Vanelli

I keep stumbling upon Black Tie, and since I like vanilla scents, I got a sample at a lovely perfume shop in the Souk, actually more as a side note to another fragrance.
The top note was primarily characterized for me by the cedar with vanilla. So, when I first sprayed it, I thought, "Hm, okay, a spicy vanilla. Nice, but not so beautiful that I could fall in love. What do people see in this?" Well, don't judge a book by its cover... As soon as the fragrance warmed up on my skin, the cedar took a step back and let the powdery soft iris butter take the lead. I had already fallen in love with "Infusion d'Iris (Eau de Parfum) (2007) | Prada." But Black Tie Eau de Parfum has refined this scent even further with vanilla and a hint of cedar, simply beautiful! If only it weren't so expensive...

Milk Musk is not high art, not a mysterious scent, not sexy or particularly captivating in any way... And yet I liked it from the very beginning. It starts off lightly refreshing and sweet, then becomes a bit creamier, more vanilla-like, and later a hint of musk joins in. The association with sweetened milk definitely arises, and that makes it so comforting, as it represents a piece of the early security that many associate with milk. And that's why I like to use it as a sleep scent, for winding down and snuggling up. It never annoys me and has a softness that helps me relax.
Unfortunately, it smells more like cold milk to me, which is why it’s not perfect yet. I have always loved the scent of warm, almost boiling milk, long before my interest in perfume. I am still searching for that scent.
The baby vomit that some mention here, I do not perceive in Milk Musk. I don’t smell anything sour, but that can vary greatly depending on skin chemistry. Therefore, one should definitely test it beforehand. Many might find it a bit too sweet as well. Longevity and sillage are limited; I have not tried the EdP yet. Maybe it’s better there.

I had managed to get a sample of Angel's Share because I was curious about this "legend." However, I must say that upon the first application on the back of my hand, I couldn't understand the enthusiasm. Sure, it was quite nice, but not outstanding for me.

Today, I gave it a second try on my wrist and neck... The cognac in the top note is unmistakable, very potent and aromatic as if you were really bringing a glass to your mouth. It makes me smile, so early in the morning. It has something forbidden about it.
But there's no need to worry about smelling drunk all day. The cognac soon fades to a slightly fruity note and then weaves into a kind of apple strudel mixed with tonka bean, a hint of cinnamon, and increasingly a bit of vanilla towards the end. This combination gently wafts towards you in small clouds every now and then, very pleasant.
But my love for the scent manifested at the moment when someone nearby had just blown out the candles from the Advent wreath, and that distinctive smell of smoke and wax joined in. It was pure Christmas magic! Until then, I hadn't been in a Christmas mood, but this fragrance catapulted me straight into the cozy atmosphere of twilight by the Christmas tree... Just with cognac instead of wine.

"What does it smell like here?"
"Cotton candy!? Somehow like a fair."
"No, burnt almonds! Where is that coming from?"
That's the moment when I shyly raise my hand and think that three sprays might have been too much. This often happens to me with Eclaire. It was my first blind buy and I enjoy wearing it, but I'm still working on the dosage. It's quite a powerhouse, the sillage seems to be extraordinary. The longevity is also good. If I spray it on in the morning, I can still smell it in the evening, lingering on my clothes for days. I wonder about other comments that perceive the scent differently. No other fragrance in my collection is as powerful as this one. Therefore, it is not recommended for work and also not for very warm days. If someone is looking for a subtle vanilla to layer, they should keep looking. I find it doesn't blend as harmoniously as some other vanilla scents.
About the scent development:
With the first spray, you are overwhelmed by an alcoholic, synthetic, almost burnt caramel note. Perhaps it's also the hint of musk that makes the caramel seem somewhat inedible. Admittedly, I don't like it at this stage; you just have to get through it for a moment.
After some time on the skin, it becomes sweeter, more vanilla-like. The caramel note now integrates well, as it contributes a slightly bitter counterbalance to the vanilla. Honey also comes through now, closely intertwined with the vanilla. I hardly perceive any flowers. I can't identify praline either. Nevertheless, I find it very pleasantly gourmand from this point on and especially cozy towards the end.

The fragrance opens for me with a beautiful, strong marzipan note... not too sweet marzipan, no, one with many almonds and little sugar, but with a slightly chocolaty note in the background.
After a while, this almondy opening fades away and the sweet, fruity mirabelle note comes more and more to the forefront, accompanied by jasmine, which soon retreats again, giving space to the amber and sandalwood that round off the tonka bean. Here, the scent reminds me a bit of Angels Share.
Unfortunately, the fragrance then bids farewell again, after 5 hours only faintly perceptible close to the skin.