Obscuratio 25

The word 'Obscuratio' is the Latin for 'darkening/obscuring'. This is certainly an apt name for this very dark, brooding and oddly hypnotic scent. I agree with others that it reminds me of 'Black orchid', sans truffle note, but I think this one is nicer and more sophisticated - it's much smoother (sharing the smoothness and texture I also get from Initio's 'psychedelic love', at least in the dry down phase of that one, since the opening is mot smooth!) and it's more well balanced and far less sharp. The Ylang ylang in the opening is a very dominant yellow floral, very warm, sugar sweet, almost cloying at first so I panicked I wouldn't like it. It comes on brilliant and bright, before then quickly dimming as the patchouli appears in the foreground, wherr it gradually darkens the ylang note and tones it down. This patchouli is beautiful too. It's a fantastically smooth chocolate, which doesn't go too dry or dusty (like in patchouli found in a serge Lutens, for example) and there's the most soft amber effect with it. Again, that smooth texture here is what stands out... you can almost see, feel and taste the perfectly smooth chocolate bar. This is like seeing that bar be melted down in the pan, mixed with some ambered honey, yellow ylang ylang infused butter and fresh vanilla pods ... with just a little dash of bourbon to finish. Yes, This is veering on being a gourmand fragrance for me! The more it dries down, the more it reminds me of 'Psychedelic love'. However, 'Psychedelic love' becomes a smooth, mattified, purple stone that's made from man made materials (the bottle is literally perfect!). It's more futuristic, more cold, more floral and not edible. Obviously the main player in that is focused on the heliotrope too, without the patchouli. Where 'Obscuratio' differs is that it becomes a natural, more edible, polished, shiny, chocolate coloured treat and this very classic meets modern style perfume. One that showcases patchouli; done in an interesting way. I would gladly purchase a bottle of this perfume.

What a fragrance Obscuratio is... an incredibly realistic vanilla, not overly sweet. A patchouli that’s not overpowering. Elegant, evening wear, truly dark, even with the presence of ylang-ylang, usually so "bright." A perfect balance between the notes. It’s a journey to unknown, shadowy places that slowly become comforting and familiar, until they wrap you up and soothe you with an incredible vanillic drydown. The raw materials are of the highest quality, and the almost tangible, wonderful imagery of its genius creator shines through. Thank you, Daphné.

Magnificent. I wouldn't normally call a vanilla fragrance "dramatic", but this one truly is. The king of vanillas - with Black Opium le parfum as his queen. Bold, powerful, and vibrant ylang ylang from the first spray, gradually transforming into a gourmand intoxicating chocolatey patchouli amber. But really it's all about the vanilla, the smoothest most majestic vanilla I've ever smelt. Obscuratio is a warm and inviting Chypre, I love it so much I bought the bottle.

To me this smells like clean soap bubbles, patchouli, and ylang. It's a really interesting combination, not like anything else, and I really like it. Solid projection, a few feet, and lasts 8h+. The price is a little steep though IMHO. Also - I just recently learnt that L'Artisan Parfumeur and Penhaligon's are the same company, so fact of the day right there for everyone :)

This is the elegant rich aunt to Kayali Vanilla 28’s spoiled baby niece. Must love patchouli though.