Equistrius

Unlike some reviewers below, my favourite part of Equistrius is actually the opening, where you get a sharp, grappa-ish ambrette that's the spitting image of Chanel No 18's (or, actually, Cri), and a hint of fresh violet/violet leaf, mixing with a proper boozy iris like those found in older versions of Dior Homme. The effect is both sparkly and tender, classic and quirky, and I really love it. The slightly 'alcoholic' notes paired with the iris are also a perfect bridge to a bitter, volatile dark chocolate note that develops soon after - this stage is gorgeous too, but, again, the ambrette-iris-cacao accord is relatively short-lived. Instead, as the perfume dries down, the chocolate sweetens as if dusted with rice flour and icing sugar, becoming more like powdered drinking chocolate, and then everything slowly melts into lipstick/powder-compact cosmetic tones, and gets maybe a tad too vintage for me. Even then I can still smell the traces of ambrette and milk-chocolate-powder intermittently as part of the sillage, and it's all so pretty and moreish that I'm happy to respray. Sillage average, longevity a little on the low side.

Equistrius was one of the first niche samples that I tested that I considered actually wearable. A full bottle followed and I enjoy it immensely every time I wear it. It helps to like iris to like this perfume. Iris, both powdery and orris root, is the lead singer. I really like the sense of a capella in this perfume. The scent voices are clear and in sweet harmony with each other. I can actually smell the cocoa and the leather. Both seem related - like twin sisters - adding their individual, but similar harmonies. Violet sweetened rice adds a somewhat starchy support and barely perceivable density. Sandalwood brings forth a creamy iris. Amber wraps the entire gift in balmy smoothness. A touch of vetiver keeps the whole composition from being too sweet, but remains distant itself. Altogether, Equistrius is an excellent smooth ode to the Iris. It is easy to wear and provides wrist-sniffing goodness. Easy to love...and I do. Edit: Longevity 6+ hours. Sillage mild to body scent after 3+ hours.

I've built a strong relationship with perfume house "Parfum d'Empire" I think, as this is already fourth of their creations in my full bottle purchase wishlist. I did not expect much from "Equistrius", I wanted to try this because of the perfume house, but did not expect to fall in love as I usually do not go for iris dominated perfume. As for iris here - it's lovely, I've finally found a perfume with iris which I love, I can't get enough of it. Iris here is not too powdery and not too "metallic" as it usually turns to my skin. I get loads of chocolate with iris and it turns out to be perfect. It's like being wrapped in a soft blanket with someone special while doing something very kinky. Sounds weird I know. This is a comfort scent, but at the same time this is very, very sexy. And also elegant. Worth a try. Not worth a blind buy though, this is not crowd pleasing.

I am happy to have got a full bottle 100 ml of it. Even if it has been quite expencive. BEFORE I tested it with my sample I was sure I don't like iris odour. I used to find it extremely powdery and suffocating and causing headache. Before I tried Equistrius in a sample. This Iris is so far from powder (on me, indepepndently on note of rice powder in it) and so light and elegant! So beautiful and calm! Note of chocolate is warm and deep. Iris and chocolate supplement each other ideally. I also feel gentlest musky smell. The perfume is just perfect. And it changed my attitude to iris at all. It seems that now I am interested in any iris perfume I can approach :-)

This is so soft and warm and long lasting. I've had it on my arm for seven hours and I can still smell it's beautiful aroma wafting up. The amber and sandalwood are so creamy and soft. However, I didn't enjoy the top notes. They're much too sweet and syrupy with an odd hay or dry wheat note. I dismissed it as a dislike and moved on to other violet samples I was testing. After half an hour, I noticed it had settled into a gorgeous violet and iris scent, resting on a creamy base. If you can wait out the loud beginning, you're in for a treat! Cosy, enveloping but gentle, not powdery. A touch of suede, touch of chocolate. A skin scent in a very sensual way.