Red Santal

To me this fragrance smells like a combination of Blackpepper by Comme des Garçons and Santal 33 by Le Labo.

Cleverly spiced but frustratingly quiet ethical-natural-organical peppered sandalwood; a lovely imaginary sweet spot that's hard to get to, doesn't let you hang out there for long and turfs you out before the enjoyment is even over. It may be kind to the planet but the high price and minimal scent bubble (barely projects at ALL) make it pretty tough on paying customers. I have to admit the clove 'n spice are really nicely done and the central sandalwood accord beautiful (creamy, spicy, not cloying, not sweaty, and really authentic - this is NOT the sweet-paper-dust of papyrus or the generic omni-wood synthetics which are often sent in to sub for absent good sandalwood.) If it were bigger or stronger, could have been a world-beating natural option for the true sandalwood heads. As it is - it just pads off into the distance leaving very little impression behind it. I'd suggest auditioning And perfumes' Sand or Sana Jardin Sandalwood Temple if this "capitalism with conscience" deal is what you are after. Red Santal is only detectable really close in (if worn on your skin) but the frankly weak projection is offset a bit by relatively good longevity - you can still pick up a puff of cloves / ginger / pepper up to 4h after application. I love the concept but the execution's just a bit too austere for me to feel at home with. Discreet to a fault, is what it is.

My favourite from this line - it had me hooked on sniffing. It's spicy, aromatic and naturalistic with a very aroma-therapy oil type scent. It reminds me of Ajmal's 'Ambre Pimente' (if you want a budget version) crossed with Aesop's 'Marrakesh Intense'. I love the spicy clean soapy dry-down. I could be tempted to get a full size bottle if the longevity was better.

As a prior reviewer mentioned, this is all about cooking spices. I don't think it's cheaply done. But it's tough to envision wearing this and NOT having the impression you just finished cooking a fabulous Asian meal, and it's on your clothes and skin ... along with a heavy dose of cloves and a smidge of body odor. If that's your thing, do give this a try.

Exotic fresh spices, the kind you smell when you step inside a Middle Eastern restaurant. As expected, very natural approach, and as expected dry down comes too quickly. And like others, I forgot that sandalwood was in the composition. Still I like the realistic cloves, ginger and pepper notes.