Ciel Pour Homme

Amouage Ciel Man is a most unique FLORAL/Aquatic/Frankincense scent. I am reviewing the reformulated new CIEL Man EDP, not the overly bitter original formula in the ornate 50ml cut glass presentation. Ciel Man EDP starts off with a tart Lavender/Bulgarian Rose/Citrus combo.....very tart bergamot oil, the very astrigent Lavender, and the tart/sweet Rose are almost too tart/sour to begin, but this is only temporary, and all 3 notes contribute greatly to the body of the scent, so a first 2 minutes of sour is a small price to pay... As it dries, the smooth aspects of Rose and Lavender surface, as well as the woody (almost petitgrain like) tanginess of the bergamot, along with more white floral notes (Orange Blossom, Jasmine), a unisex/fresh floral note (Lily of the Valley), and a sneaky Aquatic/ozonic/fruit accord that underpins the whole fragrance.....this I presume being a combination of Peach aldehyde and Lyral, among other things..... while these floral/aquatic/fruit heartnotes are likely predominantly synthetic, somehow the effect comes off effortless and natural.....perhaps just enough natural isolates are used in the blend to flank and cover any synthetic edge that might dissapoint for such an expensive fragrance. The next notes to show themselves are where I find the fragrance absolutely brilliant.....the top ends of a range of woody/sweet spices, and very light doses of some very masculine wood notes move in, to balance the floral/aquatic notes, and again, the effect is just so perfect and effortless.....evoking the texture of both a sandy beach beneath your feet, and very fresh, crisp, oceanic air. Of the spices, the cinnamon in particular is fairly prominent, but it doesn't register as cinnamon on first impression, perhaps due to some reaction with the floral notes, or perhaps due to it's blending with the other spices (Cardamom, Nutmeg)...I'm not sure..... Perhaps it is the undercurrent of Silver Frankincense keeping the tart/sour/medicinal aspect alive in the fragrance that makes for such a complimentary contradiction in themes to the Florals, fruity/aquatic nnotes, and spices.....I really can't call it...it's just too well blended to uncover the mastery of it's balance... And even though the predominant theme to this fragrance is a fresh, FLORAL/aquatic/frankincense, the light melange of woody/earthy basenotes (vetiver, patchouli, Sandalwood, Cedarwood) as well as the light spices, keep this offering just enough on the masculine side to really make it pleasing and wearable by the mainstream public. And while that is true, the quality of both ingredients and compositional accumen is top notch enough so that even the most stringent of connoissuers will likely honor it's compositional brilliance. My Favorite Amouage Creation to date.

Amouage Ciel pour homme is a scent that distinguishes itself through subtleness, class, originality and rewarding depth as opposed to sheer power and extremes displayed by some other and more popular scents by that house. Ciel’s concept is very different though from those and it manages to please, intrigue, satisfy and hold one’s attention like very few others do – but, of course, one has to be willing to pay attention. Ciel opens with a juxtaposition of clean aromatic lavender and rose on the one hand, and beautifully nutmeg spiced and succulent honeyed peach. Those main players are supported by the freshness of bergamot and a cool and almost aquaeous lily of the valley. A lovely transition emerges upon dry down as the barbershop-fougere slowly finds itself deeper and mature (moss), darker (patchouli) and very sophisticated support by creamy sandalwood and the other elements all blending together harmoniously. As is (or rather was) the case with distinguished Amouage compositions the back bone of the scent is that wonderfully permeating and life giving frankincense. From the base up it effortlessly provides a magnificent aura, a nobleness, a theme that used to set this house apart from the rest. Ciel is so versatile and works at home, with jeans and tee, in a suit, for business, or for downtown and culture. Still Ciel isn’t “safe” as such or designed with versatility in mind. I believe it is its benevolent, open and mature character that allows Ciel to fit in naturally whilst remaining strong and loyal to its own purpose. In that sense, it is a very gentlemanly scent for what it portrays although judging purely by the notes Ciel is as unisex as it gets.

Distinguished... (...and, Daring...) Amouage’s Ciel Pour Homme is a masterpiece... A fragrance of confidence and class. While the Pour Homme version is for gentlemen, as noted by my colleagues and peers, this beautiful creation of floral, herbal, and woodsy notes can lean into the feminine realm. I suggest that women with attitude who are daring to take the plunge can easily pull this off... Ciel performance is outstanding, lasting 8+ hours on me with projection at arm’s length – I am totally good with that projection as I wear into the office with no concern – it is a crowd pleaser. If you own any of the Amouage fragrances, you already know the presentation of the product is first class. The magnetic cap and bottle design make Amouage fragrances “show pieces” in my growing collection. The only downside to Amouage (...”life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful” mantra...) is the cost.. These gems are not cheap, but worth every penny... My final tally of Ciel is 4.2 stars out of 5. All the Amouage fragrances are well made, unique, and worthy of high praise. Ciel is no exception. A great fragrance that will garner many compliments and create an aura of “find joy in the journey” for the wearer. Enjoy your day and happy fragrance hunting...

Atypical of the heavy, incense-laden house of Amouage, Ciel Man is a light, mainly floral fragrance, but it involves a good blend of seemingly a ton of notes. Lavender is the most dominant, dryer sheet / laundry soap note that is both strong at the opening and in the forefront throughout the fragrance's duration. Peach seems to be cited as one of the main notes, but I can barely detect it at all. Instead, citrus seems to be the only source of sweetness, and bergamot is the note that rounds this off. I don't see this is as spicy at all, but I give major credit for Ciel being able to embody several other genres: floral, woody, and fruity. It's not likely to offend, but not likely to amaze, either. Ciel is a welcome departure for Amouage and certainly a deliberate warm weather entry, best for daytime use. It is symptomatic of the same value questions as the other Amouage frags, as its longevity and projection, while good for a summer EDP, nonetheless don't seem to merit the usual $230+ cost to own a bottle. Still, it succeeds as a summer fragrance more than most of their heavier fragrances do as winter fragrances because it is so agreeable and well-blended. 7 out of 10

What can I say about Ciel after Dullah's great review below? I echo his sentiments totally - this is one of Amouage's finest creations to date and is deceptively complex despite its initial impression of being mainstream or ordinary. There are some scents that just synchronize so perfectly with a particular setting, place, or mood. For me, Ciel lives up to its name and its ad copy - it truly does evoke the freedom and joy of endless blue skies on a picture perfect spring day. Ciel not only reflects the easygoing spirit of such days, but further enhances it in a subtle but palpable manner. If you've ever experienced the kind of synchronicity I mentioned above, where a scent gels so perfectly with one's mood or environment, you know how it can be one of the most powerful, almost transcendental experiences that scent can evoke. I know I'd go some length to check out any scent that has evoked such a response in others. Ciel evokes that response in me. I should also add that the vetiver in the base of this is one of the finest vetiver notes I've ever encountered. Sublime!