Ambra

The first impression is a strong reminiscence of a scented sticks of stems and branches burned in a religious temple in India. You literally smell like the smoke coming out of these sticks. Of course, they smell differently due to their different content, but the smokiness is always there. The floral notes are nicely balancing the harshness of the base notes, yet they come to prominence very fast. I really can't discern much of the top notes. I can not agree with the reviews that focus on sweaty armpits and dead rabbits, because for that the scent is quite mild. I would suggest that it is the smokiness with jasmine and lavender that make it much more wearable. The longevity is amounting to 3-4 hours which is OK for an evening or a dinner. The sillage is not strong either, so you will not fill the room with your perfume, and that makes it more of a private scent for you and those who are around you. It is wearable for many occasions. When I look at the date of origin for this scent, it makes me smile, because it also smells like a scent from an old house a museum, the old oiled wood and leather and a open fireplace. This scent is more for an connoisseur who appreciates the quality and history, and is not afraid to makes a statement. The scent fits everyone apart from the fresh and clean teenagers and those in early 20'es. All in all, a great stand-out scent with high quality and personality. By the way, no review since october 2016 is it was about time....

Ambra Santa Maria Novella (Gold Foil Bottle) I wrote this from memory. The one, I register Ambra in my mind. This is mother of Amberine fragrance. You may, or you may not notice. But the concoction of Bergamot top, strong leathery - Powdery Amber (Mostly Balsam). And Animalic musk (In this an IBQ & True Musk) was the define another entire catalog of fragrance. "Shalimar" which crated 40 years later, amp up sweet - sensual Vanilla & Benzonin. Then it is "The" Fragrance, when it is more digestible. "Ambra" was entirely new idea back then. As fossil captive from ancient time. Ambra lacks vanilla with strong Amber & Musk. It is not so pleasant but as it is on skin. It becomes better & better. The Musky scent and sensuality. .. I believe the Shalimar eau de cologne (1925). is rendered generously to pay homage to Ambra (1828). As element show strong musk, amber and citrus. Lack the vanilla in shalimar we known for. . . . Santa Maria Novella, have at least 5 reformulations we know so far. Roughtly classifed by the bottle. The Gold Foil : The most anicent, you received the deepest experience here. The Clear Glass : Adjusted slightly, still strong and ancient, more perfumery. The Frost Glass : The Godiloks, all the floral start lose charm from here. The Forst Glass with Emboss SMN logo at back : The Modern, Lost all strong element. The Clear Glass with Emboss SMN logo at back : Experience yourself at the counter.

very close to antonio gardoni's famous top note, very sharp and harsh

I'm loving this! As others have mentioned, it has an old-world feel. This one is unique, and a bit hard to describe, as all the notes are seamlessly blended. The opening is quite camphorous and not for the faint of heart, but as it dries down vanilla/benzoin, incense, and spice start to emerge. The notes on Fragrantica don't line up with the notes on the Santa Maria website. This fragrance is in the same vein as Profumum Roma's Fiore d'Ambra, but this is slightly more unisex. Notes from Santa Maria Novella website: Top: Bergamot Mid: Amber, Myrrh Base: Patchouli, Sandalwood

Just when you think you have tested all sorts of amber perfumes, a small miracle like SMNA comes along. The sweetness of amber and benzoin is held in place by a strict yet light-hearted combination of birch, bitter orange, neroli and sandalwood, supported in the background by bergamot and amalfi lemon. The lavender to me seems like a brilliant final touch. This is a delightful amber concoction, lifting my spirits from spray one! Downside: Longevity and sillage are rather minimal