Scorpio

When I first smelled a sample of this fragrance, I thought to myself, ‘Wow, this is exactly how I imagined Arrakis from Dune smelling like’ -dry, sand-like, cinnamon-rich and a little pungent. I may get a bottle one day, though the price tag is quite high for this one.

The cinnamon is too overpowering, otherwise would've been a great perfume to match my moon sign.. wait for the drydown though; it's worth it :)

Strange Invisible Perfumes, led by artisan natural perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis, is a brand whose focus is dependent upon authenticity: "certified organic," "wildcrafted," "biodynamic," "hydro-distilled," "clean." The mission is for it to be made distinct from conventional perfumery, often in ways that not so discreetly condemn fragrance which comprise of anything deemed "unnatural," synthetic. Throwing other corners of the fragrance world under the bus is something I don't regard as a fair framework for a brand, though I do understand the appeal for targeting an audience who seeks out this consumer that values this perceived authenticity. However, we know that the quality, usage, of naturals does not a extraordinary perfume make. What is made up for in all this attention to presenting integrity appears lost on the final compositions. Scorpio is one example: while this smells pleasant, it doesn't really achieve a level that exceeds that of rough-hewn natural perfumes sold locally at farmer's markets. A muted cinnamon and olibanum is a bit soured by a white cognac oil that unfortunately leaves the swift dry down smell of dried vomit on my skin. It's pungency is puzzling—for what is promised as a strong narrative ends up feeling meek and without any footing. It succumbs to the common trap of natural perfume: all materials fall from the weight of each other and what's left is confusing, and not necessarily pleasant—and certainly not worth 6 dollars per ml.