Stella Cadente

A modern chypre with a classic soul. The first thing that hits you is a rush of aldehydes: bergamot, dry rose and green moss, all wrapped in that hard-soap brightness, fresh, slightly effervescent. After a while it warms up: a touch of dry orange and soft vanilla smooth out the earlier chill, blending into moss that’s now turned earthy. A cool lift, maybe from musk, maybe from the aldehydes themselves, keeps it airy. Later on, a slightly oily-cheesy suede comes through, well-balanced but not my favourite part. As it wears, the suede softens into something creamier, with a fruity twist at the end, like orange blossom crossed with a hint of raspberry. Funny thing, these classically built chypres always seem to smell better to me in summer.

Wore this yesterday and my SO called it “girly and deep” (he’s in his 50s). I disagree with him on the girly bit but I will have to try it a few more times before I can make up my own mind. To be continued...

This starts off interestingly, with a warm mix of spices and yellow flowers. It lingers on the skin for another 20-25minutes, going quickly through all the other notes that pass rather too quickly to be recognized, let alone enjoyed. It finally settles down to a flat room-spray type of piny cinnamon. Way too pricey to be used as a Christmas room spray.

I really want this. It’s practically 95% cinnamon , and everyone knows the cinnamon oil isn’t exactly expensive. The price isn’t justified, but I love the scent. It’s mostly cinnamon with hints or Coco edp (from Chanel ). A beautiful composition that I would buy in a second if the price was more decent. ... as is, nope. Very Christmasy and I love everything Christmas so this is on j wish list.

• If you like this kind of cinnamon frag, try Kenzo Jungle Elephant, you can by two Elephants for this fragrance price.