Sel d'Ambre

I blind bought this one and have no regrets AT ALL. The opening blast is one of my favorite openings of all the fragrances I've sampled. This is where the resins burn the thickest, the only part of Sel d'Ambre's lifespan with a heavy feel. Post-opening, everything melts together into a masterfully-blended, mysterious beauty. The ambergris is easily detectable here (hence the "sel"/salt), and the olibanum becomes more of a frankincense specifically - it's cooling, just like how true frankincense oil feels when it touches the skin. There's an airy quality to Sel d'Ambre as well that transports me to what my mind imagines is a desert night. The gold and black color scheme and interesting shape of the bottle conveys the fragrance perfectly - something ancient, something ethereal, the container for something a pharaoh would wear. I wouldn't even really consider this an amber-forward fragrance; it plays more of the 3rd place on my skin compared to the ambergris and olibanum, while the Rukeri tea accord (kind of like a Rooibos red) and orris accord work together to provide depth and to smooth everything out in the far background. The very light animalic tinge (only heavy in the opening) from the ambergris truly puts a stamp on the uniqueness as well. The far drydown (12-14+ hours later through a shower) leaves only the cooling frankincense and orris to be found. There are maybe other fragrances I can name in a similar scent family, but I truly can't say that this smells like anything else I've tried. Bisch's perfumery here with Sel d'Ambre reminded me again why I love niche perfumery so much. Just when I think I've smelled everything, I come across a unique gem like this. In my opinion, S'dA deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as transportive classics like Au Coeur and L'Air du Desert Marocain. It's not gonna be for everyone, but it's definitely a favorite for me. 10/10

Revisited this as it had been on my mind. This is a future masterpiece. This is a genuine combination of Amber (the resin accord) and ambergris (whale vomit or whatever it is). Whether there’s any real stuff in it I highly doubt it. It is deep, dark, sexy and alluring. A proper grown up amber. It has the similarities with Tom Ford’s Amber Absolute in the sense that it’s smokey, spicy, woody. and resinous. But in the mix comes an animalic salty ambergris. And it’s this part that I’m addicted to. This addition is what made me want to get a FB. The frankincense plays a supporting role but never overtakes the amber giving it that incense vibe. I think the tea balances things out and keeps it from getting overwhelming. Call me crazy but deep in the dry down I get hints of Gucci Pour Homme 1. There are woods and spices in here that are not listed. A perfect cold weather date night scent. Performance wise it’s well above average. Projects very well and lasts until the next morning on skin and over a day on clothes. For me the highlight of an interesting and avant garde collection. Ebene and bleu infini were my other picks that I would consider. Packaging and bottle are worthy of the juice inside.

I tried this fragrance in Neiman Marcus around ten days ago. It is delicious, powerful, warm, and enveloping. It is lush and rich amber resin and labdanum with a bestial longevity. I have had a blotter for one week, and the fragrance keeps going and getting better. This fragrance is incredibly enticing. However, I need more experience to fully understand how it would develop on my skin. Sel d'Ambre is much more potent than Ambre Nuit from Dior; it is more subdued and elegant. Sel d'Ambre differs from Grand Soir MFK because it doesn't explore the sweet amber-vanilla territory that defines Grand Soir." It is also less stinky in a good way (meaning animalic) than Ambre Sultan from Serge Lutens or Musc Ravageur of Frederic Malle. It is a particular scent that is not suitable for blind buying, especially if you are not into amber scents. The presentation of Sel d'Ambre in person is stunning and looks a lot better than in the pictures. This weird gold-black square bottle with the letters crossing the corners of the fragrance looks different and pretty. More pictures and reviews are on IG: @marulovesperfumes!!!

I didn’t expect to love this as much as I do. Sel d’Ambre isn’t your typical sweet, syrupy amber. It’s dry, mineral, and structured. There’s a subtle salt-air quality wrapped around warm resin and woods that makes it feel elevated without being heavy. On my skin it feels sharp and composed rather than cozy. It doesn’t project loudly or demand attention. Instead, it gives a quiet sense of control — calm, steady, and confident. What I appreciate most is how complete it feels on its own. It doesn’t need layering. It doesn’t need added sweetness. The balance between the dry amber and the airy mineral effect makes it feel modern and refined. This is the kind of fragrance I’d wear when I want mental clarity and a composed presence. It’s important without being stuffy. Polished without being cold. If you’re looking for an amber that feels mature, controlled, and subtly powerful rather than gourmand or opulent, this is worth trying. Scent: 9/10 | Longevity: 8.5/10 | Projection: 7/10 | Overall: 9/10

This is my first Balmain that I’m trying and already found an absolute hit for me. Such an addicting sparkling amber, like the Oud Minerale bottle is what it feels like. Slight bit linear, had a nice incense and subtle tea and becomes more dry and powdery over time, the amber is gorgeous and salty, long lasting stuff that stays on skin for 6+ hours I am getting a fb for sure!