Arabian Incense Artisan Perfumery

Update: 4 months of oxidation later. This isn't LADDM, nor should one expect it to be for the very low price. It does not have the finesse, the complexity or the quality of that masterpiece. On the other hand, it is a fraction of the price, and is more wearable. Balsamic, resinous, incense, raw lumber, a touch of mentholic turpentine/sap, cinnamon, vanilla. Smooth, thick and dark. Also notable for eschewing rose and saffron which are common additives to this type of scent. Respectfully disagree that, if you like this style, you should save your $26 and put it towards a $400 bottle of a niche version of Atelier (though LADDM, at around $140, is what you should buy next if you love this one). Also, 4 months dramatically improved the longevity, blending and integration of this one, so take reviews that complain of poor quality and longevity after a first try with a grain of salt. --- Opens with incense, woods, a nice counterpoint of eugenol, amber, and a light honey/leather hint in the background. It balances the sweetness beautifully, especially when some oakmoss adds a touch of bitterness. The patchouli joins later lending a smooth dry chocolately element. This projects quite strongly for the first 45 minutes, and from the reactions of my female work colleagues, this is not a crowd pleaser. You wear this kind of fragrance for yourself, to feel both powerful and comforted. This could go unisex but probably not young or new to fragrances. Unless you have spent a lot of time in Orthodox Christian churches, the density of the elements probably won't appeal to those who have only experienced freshies, gourmands and sweet ambers. But if you like to be a bit challenged, and challenging, $26 is a very small price for an experience like this.

Picture this: It is midnight and there's a service going on, in a church with ebony floors, high stone walls, and stained glass windows. The moonlight pours through the windows, onto the altar and the rows of seats. The candles burn higher, as if in tune with the prayers being sung. On the ceiling, it's as if all the portraits of cherubs and angels are staring down at the believers. An imposing sight, but holy and pure nonetheless. No one would dare to not listen, not here. Meanwhile, outside, it starts to rain. It rains heavily, as if the skies are washing away everyone's sins. The rain and the incense mean nothing more than to purify all. As the service comes to a close, the candles are almost out, and the people begin to leave, they all carry a part of the Spirit within them. They leave, forgiven, their souls feeling lighter, and the rain will later on lull them to sleep. (TL;DR: church incense, rain, cold air in the woods outside a warm, old room. bound to seem hot to every beautiful weirdo out there. this can be a bit intimidating or off-putting to some, but that's just part of its charm! love love LOVE this.)

So I agreed to test this perfume, expecting it to be very smoky and heavy, and therefore not an easy affair. After spraying it on a test strip, I waited a while. Then I got ready to smell it, expecting it to be too intense, too niche, or too complex, and left the bottle to gather dust on my shelf. But I could hardly believe what my nose perceived. It is absolutely beautiful. I had imagined it would be much deeper and darker and not easy to wear, even harsh or herbal, to be honest. I had expected it to be a new variation of Encre Noire A L'Extreme, but instead it reminded me of Boss Bottled Eau de Parfum. It has a certain sweetness that blends in so well. It reminds me of a mixture of dates and cinnamon, and after a while, the longer it sits, the more you can smell the accord. Somehow it reminds me of a smoky cinnamon bun. For me, it's a masterpiece, it has the mystique and maturity of smoke and the playfulness of the sweetness of amber. I have to say that this perfume is in my top 5 out of the 100+ bottles I have collected. But be careful, you have to have the character and personality to wear it.

A strong european forest smell. Very dark green. Smoky in a non-offensive way. The opening is harsh. Like a bottle of rum. Turns into a beautiful coniferous forrest. After a while it turns more sappy and leans lightly into the incense. The person wearing this would be very well dressed. Elegant. Rich and intellectual. However if you are looking for a catholic church scent, this probably is not the one for you. Correction: It smells like a forrest on me specifically (my skin turns perfumes a bit fresher and soapy). On my partner it smell exactly like frankincense (his skin tends to turn perfumes warmer). Gorgeous either way.

Cypress and Tunisian frankincense. That is the essence of this scent. This could easily be a release from a niche house. Projection is moderate/high . Sillage seems to be very good for an incense scent. I really enjoy this, as it shares a similar heart with my beloved Sahara Noir. It smells more like Tom Ford - Amber Absolute. A real steal at this price point. Blind buy safe if you like Tunisian frankincense.