Don't Explain

I agree with the below writer; this is strangely gorgeous. Don't be scared off by the mushroom/cheese/butter accords, they serve to add an undefinable earthiness (their website calls it a gardenia with umami--and that is spot on). I would have guessed oakmoss or something similar. The scent floats with gardenias and white florals above the earthiness, and fresh greens weave it together. It reminds me of several white florals on the market, but with an underlying richness the others don't have. Just beautiful stuff. This is safe blind buy if you're looking for an original take on the gardenia/white flower scent.

It comes as something of a relief to find a gardenia that goes all in on its slightly savory, cheesy funk without trading in the heady elegance of a more traditional gardenia for mere shock value. On the contrary, elegance is the name of the game here: this gardenia is more mother of the bride than bridesmaid. I mean that as a compliment. I am reminded of the strange beauty of white flowers just beginning to brown. Don’t fear if that sounds like a lot — this is also a well blended, smooth and somewhat quiet perfume, not at all brash or overbearing.

Received this as a sample with my order from DSH and I am SO happy. The butteriest gardenia I have ever smelled. Lush and gorgeous without being cloying at all. Earthy and everything I wanted from a white floral as someone that doesn’t normally wear florals. Going to go buy a bottle now.