Koschei the Deathless

Koschei the Deathless is all about the ylang-ylang, tumeric, and patchouli. There is other listed notes for this fragrance, but they are very much in the background and come off non-descript. It is easier describing this scent backwards as the notes interact with each other like a Russian nesting doll. The base is a patchouli that is very dusty and earthy. The dustiness of the patchouli is reminiscent of a lot of indie amber fragrances like Amber Cour from Solstice or Ambre Extrait from Alkemia. In other words, it is a very dry atticlike dust facet that really adds an old antique ambiance to the general profile. When we get to the mid we get to the note that really makes this unique, the tumeric. The tumeric adds this solar-like warmth to the this fragrance that when mixed with the dusty patchouli reminds me of a vast sweltering desert. Finally, the top features that lovely creamy ylang-ylang that ensures a very smooth opening and almost hydrates the composition with its softness. I love this fragrance, and I believe it is the best Fantome has to offer. It is unisex, but has some light masculine edges particularly as it dries down.

When I tell you that I have never felt so powerful - this makes me feel like an ancient witch in a deep dark woods. I love the mushroom note in this. I think the ylang helps brighten it a bit and prevents it from being too dirty forest floor. Not the most likable or sexy, but sooo interesting and ark and earthy. I bought the perfume oil, and will likely be repurchasing when I finish my current rollerball.

Been wearing this scent for 2 years now and still in love. I've had many people say I smell like dirt, which is all I could ever dream of!

Hot damn. A bewitching concoction. Rotting log, but make it sexy??? Yes, it’s possible, and Fantôme made it happen. I am laying on the forest floor. I have been here for a long time. Has it been hours, weeks, or years? I’ve lost track. My body is gently caressed by damp, decomposing soil. Mycelium has begun to grow in and around my form. Fruiting bodies burst forth from my softening bark, scattering their spores in every direction. There is a golden warmth overcoming me; I feel at peace. Soon, I will give my body back to the forest that birthed me. I can tell that great care went into the selection of these ingredients. He’s earthy. He’s resinous. He’s creamy. He’s spicy. This is a work of art. I wish Koschei had more longevity on my skin (especially because he is immortal) but I consider this a delight nonetheless. My “like” rating would be upgraded to a “love” if the scent lasted longer.

This one is very interesting. For me it opened very floral and feminine with the ylang ylang, and I was worried since that isn’t really my thing. It dries down to something very dry, earthy, lightly spicy and lightly floral. I definitely get the mossy/mushroomy smell of pushing your face into a patch of moss on a tree. I get some of the smoky and mysterious myrrh, the turmeric I get is very subtle and hard to pick out, but it adds some dry earthiness. The ylang ylang definitely brightens and cleans this up just a little for those who don’t want their scents to be too forest floor. This really reminds me of the forests in Northern California in summer or fall on a dry and warm day. I was iffy about it during the opening, but I really do like this. Will not be appealing to everyone, but I like my fragrances very natural, earthy, and not headache-inducingly strong. This is a good one!