimally. At first, I perceive a slightly gourmand almond note, which after about 2 hours gives way to a soft, never intrusive powder scent.
"Mandorla" is not a scent for a grand entrance, but for the hours leading up to it.
In which one takes time for oneself and the anticipation slowly grows.
Or perhaps takes another walk in the twilight, because right now the flowers in the surrounding gardens smell particularly beautiful.
For this, I couldn't wish for a better companion!
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Of Autumn Afternoons, Sweet Chai Latte & a Bouquet of Mimosas
My latest love from the house of Jo Malone!
I'll say it right away, so it's clear and doesn't hinder the rest of the review: The longevity of the fragrance is rather mediocre for me (a common topic with Jo Malone).
BUT - the scent itself is simply wonderful.
It suits me best on a beautiful autumn day.
When it's already cool in the morning and the air is wonderfully fresh.
When the afternoon light bathes everything in a golden glow.
When you choose a warmer jacket for the Saturday market visit and look forward to buying pumpkins again to bake the first pumpkin pie of the year.
When you sit with a blanket over your knees and a book in hand in front of your favorite café, where the sun still gently warms but no longer stings, and wrap your hands around a large cup of chai latte.
Such a day becomes even cozier with the company of Mimosa & Cardamom.
Through this fragrance, I discovered my love for cardamom in scents. Since then, my eyes light up when I read this note in a fragrance pyramid breakdown or perceive it in a perfume. And also the mimosa - which can be a difficult "roommate" because it likes to push itself to the forefront and can quickly seem too heavy - is wonderfully balanced here.
The scent feels creamy, warm, floral on my skin - and so fine that I don't mind spraying again after about 4 hours.
I look forward to the upcoming autumn days with you, Mimosa & Cardamom! :)
I'll say it right away, so it's clear and doesn't hinder the rest of the review: The longevity of the fragrance is rather mediocre for me (a common topic with Jo Malone).
BUT - the scent itself is simply wonderful.
It suits me best on a beautiful autumn day.
When it's already cool in the morning and the air is wonderfully fresh.
When the afternoon light bathes everything in a golden glow.
When you choose a warmer jacket for the Saturday market visit and look forward to buying pumpkins again to bake the first pumpkin pie of the year.
When you sit with a blanket over your knees and a book in hand in front of your favorite café, where the sun still gently warms but no longer stings, and wrap your hands around a large cup of chai latte.
Such a day becomes even cozier with the company of Mimosa & Cardamom.
Through this fragrance, I discovered my love for cardamom in scents. Since then, my eyes light up when I read this note in a fragrance pyramid breakdown or perceive it in a perfume. And also the mimosa - which can be a difficult "roommate" because it likes to push itself to the forefront and can quickly seem too heavy - is wonderfully balanced here.
The scent feels creamy, warm, floral on my skin - and so fine that I don't mind spraying again after about 4 hours.
I look forward to the upcoming autumn days with you, Mimosa & Cardamom! :)
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Night Black & Rose Red
Jo Malone's "Velvet Rose & Oud" has been part of my collection for quite some time now.
I bought my first bottle in 2017 with my first "real" salary - and since then, the scent has accompanied me through many beautiful and special moments.
It is not an (everyday) scent - but something for the evening, the night, a candlelit dinner, a classic movie night...
For me, it perfectly embodies what I would call stylish sensuality.
Attractive, but not in a loud "Look at me!" way, rather quietly - like a long glance or a whispered promise.
Perhaps it's because you never forget your first love - but I have yet to find an Oud/Rose combination that I find as balanced and fascinating.
And this is despite having had a brief flirtation with a higher-priced and - admittedly - longer-lasting candidate from MFK that features very similar components.
Perhaps it is precisely the missing clove in "Satin Mood" that keeps drawing me back to my beloved Velvet Rose & Oud. In combination with the perfectly dosed Oud, the dark red almost black rose, and the praline notes, this spice component in VRO ensures that the scent does not slip into the heavy-opulent, which (in my eyes or my nose) never pairs well with sensuality.
Velvet Rose is exactly what the name promises - velvety. And from the very beginning.
For the first 3 hours, it envelops me with a gentle yet perceptible sillage, before it cuddles close to the skin for about another 4 hours.
The perfect scent progression for an evening by candlelight!
I bought my first bottle in 2017 with my first "real" salary - and since then, the scent has accompanied me through many beautiful and special moments.
It is not an (everyday) scent - but something for the evening, the night, a candlelit dinner, a classic movie night...
For me, it perfectly embodies what I would call stylish sensuality.
Attractive, but not in a loud "Look at me!" way, rather quietly - like a long glance or a whispered promise.
Perhaps it's because you never forget your first love - but I have yet to find an Oud/Rose combination that I find as balanced and fascinating.
And this is despite having had a brief flirtation with a higher-priced and - admittedly - longer-lasting candidate from MFK that features very similar components.
Perhaps it is precisely the missing clove in "Satin Mood" that keeps drawing me back to my beloved Velvet Rose & Oud. In combination with the perfectly dosed Oud, the dark red almost black rose, and the praline notes, this spice component in VRO ensures that the scent does not slip into the heavy-opulent, which (in my eyes or my nose) never pairs well with sensuality.
Velvet Rose is exactly what the name promises - velvety. And from the very beginning.
For the first 3 hours, it envelops me with a gentle yet perceptible sillage, before it cuddles close to the skin for about another 4 hours.
The perfect scent progression for an evening by candlelight!
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