Ink 黑松墨

Wow, this is the very first review! My favourite from to summer brand, Ink is simply unique. I also love 111 and 149 which unfortunately are not in the database yet. This is a relatively newly established Chinese perfume brand that is gaining quite deserved publicity and fandom, in my opinion, they are simply killing it with concept, design, store interiors, locations, and of course, perfumes. Ink might come off as very subtle, but to me, it is an amazing concoction of soapy and tar notes that give in the fragrance powdery vibe. I do not notice any coconut amber notes, it is quite deep and dry. It really stands out among all other brands jumping on 'inspired by all things Asian' like tea, incense, osmanthus, and yes ink. To summer deserves much more spotlight for its credibility and well-crafted concept.

It truly is primarily ink, yet perfumey.

Went to the to summer store in Shanghai today and got a whiff of this baby. Opening is truly unique as in a big puff of ink hits your nose, accompanied by the smoky sandalwood and cedar. Later, it settles into more refreshing bergamot and musk/amber. I have to say, from beginning to end I never got any coconut notes, although it might be what softens the heavy ink component and makes it clean-smelling as it settles into a less offensive/unique woody/ambery scent.

I applaud them for making a fragrance that truly smells like ink. It’s like I broke a pen and spilled it on me. That’s how it is for the opener. Which- frankly I actually am not fond of. However, the dry down has a really nice pleasant clean musk- soft powder. Relatively enjoyable once you make it to that point. So if you want it to be perpetually inky- this may disappoint you as it eventually becomes rather conforming. More of an intimate scent bubble, longevity also isn’t super solid. I enjoy it but definitely not my scene

I really like this DNA, I didn't know at the time I discovered it in Beijing that it was mainly the prominent sandalwood note that appealed to me. It has a very soft inky note too, which blends in well. No coconut though, at least to my nose. The sillage is ok, and longevity is really poor, about 1-2h before it turns into a skin scent. This is the kind of perfume you put on for yourself.