ScentedMind

I always try to connect my travels with my now over 10-year-long olfactory passion. Especially in the more artistic fragrance sector, one can often discover one or another unknown treasure.
In 2023, I spent a significant part of my year in Norway. Fascinated by the landscape, culture, and life there, I then set out to search for interesting Scandinavian niche perfume brands. While a comprehensive perfume tradition is not necessarily an aspect associated with the Nordic countries, there are indeed some incredibly beautiful and interesting fragrance houses to be found. One that immediately caught my eye was Pana Dora Sweden. The inspirations behind the perfumes, the exciting and promising combinations of different notes, as well as the elegantly designed bottles prompted me to subject the house to a closer olfactory examination.
A scent that had to immediately find its way into my collection after this was "Oud Republic".

Scent Development
Oud Republic starts immediately after spraying with a tangy, slightly fruity grapefruit, which is complemented by the spice of saffron. After a few minutes, this combination expands to include floral notes and a slightly herbal thyme. As the scent develops further, a warming amber note gradually unfolds, which, together with rose and lavender, forms the transition into the mid-stage of the fragrance. The aromatic, subtly green qualities of lavender are additionally complemented by the use of a cypress and fir resin note. These aromatic notes are embedded in a continuously unfolding rosy and warm-spicy foundation, which is contrasted by woody notes, primarily that of oud.

Performance
Longevity:
Skin: 14-18 hours
Clothing: 24+ hours
Sillage/Projection:
up to hour 3: very strong
up to hour 7: strong
up to hour 12: moderate
after hour 12: weak

Occasion/Season
Due to its complexity and aromatic properties, I see this scent more suited for semi-formal to formal occasions and for an age group of 25+. Its underlying warm-spicy fragrance DNA makes Oud Republic a perfect choice for winter and generally colder days.

Packaging/Bottle
The perfume comes in a sturdy and high-quality cylindrical packaging. The bottle is made of solid glass and is adorned with a gold-metal deer head.
The quality of the spray head is also excellent. It creates a mist with an incredibly fine texture, allowing for precise dosing of the intense perfume.

Conclusion
Oud Republic is a complex, cultivated, and at the same time incredibly pleasant and wearable scent. The subtly bright start, its floral yet also aromatic-fougère nuances, the inherent spicy-amber warmth, and its woody, depth-giving foundation make it a constantly evolving olfactory work of art.

I admit, I had to take some time to reflect on which fragrance I should dedicate my first review here on Parfumo. So there I stood, my gaze wandering through my collection, thinking about all the scents that significantly influenced my olfactory collecting passion, encouraging me and driving it further. As I stepped aside, lost in thought, and the sun illuminated my cabinet, now filled with far too many perfumes, a bottle caught my attention. A Roman eagle sparkled amid the conglomerate of fragrances, looking down at me majestically, while the milky-white base seemed to absorb the rays, holding them entirely within itself. Carefully, I reached for the glass and shimmering metal creation, reminiscent of the opulence of ancient Rome, maneuvered it past the numerous other bottles of freedom, and smiled at the name - “Celestial, you shall have the honor of my first review.”

Scent Development
The fragrance opens primarily with peppery olibanum, saffron, and a sweet, yet equally tart raspberry note. After the first few minutes, a bright rose joins in, which unfolds a certain warmth on the skin. As the scent develops, this rose steadily gains intensity, while gradually the woody, slightly smoky notes of cedar, but especially guaiac wood, further contrast the composition and add depth. The tonka bean remains strong in the background, adding a minimal sweetness and giving the overall olfactory picture a slightly powdery texture.

Performance
Longevity: 8 - 10 hours
Sillage/Projection:
up to about hour 2 - moderate to strong
up to about hour 5 - moderate
up to about hour 7 - weak
from about hour 7 - close to the skin

It should be noted that the raspberry note is significantly stronger in the air compared to the skin.

Occasion/Season
I see the fragrance, due to its inherent elegance, more suited for semi-formal to formal occasions.
Considering its bright characteristics, I find spring to be the most fitting season. Generally, however, it can also be worn in temperatures up to about 20 - 25 °C. In too warm temperatures, the fragrance might be perceived as too intrusive due to its DNA, at least in our latitudes.

Packaging/Bottle
The fragrance comes in a beautiful box lined with glossy nuances and imitation suede.
The bottle is made of golden metal and thick glass, solid and high-quality. The cap is also made of metal and fits snugly. Both on the front of the bottle and on the cap, a Roman eagle, the trademark of Electimuss, reigns supreme.
The spray head fits perfectly into the otherwise consistently high-quality picture and produces a very fine, even mist.

Conclusion
Celestial is a beautiful, bright interpretation of the rose/wood DNA, which radiates not only a pleasant lightness but also a comprehensive measure of elegance. Thus, the fragrance is beautifully contextualized within its underlying inspiration and name, leading us to the answer to the question posed in the title - Yes, Celestial is truly a heavenly perfume with its bright, fruity-rosy contrasts, slightly powdery texture, and grounding, woody accords.

A final note: While there are similarities to Nemer by Boadicea the Victorious or Oud al Fayed by Christian Provenzano (minus the funky oud), I believe this does not make the fragrance any less interesting and beautiful.