White Queen

The recent 2018 release and Perfumology exclusive from 4160 Tuesdays, White Queen, is a sweet semi-gourmand with some literary inspiration and in celebration of a Cafleurebon anniversary. Its most dominant note by far on my skin is hazelnut, which itself fosters a bit of a cococnut, smell, as well, almost a mix between hazelnut itself and coconut. Texture-wise, it's very creamy, not really dry, but rather immersive and warm, surely more apt for cold weather than warm weather, though as with many cases, it could probably work on some warm weather evenings. It's sweet, certainly, but not a full gourmand, and its sweetness is subdued, in part, by the earthy mix of patchouli and incense, smoothed over by musk, but not without the overall dominance of the hazelnut, sprinkled with raspberry. Pricing is more or less standard for the line, at $180 for 100ml and $110 for 50ml. Again, only available at Perfumology in the US, at least for the time being. A highly-recommended try, not one I'd know I'd love from the notes, but one that Sarah crafted so carefully that it ended up being a nuanced beauty. 8 out of 10

This is so interesting! On my first try of White Queen, mostly what I smell is incense, right from the start and still going strong after two hours! I'll have to update this when I've worn it more often and for longer. Update: really beautiful fragrance. The notes pyramid above is somewhat different than the notes Sarah McCartney herself listed in a post on CaFleureBon: incense, hazelnut, citrus fruits, raspberry, jasmine, cream, opoponax, vetivert, patchouli, and musk. The incense is not smoky, it is a mix of frankincense and sweet myrrh (the opoponax).

It is a sexy musky scent, a bit gourmand but not really sweet. Pretty creaminess mixes really beautifully with elegant flowers and I would call it "Sarah's signature fruity accord". The overall impression is very satisfying and actually it is not only like a "your skin scent but better" it is much more than that... it is like delicate but seductive breath of a love goddess. Now about the notes: I like the way musk and lactones work together. Very very sexy. Hazelnut is not too obvious, it just makes the scent interesting and a bit different smelling. Not too much of frankincense or smoke or citruses for me. It is just a very well made scent for every day wear but it is surely special enough to be worn on important occasions. For me, lover of powdery scents, White Queen is a gem because it has a unique creamy, musky powderiness with fun fruity-floral-woodsy background. One of my favorites from 4160 Tuesdays line. Unisex, lining feminine side.

A unique surprise. It softly smokes with a frankincense and myrrh incense, which isn't dark in colour, it's remains white (like its name suggests). Although it's gourmand (with the nuts, whipped cream and fruits) it keeps its non-sweet status. The whipped cream never goes-off nor sours and remains a cool kinda sweet. The woods and musk are the backbone whilst the nuts are the star of the show. The florals (jasmine and iris) aren't too pronounced (unfortunately) but are perfectly blended to offset the incense and nuts with a floral air fit for a White Queen. This could be unisex but leans slightly more feminine. If you're looking for a unique but very wearable niche scent, then this could be perfect with a white wedding dress.

Second time testing this and to be honest I'm still none the wiser. On my skin it's like a subtle, expensive bar of soap (nothing harsh or overly floral) has been smothered in cream. My nose is confused in the same way it is with Narciso EDP (white cube). Both have jarring notes that come together in a way that's almost curdled. Interesting is the only thing I can confidently say. Edit. This has really grown on me. I still don't understand it but it's definitely a keeper.

This instantly reminded me of a Greek orthodox church, frankincense (not listed in the notes above but very prominent and should be as it is listed on brand website) opoponax and grapefruit dominating. Quite unique and a little bit austere.

You are eating a nice dessert of sweet fruit salad with some whipped cream and sprinkled nuts on top in a little coffee shop when the janitor walks in reeking of barbershop aftershave cologne. Yuck.

This is the first 4160 Tuesdays perfume I really dislike. And I really, really dislike it. There’s a note in it that I cannot get on with - I think it could be the iris or opoponax. For me, creates an almost menthol or astringent smell that repels me. At first spray, I said aloud, “Oh god no” and as the scent goes on a journey, it’s not getting any better. Unfortunately for me, but maybe fortunately for others, the performance is great - it is lasting hours. Just as well there are plenty of other 4160’s that I love.

I have almost finished a sample of this and I don't want it to end. Creamy gourmand, sensuous and nutty. Lasts for hours on me. 4-6 and strong. Can't really distinguish the notes except picking up the nutty creaminess which is lifted by the citrusy opening. So fresh in the initial satges. This is a grown up sweet perfume which wraps around and in and out. The middle is like lying on a bed of juicy sweet hypnotic flowers. But never cloying. Then a sweet slightly smoky drydown on a bed of soft mixed musk. I am saving up for the biggest bottle in 2020. Very clever alchemy by Sarah McCartney. More feminine than masculine but a good fume is a good fume eh?

You know you've been on lockdown too long surviving on political theatrics in leu of your otherwise busy social life when the mere name of this perfume makes you wonder if saying it out loud makes you sound like a white supremacist. Names aside, I'm not really impressed with this, I never am with 4160. I smell cleaning products. A stale lemon and faint sweets. Somehow I can't associate this brand with high quality ingredients it's been a disappointment too many times. I will try again at a more decent time of the day.

This is really a delicious fragrance! 🥰 It’s very creamy, a bit nutty, slightly woody with a touch of incense. It’s a bit sweet, very warm but still a light perfume, could be for daytime or evening during the whole year, maybe not on a hot summer day. Projection and sillage are moderate, longevity is excellent; the next morning the scent is still slightly present. The hazelnut is more present then expected and a bit coconutty but I find it not too much. I have a small tester and I want to buy a bottle! 😍

Starts with incense and wood notes. Then dries down to a strong, slightly creamy slightly powdery grapefruit. I wont continue with my sample of this because I don't much like the smell of grapefruit and that dominates the fragrance to my nose.

This is a non sweet gourmand. It's very clever and unlike anything else on the market at the moment. The opening is a bit screechy (its the grapefruit I think...) but the dry down is lovely :)

I get creamy citrus and musk from this mostly. It has a certain screechiness to my nose so I get the cleaning products reference below too.