Safran Gourmand

I tried this in a very cool store, the decor recalls a boudoir and opulent places and times, plus the ladies are so nice and helpful. I tried this and a few others, amongst which there was Casamorati Italica: in the opening they're very similar and they in fact share some notes. I can definitely smell the almond and some milky notes. Though, if Italica turns very cherry-like, sour and a bit off-putting, Saffran Gourmand is a splendid composition with balance, elegance, roundness. It's enveloping with the sweet notes that support the saffron, but never invasive or bothersome. The bottle reminds me a bit of Balenciaga Paris EdP, even though the Places des Lices design is a bit more appealing to me: it's like having a luxurious vintage bottle on the dresser. I practically stumbled upon this perfume (I entered the shop to test Elix by Tiziana Terenzi) and fell in love with it. Only a physical shop can give you certain experiences (and help you find things you wouldn't have considered otherwise).

This is absolutely lovely. I was afraid of the saffron note because that can come off sharp or metallic but no - it doesn't jump out at all like that. Not spicy either, maybe just a hint of spice, but subdued for sure... I can see the comparison with XERJOFF's Italica, but don't let that scare you either - if that fragrance was too much for you, this one is dialed back and more balanced imo. I own Italica but really have to be in a mood to reach for it, where this is an easy-reach gourmand. It has a little something special about it too. It is really a lovely gourmand. Gourmand, but not screechy. Definitely sweet but not tooth-aching... you probably get the point.

This is such a beautiful fragrance! It’s sweet, smooth, and warm. This smells like a warm hug from your favorite person. Its opening is like getting ready to bake for a loved one and you're smelling your bottle of almond extract. It turns into a lovely milky, warm, almond dessert fragrance; an Italian cookie, marzipan, Badam burfi, or whichever sweet treat speaks to you. This fragrance encourages me to be nicer and softer. I haven’t smelled saffron on its own but I’m assuming it’s the warm spice/floral scent that I pick up. This lasts a LONG time; I applied at 7am and could still smell it at 7pm.

I am always excited for a new saffron gourmand, so of course I had to try this one. It's delicious, sweet, creamy with a bitter almond and saffron accord. Loved it immediately. I would say it's quite similar to Jo Malone's Honey and Crocus which was a much beloved limited edition for me and it could almost pass as a dupe. It's a bit more sophisticated and complex. Personally prefer this over Casamorati Italica By Xerjoff which I also love, but is at times a bit much and almost cloying. This is a little more subtle.

One of those “smelled it and immediately knew I was going home with it” situations. The most beautiful almond milk you have ever smelled. Creamy, lactonic, sweet, and tuned just right. Linear and straightforward. This is perfect for layering if you need to add a base to a fruity fragrance. This verges on the edge of sickly sweet, but I am honestly not mad about it. Sometimes you need that sugar.