Little Black Dress

Very pretty and filled with classic notes of feminine fragrances since time immemorial! Little Black Dress goes on as a tart and bitter green, with bergamot providing a dash of sour citrus. The jasmine is already detectible and is definitely at the top of the holy trinity of jasmine, ylang-ylang and rose. The floral heart emerges about 20 minutes after application, and this fragrance is truly a jasmine-lover's delight. Nothing can match the amazing aroma of pure and natural jasmine. About two hours later, a soft woody scent--primarily the sandalwood--emerges, with a little rose aroma keeping things feminine. The scent stayed close to the skin after an hour or so--very typical of a perfume oil--but the longevity was excellent for a natural perfume, close to six hours. Great for day or night, any occasion--it is indeed a "little black dress" of a fragrance.

A perfume fairy shared this one with me and said that it opened for her as a lovely big white floral but dried down into something kind of muddy or unformed, a problem she often finds with all-natural compositions. I had the converse experience. The top hour or so was unbearably animalic and sour garbagic. After that I got a stunning natural jasmine/narcissus scent, like the dry-down of a well-preserved luxe vintage feminine, something I find transporting and irresistible. But I don't think I can get through those top notes ever again.

This is some classy stuff right here. Very elegant and formal. I... can hardly pick out individual notes; except the ylang ylang rose, civette and the woods. It's well done and lasts a full 6 hours, but sadly isn't quite my style. For someone into more feminine graceful fragrances this would be the holy grail though.