Laveau

This is heavy on the jasmine and carnation with spicy cinnamon frequently rearing its head. This is not a fragrance I would normally choose based on the notes but I got a sample and fell in love with this spicy floral fragrance. It is strong so be warned!

The almond in here is extremely noticeable for the first hour, and in the opening minutes of application - a total almond extract scent. It smells as if I'm baking (I tend to be heavy-handed with the almond 🙃). This is *not* the sort of almond that comes off as Play-doh-ish to my nose, it's the kind that can be interpreted as cherry (but not the super sythentic type of cherry that I dislike), and it personally feels very gourmand for a little while, paired with vanilla the way it is. As far as florals, I didn't even catch the carnation until I looked on here. Once you see that they intended it to be carnation, it makes sense, but I personally felt like it was a kind of peppery rose. All 3 of the Alkemias that I've tried now have smelled of Dr.Pepper to me, and they all have this underlying rustic, candle shop undertone. I'm beginning to believe it's just their signature DNA. I also don't smell patchouli much, but it has some earthiness in the drydown. Basically, this just remains a peppery, hippy rose along with a bit of vanilla on me. Longevity is outstanding. I sat with this on my porch for a bit, and it's certainly a reliable thing for wintery air, if you're looking for that sort of resilience. It's TENACIOUS. This is a sample vial for me, and I am going to really hold onto and enjoy this. It's so potent, and such a fragrance that I need to be in a specific mood for, that I truly feel as if this small amount will suffice, as I'm only using miniscule drops at a time (swipes from the little wand thingy) and finding it more than enough.

Intrigued by the secret seductive ingredient, I ordered a sample, and I really like it! The patchouli is well behaved and stays in the background. It reminds me of an import goods store, or a hippie tie dye shop. The floral are so well blended with the spices that you almost can't pick them out individually. Its a very calming smell, nice on a cool day.

On initial smell was definitely sweeter than I anticipated (candy sweet), but after sitting for a few weeks and letting it develop on my skin, the florals warmed up. I like it, but it does smell younger than I thought it would.

This is the only fragrance I've tried from Alkemia besides pumpkin strumpet that I genuinely don't like at all. Cheap candle. That's all I get. I think it's the synthetic cinnamon and weird soapy almond. I love almond, but something about the almond in this is very off-putting to me. I have such a hard time for synthetic cinnamon and when it's there, that's all I can smell.