Cosmos

My collection is vast, and spans a lot of different scent profiles across a lot of different avenues but some of my favorites always tend to be those warm smoky fragrances. By chance when I was out shopping with one of my besties the other day we stumbled upon a House of Bo display and I reached for Cosmos to try. When I sprayed it on my hand to skin test a nearby sales associate all but tackled me to know what it was I had just put on because it smelled so good and was just wafting through the store. This scent is addictive. The alcoholic whisky and food fire smoke smell start out strong upon application but neither are overpowering. I don’t get “bbq” from the wood fire, rather a sweeter smoke and start to pick up some of the incense. After a few minutes the whole scent comes together and that’s when it really wows you. This is not for the Sephora girls I’ll say that. This is drinking a smoked old fashion in red lipstick alone at a jazz club and being the most commanding and mysterious presence in the room It shares some qualities to Kilian’s Angel’s Share and Maison Margela by the fire place and Jazz Club but both aren’t nearly as complex as this. The dragons blood note in this adds something truly magical and addictive. It is definitely a unisex fragrance but I think the attitude of the wearer will impact perception of this greatly. It makes me think of tarot readings by a wood fireplace, the room is only lit by candles and the warmth of the fireplace light and there is incense burning. The person doing your reading exudes power and sexuality and confidence. They wear red lipstick. They might actually be divine, and not some etsy/tiktok witch. There’s a faint smell of baked goods but not vanilla or cookies... something old world and they offer you a slice of something delicious with tea before reading your tea leaves. The energy in the room seems to crackle and the sweet smoke wafts through the room. They sip an old fashion and tell you in detail without ever asking a question all about your past, and the answers you seek about your future. You only speak to say thank you for the tea and baked goods. There is magic in this room.

When I first gave this fragrance a try, I was beyond excited given the marketing and notes descriptors, expecting something unique and challenging. I was right on the latter. This fragrance isn’t unique, it cleanly lands in the Haltane/Oud for Greatness realm. Rich, abundantly gourmand, Smokey. This can be almost overwhelming at first if you aren’t used to bold fragrances. I forgot I had this in my collection until today. I’ve been working on actually wearing something different everyday and here we are. This fragrance is bold, so spritz lightly. At first it is loud, vibrant, sweet, even screechy. There is maybe a large dose of super amber in this. After it settles though, the smoke comes forward and the woods go ultra dry, almost like kiln dried kindling. It really is amazing how void of moisture this fragrance feels. Much like a vacuum. I don’t know if I’d go full size on this, but I almost never buy full size bc I can’t commit to one thing. This is a great fragrance, the cacao is well executed, it has a curiosity to it that really makes me think about the fragrance, and it’s pleasant!

I’m going to have to agree that this smells like Oud for Greatness but I don’t believe that scent profile is worth the price tag. This fragrance takes a different approach to that “hospital” oud that’s kind of dry from OG and really makes it part of a ensamble. I’ve had my sample for a couple weeks now and I didn’t really think too much of it on initial spray... but I understand it now after going back to it over and over again. I recommend everyone do the same if it’s not something you like on initial try. Alberto Morillas did a fantastic job with this fragrance. It’s meant for date nights or nights out in general. I’ve handed my sample to several people and all of them instantly freak out about how great it smells and spray it on themselves. 😂 it’s a beast performer and the sillage clings to the air. When smelling it on someone from a couple feet away, it smells sweeter from the cocoa but the heavy incense is still present. This is absolutely full bottle worthy and I’ll be getting mine soon.

I absolutely love this fragrance. I’ve never been disappointed by a House of Bo fragrance. This is probably my 2nd favorite next to Casa Blanca. I was a bit nervous to try just because I wasn’t sure what to expect with a “metallic gourmand”, but this has been a quite addictive addition to my collection. The praline adds a delicious caramelized sweetness, but it’s balanced with the smoky and boozy notes, making this lean a bit masculine. I normally don’t care for oud, but the oud in this fragrance is very pleasant and reminds me of oud satin mood. Don’t get me wrong, it smells nothing like that fragrance, but I could see this being oud satin moods hot masculine cousin that’s been sitting by a fireplace. Overall, this is a 10/10. I have the travel size but will be upgrading to a full bottle ASAP!

This is so sexy to me. I received a sample through the Scent Sanctuary FB group. I definitely get the metallic notes in the opening along with the smokiness. As it dries the Martello notes fades for me but the smokiness remains, which I enjoy. I pick up the cacao, the leather and the orris throughout the remainder of my wearing experience. They all have a lasting presence but they’re smooth and velvety to my nose. I sprayed this fragrance around noon and could still smell it when I took my shower that night at 9pm. I could even get a faint whiff on my skin after. Again, this fragrance is smooth and not beast mode at all but it does last. I think this Cosmos is unisex but leaning masculine. I would LOVE to smell this on a man. I really enjoyed my wearing experience.