Eaudemoiselle de Givenchy Ambre Velours

Lately I have been buying with more analysis and prior testing. I ordered a sample of the eaudemoiselle Bois de Oud first, and while I did like it, it was only a like. Based off that, I figured, correctly so, that I would like this better. I'm sort of surprised Oud isn't a note here! It may be my untrained nose getting confused with the Tolu balsam mixed with patch. It could easily be unisex, in my opinion. It is to brown as Poison is to purple, if that makes any sense. The initial spray is spicy and pungent and slightly masculine to me. I like it but in an "oh, that's an interesting start!" I'm very into balsamic scents, but this have zero sweetness to it, unlike some others I enjoy. The dry down is where this gets me, I love it. It is still very gender neutral but there is a softness to it without being girly or matronly. The plum and Rose become more discernible yet they are not the stars of the show by any means. But it almost becomes like fresh woods on my skin about 45 minutes into it and possesses a unique charm that I am falling for. It is like an addiction because I keep wanting more more more, and even of the top notes. Sillage is about two feet and longevity is above average on me. I don't have to cram my nose into my wrist to smell t, even eight hours later. It's very rare that I only wear one scent at a time, and even though this can stand alone very nicely, I love to pair it with a darker lily (Lys Carmin) or spicy ylang sometimes too. Even with Songes, I'm happy with the combos. It is still quite warm where I live and I know I'm using this "off season," but I am thrilled to have it and know it will be even better come winter. The bottle is really nice too. I was able to score a 100ml bottle for a total steal of $40 online. This is sure to make many appearances this fall and winter! Bottle: 9.5/10 Sillage: 8/10 Longevity: 9/10 Overall: 9/10

Burning roses with a dense spicy, woody amber background. The rose here is very deep and velvety, the drydown reveals a multilayered resinous amber. You can feel the opoponax, the benzoin, the tolu balsam....you get some patchouli too. The cedar note is prominent on my skin, and makes this very unisex. This is a gorgeous fragrance. It took me a long time to find a decently priced bottle but I am very thankful and got a full bottle. This is just marvelous.

Very animalic to me in the opening. Loved it. Was surprised at the power. Then about 10 minutes later much softer and sweetness starts to come out for me. As archivist said, it is comparable to Amber Mystique. I like this one better as for an overall scent.......Mystique is almost TOO dry for me. But Mystique has better sillage and longevity for certain. Has me thinking about layering them a little to find the right balance!

I tried this on again today and the dry down smelled like something I had smelled before. I couldn't put my finger on it and asked my husband if he could place it. Well he could and as soon as he told me, I got it also. It is the smell of nitro methane you get from a funny car drag race. I haven't been to one in over 35 years, but I remember the smell. It smells great up until that point.

Oooh yeah.....I really like this. It's a bit weird, with the burnt undertone (which I love!), and the lovely sweet rose and plum; but the best part for me is the splendid amber tone all through it. Very sticky and sweet and delicious. Beautiful strong and long lasting. Gorgeous bottle. I love it.