Jais

A few months ago I found a 30ml bottle of this for a steal, and didn’t hesitate to purchase it, and I’m so glad I did. This is unlike anything else I own. The moment I received the bottle I had to check if it was really 30ml, as it looks tiny, like a miniature. The bottle is so cute and pretty, that it’s worth adding to any collection just for that. The first thing I realised when I smelled this, was that one of my friends in middle/high school wore this in the late 90s/early 2000s, so there was a definite blast of nostalgia. I always associated this with Dior tendre poison, because of the green bottles, and this is how I imagine poison could smell. I do think tendre poison smells quite different though. So as other people have mentioned; yes this absolutely has witchy vibes. This smells exactly how some witch’s brew might smell. It’s herbal, but there’s something underneath, something smooth. and possibly evil, like snake venom, it’s foresty, but potion like, not woodsy. It’s potion-like, but not medicinal. It’s witchy through and through. It’s how I imagine a forest nymph might smell. It’s very mysterious, and somewhat unsettling. I believe some of the top notes may have broken down over time in my bottle as the opening is mostly floral. I do pick up a hint of the basil and bergamot, and perhaps some plum. I’m definitely not getting a strong blast of fruity top notes. Instead I get more of the hyacinth and narcissus, perhaps some orange blossom and petit grain.. There is also a very defining smooth note that stays throughout the scent, which believe to be the cedar, but there’s something else that’s green and watery and algae-like.. I think it’s an interaction between the cedar and the basil, that creates this potion-like, dark green liquid vibe. After a while the florals become less prominent and the scent becomes more honeyed, possibly due to the incense coming through. I also pick up on some labdanum. Despite the plethora of animalic notes, I wouldn’t describe this scent as animalic and musky at all. It’s more aromatic, balsamic and woody. Contrary to another reviewer’s opinion, I do think this is a rather complex scent. Even in its slightly aged form with the top notes missing, I pick up on many different notes and a beautiful development. It might be a bit rough around the edges, and definitely not everyone’s cup of witchy tea, it is however quite unique and quirky. It’s not an everyday scent, it’s not an overly sexy scent either, it’s more something for a walk in the forest.. preferably at dusk (which might be a very bad idea).. or on a rainy day.. any occasion that channels your inner mysterious forest witch really. Anyway I do adore this. It’s unique and special. It has strong 90s vibes, and a good dose of nostalgia, without feeling too dated, due to its very unique character. Someone so strongly grounded in her own personality, can never go out of fashion. NB: this scent is absolutely unisex, it could potentially even lean masculine on some people.

So lovely and unlike Loulou it's complex and without the overdose of heavy synthetic tonka. This has a balanced mix of notes so not one alone stands out. I dislike Loulou but adore this- no similarity.

Wow. This is insanely strong when you first apply it. It only took two tiny drops - one on each wrist-to be more than enough for the entire evening. And you could smell it from 6 feet away 3 hours after I applied it. It does smell a little dated to me and I love vintage/classic perfumes. But this one does go a little "old lady" for me when you first put it on. I was a little apprehensive about if I was going to like it or not but it's a very pretty scent once you give it a chance to develop. My husband really liked it after it settled. He gives it an 8.5. I love the bottle too. Previous reviewer is right - It's a witchy scent in a lovely little witchy green potion bottle. I will probably only wear it once in a while when I'm in the mood for something really different. I have a tiny bottle of the parfum and I'm sure it will last me the rest of my life.

Most of the notes listed are similar to Magie Noire, which in its vintage formula (1978-1981, before the first of at least three reformulations), is my favourite perfume ever.I found Jais and bought it unsniffed. Hmmm. Sweet! Raspberry! Chewing-gum! Cloying! Not unpleasant, but dated and not in the least similar to Magie Noire! I am trying to like it, but so far, without success. Similar to Loulou in the blue opaque bottle.

Well, I had a bottle of this for awhile, but ended up selling it. All of those notes may well be in the scent, but all I could smell were the fruity ones, which were sooooo popular throughout the 1990s. Those fruity topnotes put me off nearly every new perfume offering of the decade. However, if fruity notes don't bother you, this might be worth a try, although you'll have a very hard time finding it.