Ambre

sort-of copying my review here because the current version is basically a revival of this? apparently, there are two different versions of Molinard Ambre. they have flipped and flopped over the years. we’ll call the first the citrus-cloves-benzoin version, and the other, the myrtle-labdanum-wood version. i definitely ended up with the latter. it’s all very confusing, but i LOVE me some labdanum, so... i’m no expert, but — i detect no citrus or lavender, there’s mild spice here but it’s definitely not cloves, and the camphor-like wallop of the myrtle slapped me hard (in the best possible way!) right off the bat. also, i high-key smell labdanum. i used to put powdered rockrose resin in my hair back in my hippy days, and you don’t forget that smell. ;) anyway, here goes nothing... a hit of myrtle to wake up your nose, followed by the soft, gentle spice of coriander. the aromatic notes somehow highlight the slight leather of the labdanum, a gradual introduction to the star of the show. the longevity doesn’t seem to be great, so not too clear on what happens next. i assume it’s all about the blend from here on out. this takes me back to the late 90s, back to my days of hennaed hair and long cotton skirts, and i love it. i hope to discover more of the frankincense heart and the sandalwood base the next time. here are the official notes for the current incarnation of Ambre: myrtle, coriander, thyme amber, (frank)incense, labdanum sandalwood, musk, tonka bean musical accompaniment: “Oil of Angels” by Cocteau Twins /current edp, 2020ish, purple bottle with a clear label

I had been on the lookout for a non sweet amber fragrance for some time when I first read the reviews on this page in which Molinard Ambre is often described as more on the masculine side than truly unisex. My curiosity was piqued and I immediately thought it might be what I was looking for and got myself a full bottle ( blind buy - again, it is not the easiest thing to sample scents from this house). Well, I am perfectly happy with it. It is the perfect genderless oriental for fall and winter and it is something that was definitely missing in my wardrobe ( although I now have acquired both Montblanc "Présence d'une femme" versions to keep it company ). Yes, I find it ideal in the sense that it combines warmth with restraint, old school vibe with wearability, elegance and understatement. I share some of the other reviewers' opinion that there is some jarring note at the top, and I think it is the citrus. To my nose, it almost has at first that "lemon scented house cleaner" effect which could have put me off this gem had I not given it more time to develop and find its balance on my skin. A timeless, distinctive and poised fragrance with versatility. Sillage is moderate and durability above average on me.

This is a great amber scent in my opinion, not too heavy, not too sweet, not too powdery, not too much vanilla. It is an amber that accompanies me rather than wearing me, as it usually happens. I wanted to love Ambre Sultan by Lutens, but it was too powdery and vanilla-sweet for me, unfortunately! This is a good compromise. By the way, this is lighter and less heady than Ambre Lumiere also from Molinard - and way cheaper. What I smell most is amber, vanilla, incense, some faint orange notes (though they are nor listed in the notes), tonka, a tiny bit of sandalwood and something a tiny bit minty and licorice-like, maybe patchouli? Can't say much about coriander, thyme and myrtle because I'm not very familiar with them. I really like it! This is basically the amber I was looking for. Projection is moderate and longevity is actually good, plus this can be worn in the summer too and it won't choke anyone around you. So it is a plus for me :)

Thanks to a special fragrantica member, I received an unexpected gift of this sample. I absolutely love it. I have been searching for the right amber and this is IT!! Some of the other ambers I have tried (Balmain Ambregris, Prada Prada, among others), open with something unpleasant or too strong for me. Molinard Ambre opens perfectly for me, yummy amber from start to finish. The dry down is not too sweet, which I find in some others. But alas, this one looks like it might be hard to come by. ETA: I did find this, on amazon.com of all places. And I am STILL searching for the perfect amber. This is a good one, just not "perfect". I have found that Molinard Ambre is great for layering as it is a simple linear amber scent. It adds a nice base to fumes that need a kick! And although it is just an EDT, it has great staying power.

Nice if a little plain, Ambre is one of those fragrances just drifts in the background and does not want to make no waves like most scents do A nice meekly Church lady or a bookish librarian will enjoy this. the opening is nicely done with the sharpness of citruses and the warmness of amber adds to the coziness the wisp of incense add to the mystery and the note i can detect of Iris brings to an powdery touch.