Winter Star

Balsamic and animalic - very raw. Like a musky deer near a beaver den next to a civet cat deep in the evergreen forest.

I am hooked with this Star of winter, I definitely am. Never heard of Michael Storer and probably never would, if this surprise-sample didn’t make way into my arms via one kind fragrantican. The mix is unique and balanced, I Am sure it would smell in a different way to every single person, wide field for imagination, it’s not spicy, but balmy, not skanky, but sensual, adventurous and confident. I like how tolu with peru balms play with civet, that’s how Alaskan fur trapper hats smell, through which you can hardly see person’s eyes. Musk, that I usually not fond of, is very well behaved, it almost like raw fresh-cut hand-made soap at some point. It also has a smell of unique alcohol mixture brewed on herbs like mint and basil somewhat, which in reality are not present, yet still it smells like a potion and mysterious enough to think of this particular Winter Star as of Orion. Associations – I can’t do without them. Movie “The Edge”, survival one, made among magnificent landscapes of Alberta(Canada) but according scenario it was Alaska, with Hopkins and Baldwin. Glad I tried it, gives a hope for new treasures to be discovered in this brand then!

Starts our strong and bright and spicy, with a heaping helping of anise or tarragon, possibly some cinnamon and/or cloves and a hint of freshly-cut pine branches. The main impression is piercingly green and herbal, but in parallel with the greenery, and in counterpoint to it, is a lot of musk, especially civet, which adds a dry, musty, almost mildewed note. Eventually the green herbs fade out, leaving a warm cinnamon-sprinkled, carmel-dipped musk, similar to the drydown of Genvieve and several other Michael Storer fragrances. Except for the odd mildew note in the beginning, this is an enjoyable perfume all the way from the big green trumpet-blast of anise in the opening, to the comfortable, slightly nutty, caramel musk drydown, although I could do without the mildew note in the beginning. There’s plenty of sillage, and the scent lasts a full day. Another unusual offering from Michael Storer that’s definitely worth a sniff.

Although I, like Kterhark, appreciate Michael Storer's perfumes for women, I must say that WINTER STAR is not a very inviting perfume. It smells quite harsh to my nose and I am assuming that this is a combination of the strong lavender and the even stronger balsam and other basenotes which here are so powerful that I get almost a tallow effect. I did not apply very much from my sample vial, yet I am at the brink of a headache. My understanding is that this limited edition perfume was something of an experiment with new materials. On the manufacturer's card description, both Karanal and Helvetolide are mentioned--which I gather are new synthetic molecules--and Karanal is explicitly identified as "difficult to dose". I must concur in this case! This perfume is too strong and discordant. Not a pleasant wear.

Oops, oops, oops... i accidentally dumped the whole sample vile on myself, before seeing that it is 'caramel like.' This is not a note that I am fond of in any form, so I'll keep that in mind (and htat I just bathed in it, which is not recommended) To me this is more of a man's scent, with all that musk and balsam going on. I think a man's chemistry is what's needed to settle this a bit, as a woman's chemistry heightens the sweet factor too much. This isn't working for me. That sweet little civet face you see above is smiling because it just made a stinker. If a woman is interested in this line I would suggest the female fragrances instead.

About 6 months ago, I broke out a sample of this someone had sent me and immediately fell deeply in love. This has a somewhat specific audience I'd say,mbut if you are a lover of vintage fragrances full of oakmoss and civet and musk you will adore this. It is an incredibly cozy blend with a lightly herbal undertone. For me, it conjures soft cozy blankets and a warm fire. I will be using this to anchor some more fleeting fragrances who lack a solid base. If you want this, please PM me and I'll share Michael's address with you as I believe he is still filling occasional orders.

Love love love. Very balsamy and woody with a cinnamony creamy powder (not baby powder) dry down. I'm not getting caramel and it's not too sweet. I hate sweet but his has something that keeps it from going that way. Do get the anise, but more like star anise...another that I don't like usually. So lots of notes I normally hate coming together for this magnificently unique and boutique scent. Also, Mr. storer contacted me regarding a mishap with my order and the personal touch and friendly service was even more reason to support this indie perfumer from l.a.

Winter Star is another fascinating and unique scent by Michael Storer an indie parfumeur from Los Angeles. The wood is warm and resinous but at the same time fresh-cut and clean. This is not a burnt fireplace incensy smell but a "just brought it in from the forest" fragrance. The lavender and carnation to not make this one particularly feminine and I would agree it's pretty androgenous. I could have sworn you'd find a bit of oude in the notes but it isn't listed. Unique and refined wood, yes. Not necessarily Christmassy.

For me it's a mixture of some rubber or resin with medicine syrup and also there are some animal and green notes. Very interesting, but not mine. As it is winter Star, this one will be very good for cold weather.

I was hoping someone could tell me where I can purchase Michael Storer WINTER STAR. I have checked amazon & Ebay with no luck Any suggestions would be great thanks

oh, and i get NO mint note whatsoever as another reviewer mentioned