Amber Grand Pendora

This is by far the most mature fragrance in my collection that I loved upon first whiff. I think its the leathery labdanum that gives this otherwise sweet round amber its deeper, darker mystique. I’ll probably only pull this out for date nights, holidays, days where I shaved my legs and put on heels. And I’ll probably layer it with my amber fragrances that have solar or ambrette notes, bc I’m really not a dark and sultry girl. I’m so glad I listened to my gut on this one (blind buy) its just enough of what I love to add something really unique to my personal collection. I’m usually a cotton candy, whipped cream, edible gourmand girl. This is the farthest cry from that. This is a crisp blazer suit set and linen blouse, and an expensive leather boot that leads you through important doors. She’s the bright orange flame of candle flickering on the small, fine dining table. Expressive and straight-forward. Intentional. Edit 4/25/25: Its been grey and gloomy for what seems like never-ending months in New York. Last night I found myself spraying this on my wrists before my evening walk on my walking pad. Then I found myself viciously rubbing my wrists into my elbow creases to spread the warmth. And now today, not dressed up or going anywhere fancy, just looking out into the rainy gloom I find myself again wanting the warm embrace of Amber Grand. I only spray this one on my skin because it smells even better with my body chemistry and develops really well with some heat. On my jersey soft t-shirt: Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere. I’m enveloped in cozy. Listening to a Kadhja Bonet playlist, swaying like I can see the music notes floating around my head. This is sensory bliss.

My first review of this is under MFK Grand Soir. This was so good on my skin that I had to buy the original because the original had to be better. It wasn't for my skin. It pulled too masculine. While Amber Grand was more feminine on me. Amber Grand smells very close to Grand Soir but performance wise while the longevity is pretty good 8hr plus this stays closer to you. The thing is after having Amber Grand for months it starting pulling more masculine just like Grand Soir. I was surprised because I got rid of Grand Soir for that very reason. I love the scent so I decided to try and save it. I decanted the two thirds of Amber Grand into an empty perfume bottle then added one third Pink Sugar. The sweetness only served to amp the original scent. I was so sad but I just put it away for months. At least four months have passed. Just tried it again yesterday and my husband complimented me on it. The vanilla ambery goodness is at the forefront with the masculine vibe sexying it up instead of drowning it out like before. Pink Sugar got assimilated and brought out the best in Amber Grand. I'm putting this out there because if you have skin that likes to pick out the masculine tone in a perfume and exaggerate it this might be a way around it. I'm sure I could have layered it but mixing makes it seamless. If you're worried about messing up a perfume try it in a 10ml size then let it sit for awhile. I love Amber Grand. Will I mix up another bottle after this one is empty? Yes, it's an affordable gem that is beautifully done.

Amazing dupe for the love of my life, Grand Soir by the great Francis Kurkdjian. I own both and now I can save the OG by using this one up. I do prefer the original but this one is close enough and it saves me so much money. I also feel like the people who have no means to buy masterpieces like Grand Soir also have the right to smell and feel special and this is one of the dupes that lets us all feel just like that without spending obscene amounts of money.

I love this stuff so much, it’s a shame that it doesn’t project well and has low to moderate performance on my skin. Sent wise It’s everything “Grand Soir” is , but it replaces that slight bitter orange smell at the start with more or that benzoin amber resin like smell we all love. Really turns into a smooth vanilla bomb at the end of its cycle.

Being as old and bitter as I am, it's so hard for me to be pleasantly surprised by a perfume but this one? It's the best thing I tried for ages. Perfection in the prettiest bottle. Soft, powdery, ambery, rich, smooth, comforting. It's the full package. Already ordered a backup.