Maddie's Secret

I just got this in the mail yesterday and I love it! I initially blind bought it bc I’m such a Marissa Zappas fan and I thought it would have more Jasmine but it’s more of a delicious dare I say sexy milk chocolate musk. It reminds me in the musk of calico. Maybe it’s the MZ dna. Now I have to watch the movie!

I received a free sample at a showing of John Early’s film Maddie’s Secret. I went in to the screening assuming the film was pure comedy, so I also kind of expected the fragrance to be unserious. The movie is hilarious, but also quite poignant, and the fragrance is lovely. The notes nod to the film but this perfume can stand alone. This is a gourmand with no vanilla, which I am happy to see. Opens with big peppery spices and rich dark chocolate cake. Both notes mellow in the dry down but it remains spicy with lingering sweetness, a bit more lactonic. By the end of the day it’s soft spices and sweeter - the milk chocolate stands out, but heavier on cake. Nice non-vanilla gourmand. Good longevity, moderate silage.

I wanted to like this so bad, but the saffron is off putting to my nose

Upon using up my sample, I think I've changed my mind on this one. At first, the saffron and rice hits me funny, like spicy & bitter burnt toast. But it mellows out in the dry down to a sweet and milky cuppa saffron tea. I can't find the chocolate. Full bottle is pretty pricey, though it's definitely worth a taste.

Same comforting rice note as in calico. Semi-sweet, milky, and moreish. I freakin' love it.