Cactus Azul (new)

Just tried a sample of this very beautiful, clean, and classy fragrance. Definitely one of the best cactus flower notes I’ve ever smelled. It’s not floral... it’s more like a sweet nectar... There definitely is a herbal quality to it too, maybe mint but I’m also getting a slight lemon balmy note. There’s definitely a woody spice to it that pushes it into a masculine leaning unisex. I can see women pulling this off extremely well too though. It’s a simple and refined scent. Its fresh and crisp. I can see this being a people pleaser, it’s very inoffensive. I might get a small bottle of it as I love a simple freshie, but the price of this house is a bit extra so I’m trying to be discerning (I really want to visit their store in NYC next time I’m there, I very much appreciate the whole ethos of the brand). I can see this being perfect for spring and summer, but it could easily be a signature scent. I will also note that I have this layered with a sample of Muskara Phero J from Fueguia 1833 as well (only on one of my wrists) and it’s actually pretty incredible how much that very simple musk pheromone note is bringing it up to its full potential. I am actually pretty shocked because Muskara Phero J is slightly unremarkable on its own.

Desert dry spicy cactus flower and cedar opening which surprisingly on my skin gives way after an hour to a gorgeous fresh cut orange and rind skin scent which lasts for a good 7 hours or so. I struggle to find the mint in this other than to say it may be supporting the freshness at the start. Only moderate sillage for a niche fragrance costing over $300 for a 50ml bottle. Although much much more refined, Cactus Azul is the only contemporary fragrance I’ve come across that reminds me somewhat of Gucci Envy which seems to now have a cult status amongst the Fragrantica community. This is way better. Julian Bedel puts a lot of effort into looking to the natural world to provide inspiration for his fragrances and this is a truly beautifully crafted reflection of that. I like it a lot as a perfect autumn daytime scent. Highly recommended, as is a visit to the stunning Fueguia 1833 boutique in Milan.

Wow, this is a beautiful scent with a simplicity that makes it all the more alluring. Evokes a spiritual mood because of an accord that smells like holy basil to me (the combination of mint and cedar perhaps?). Classy in its stark simplicity, it is masculine and will go very well with a crisp white shirt and a pair of grey woollen or linen slacks. Not worth the outrageous prices but a very beautiful must-smell type of fragrance. I am now looking forward to trying out more of this house's offerings.