Estelle

Estelle opens up with a blast of smooth heliotrope, that's quickly overtaken by candied plum mixed with honey. These two notes tease each other for a few seconds, while giving way to the cistus labdanum. The latter adds a slight herbal tinge to the honeyed gooeyness inherited from the previous notes, building upon it. Benzoin and styrax further round out the labdanum, summoning its deeper balsamic, slightly sweet and spicy facets! As it progresses to the dry down, a woody and obsidian backbone sets in, courtesy of the cypriol, guaiac and other woody notes. The later stages of the scent also encompass touches of vanilla and caramel, never too intrusive, laced with a hint of ambroxan. The fragrance is pretty much structured with Labdanum as the center piece! Which gives Estelle a classical french perfumery flair. Quite removed from the typical modern fragrances - and fantastically so... Hats off to the brand and perfumer for fully embracing Labdanum this way, letting the material shine for itself! Overall Estelle feels ambery, honeyed, musky, slightly herbal, warm, with a touch of deep fruitiness and sturdy woods. Almost borders on animalic and gourmand at times, but never really fully crosses those lines. Just glimmers with the suggestion... It takes Labdanum and enhances all its facets, and uncompromisingly so! Definitely feels like a golden nectar! A blend of natural raw intent with a polite and heartwarming demeanor... Personally I find Estelle quite unisex. It has good performance and manages to create a proper scent bubble, without becoming too much. Well balanced! Which surely wasn't easy, considering the amount and type of notes used!😅 All in all, it was a great surprise for me and I wear Estelle with a retro-modern pleasure! Definitely a love for me!🤗💛