Vanuatu

I really adore this fragrance. I got a sample from Luckyscent, and upon opening the bottle for a sniff and immediate application didn't think it was anything too special. It smelled kind of woodsy, kind of citrusy, kind of aromatic. It was a meh for me. I had some on my wrists and honestly forgot about it. Around half an hour later, I began catching whiffs of something absolutely divine and I realized that it was Vanuatu. It had dried down on my skin into something really special - a very creamy, warm sandalwood with what I think is the papyrus lifting it up (I'm a big vetiver lover, and the comparison is apt). I'll be honest and say I really don't smell the vast majority of the notes listed here. The citrus/rhubarb disappears on me in the dry down and it doesn't smell fruity on the whole. I don't get any cumin/sweat or patchouli at all, even right out of the bottle. The violet is light and not powdery, maybe just adding a hint of a floral quality along with the fig, but I don't find either to be very present at all. The cardamom warms everything up, but it's not like sniffing chai. Overall, Vanuatu ends up being a warm, creamy vetiver-like scent on me, with underpinnings of something spicy and intriguing, but remaining eminently wearable. It takes a little while to work its magic and meld with my skin chemistry, but for me it's FBW. I got a deal on eBay for $160, which I think is a worthwhile price point. 9/10.

This is Aromatic, Cozy, inviting, warm and very stimulating to the senses. I received a sample and it started leaking all over my hands. I then sprayed on paper to compare the reaction. Opens very sharp citrus and spices. Instantly reminded me of a scent and I realized it reminds me a Turmeric.( a facial mask i have and use) spicey but sweet, woody and almost lactonic/creamy) This is more so on my skin then paper. The paper starts to calm down but on skin it warms up and the sweetness from Fig come through combines with the pepper, woods and citrus. I like this. Great projection! I do feel this is more masculine but I can see myself wearing this in the colder months from time to time. Something I would love to smell on a man for sure. kinda sexy! very classy. mmmmmm

Quite a spicy opening. Cumin is always very difficult for me but this isn't as harsh as other cumin frags. This instead comes across very fresh with a bit of tartness from perhaps the rhubarb and bergamot. I'm not a huge fan of the opening but it starts to settle down quite quickly. The cumin quickly transitions to a milky sandalwood which leaves the cumin feeling more like cinnamon. There is a lot happening here and I thought i would hate it but it feels really nicely blended. I actually quite love this for a slightly warmer/spicy milky sandalwood. The cardamom starts to really come through after ten minutes and it leaves this feeling like gris charnel with a spicy edge. 4/5

From the brand's site if you want to see what they consider the top, heart, and base: Top notes: Bergamot Italy essence, cardamom essence, rhubarb, black pepper essence Heart notes: Fig milk, violet leaves, cumin essence, violet Base notes: Sandalwood Australian essence, light patchouli essence, cedar atlas essence, papyrus wood, sparkling wood

This opens a very vibrant citrus and pepper, aromatic. The dry down is more woody, with hints if the fig and violet. unisex leaning masculine. Incredibly well made and classy smelling. This house can do no wrong for me.