Black Frankincense

Beautiful fragrance, reminds me of visiting a garden center. It reminds me of my time spent working in a greenhouse at a nearby plant nursery. Bright greens, wetness, earthy stems, and a touch of wetness. Really great! Dana is truly a wonderful perfumer.

I got a little 5 ml sample spray of this stuff. I liked it, and it was a very comfortable scent, but it wasn't something I'd personally wear out. BF offers an interesting take on resinous amber (not in the way that benzoin-vanilla-labdanum are resinous/ambery, not sweet/warm/radiant), slightly reminiscent of frankincense with some piney nuances. I think the most interesting aspect of this offering is its coldness— it is in no way a warm or stereotypically alluring scent. It was almost like smelling a stick of gum. I'm fascinated by frankincense in perfumery, and while I don't think this smells exactly like traditional frankincense, it's a nice smell, and I'm glad to have experienced it. As for the other notes: It's a little musky, and there's a fresh-clean smell that probably comes from the "salt air" and milk accords. There's also a terpenic, almost menthol-camphor facet that isn't unpleasant. I like how austere and cold this stuff is, but I don't think I'd ever commit to a full bottle. The longevity is fine (it holds up pretty well for an EDP, my skin eats perfume), but it didn't really project very well, even in the middle of summer when I was outside. I used this stuff up at bedtime because it's got a pleasantly calming aroma, but otherwise, I couldn't see myself wearing it to impress. Since this scent is sort of unobtrusive, quiet, and meditative, people who dislike louder/sweeter fragrances should consider a sample of this stuff. 4/5, but not necessarily for me.

I was shocked to discover how much I hated it. Everyone describes it as light and herbal, or even cool and cold, but to me, it smells strongly burned. Burned to the point of causing scratching in my throat. And it doesn't smell like resinous pine in a bonfire or smoky herbs, no - just burning cardboard or car tires. A smell that makes your eyes water. Plus, it has a weird chemical under-sweetness of a puddle of gasoline on the asphalt. I have to mention that I don't shy from incense notes in fragrances at all, despite one not being mentioned in this particular one. Nor do I usually hate "burning" smells: A City On Fire by Imaginary Authors is on of my favorites, and it literally has "burnt match" in its notes. I think the burning can smell really nice. It's just that this one is particularly unbearable. Update: After around 10 minutes it calms down into something sort of OK. Typical warm amber. Still no herbs.

Oddly specific - reminds me of the smell of some hotel lobbies. Not sure of which. And if it’s on purpose as a “signature scent,” or if it’s just the carpet cleaner they use. I also get something unpleasant, as commented before me. It’s reminiscent of a mechanic shop. I happen to like the smell in those places but not as something to wear by choice

Cool, relaxing herbal incense, olibanum, soft musk. So pretty, it feels natural. Unisex. Clean and meditative. I like this very much.