Calliope

In my latest sample set, I requested my bonus sample be 'sellers choice', and that I'd like to try a gourmand scent. Gourmand-light, for someone who didn't usually like them. This is what I got, and really - it IS nice! I have a particular aversion to sugared vanilla: Bath and Body Work's syrupy take on it turns my stomach. But this is very pleasant. Magic_eye27 mentioned a wine-like note, and I get that: a sort of rich fruity note that works very well with the sweetness. It's beautifully blended - it somehow manages to be both playful and glamorous at the same time. It's pretty potent to my nose... just a miserly dab to each wrist and my neck, and I can still smell it several hours later. The florals have taken over the fruity notes, but still a very warm, pleasant scent.

This is one of my daily drivers. I see a lot of the reviews comparing it to Pink Sugar, but I don't get that at all. Pink Sugar smells like the mall--plasticky, cloying, clumsy. Calliope is a cotton candy meets very clean musk that makes it feel both fun and adult at the same time. There's a bit of citrus in there too, balancing it all out. This goes really well if you need to transition from the office to like, a date or something. It works fine for both. For day or night, and for any season except winter. Lasts a long time on the skin too. Just lovely.

Positively FETCHING! (: This perfume is light-hearted, and playful. I like to wear this when I want to get out of my head and simply have a good time. This is a great fragrance for work or stressful or high pressure jobs. Bright, cute orange twines with the cassis and the cotton candy in an almost candied wine like note and the orchid gives a little powder and elegance and the demure touch of sweetness keeps it upbeat. The vanilla is the creamy not too sweet kind and the breezy musk is clean and white, love! <3

Every time I have ordered from Alkemia I have ordered a sample of this and finally decided, after 3 years, to go for a full 30ml. This is a cream-soda-esuq scent. Light and floral but still gourmand. Not overbearing so suitable for any occasion.

This is a fun, easygoing, cotton-candy-esque white floral. It has an airy sweetness to it, but never falls into being cloying or heavy. Orange blossom and orchid give it that clean white floral smell, with the vanilla and musk keeping it gently grounded. I didn't smell any blackcurrant or tonka in this, so I'm not sure where those notes are hiding. Calliope is quite linear, just sugary florals beginning to end. It's quite easy to wear, especially for a younger girl who likes sweet things, and is fairly non-offensive. If you're after a true gourmand or a floral, Alkemia has better offerings (Irresistible, Foxfire). Longevity was average at best. I have the oil and it doesn't have much sillage, unfortunately, so you might want to upgrade to the spray or ultime for that.