Myst

Sampling Myst, a Hendley Perfumes release originally from the 2020 Laboratory Series (I believe) but then re-released into the main collection, a smooth, floral-led mix consisting of orris, most prominently, along with a host of other florals (tuberose, jasmine, osmanthus, rose), musk, sandalwood, patchouli, and ambergris. My experience of Myst mostly seems to match the note listing, with orris-led florals paving the way to a sort of musky, woody, resinous dry down. As with Narcis, this feels expertly blended and cared for, and even though, like Narcis, Myst’s use of iris (and, more generally, florals) is not my usual preferred note palette, this is really enjoyable and frankly easy to appreciate. Myst is priced at $160/105/55 for 50/30/15ml and performs quite well. I’ll have to compare it side-to-side with Narcis givens some of the orris commonality, but surely Myst should be tried by everyone. It’s sold on the Hendley website exclusively, I believe, where samples can be purchased. 8 out of 10

Myst is so unique and enjoyable throughout. The note breakdown just doesn't do justice to how the composition comes together as a whole. It's difficult for me to even put it in a category, a buttery-musky perfume perhaps. The most prominent notes/accords to my nose are the orris and the tuberose, the carrot seeds, the sandalwood, and a good dose of musks in the base. The way orris, tuberose, and sandalwood mix to create this utmost savory treat, sprinkled with musks is just divine. Unique, delicious without being sweet or gourmand, and musky enough to stay intriguing throughout. Good stuff.

I have changed a little on this one, it seems... The opening is quite bleached-woods heavy, with a bit too much plastic-iris for mine. The rest of the scent I really enjoy, it's just the opening that throws me a little... I'll give it another go, but I feel it's likely a no from me... ***EDIT*** So, after about an hour or so, it becomes UTTERLY divine -- you just need to get through the first hour or so. The iris/orris concoction is just spectacular. LOVE IT!

I really dug this one, from the first moment it went on. The initial 'plastic' orris note subsides quickly, and what remains is a warm, musky sandalwood-driven scent that works on many levels. It does linger close to the skin, and sometimes gets a little to basey-musky, but I think this works, I really truly do.

Overwhelming woody beginning of greedy sandalwood and iris butter. Fruity opens with bergamot, osmanthus, sweet pale roses and tuberose around it. In this phase it reminds me of Iris celadon from Armani between fruity lipsticks and cocoa butter. Patchouli and almond sandalwood envelop everything like a sweet chewable cloud. The cloud is elegant as in all the offerings of the brand. Here I take a slightly more feminine, lively appeal of jasmine, rose, osmanthus which is caramelized with amber and polished with musk to drydown. Still convincing, well done,with surprising intermittent puffs of dark sandalwood in the long finish. Enjoyable in all forms, times and occasions. Nice!