Dolce Nostalgia Vanilla & Incense

I knew I needed to have this one as soon as I read the notes (though, why does fragrantica not list incense?) and it didn't disappoint. It's a deep, intriguing, smoky kind of vanilla that is very smooth, creating an experience of its own. Not at all gourmand. I don't get the plum liquor that much was might be a bit of a disappointment, but it's still amazing. It's indeed in the same family of the Noir Extreme Tom Ford line. It doesn't last that long yet, but I'm expecting it will get better with maturation. In my local Zara, this is in the men's section. I believe that all fragrances in essence are unisex, but I do get why this would be adverted to men more.

I only bought the 15 ml bottle because I wasn't sure what to expect, but it turns out to be quite original. It's sweet without being gourmand, built around a smoky, almost charred vanilla that gives it a surprisingly distinctive personality. The leather adds texture and depth, making it feel darker and more interesting than the note list might suggest. What I enjoy most is that slightly burnt, incense-like facet running through the fragrance. It stops the vanilla from becoming predictable and gives it a unique edge. Considering the price, this is an absolute bargain. If you're looking for something affordable that doesn't smell generic, this is definitely worth trying.

So, I finally had the chance to test this fragrance. The leather is very soft, leaning more toward suede, with a subtle velvety texture and just a hint of animalic character. The vanilla is quite prominent, but it’s not overly sweet- instead, it has a pleasant bitterness, tobacco nuances, and a light balsamic touch. As for the plum liqueur, unfortunately I barely get it. If it’s there at all, it stays quietly in the background. Overall, though, it’s a very pleasant composition with no unpleasant surprises. Everything feels smooth, well-blended, and easy to wear.

So I sprayed my left arm with Tobacco Collection Intense Dark Exclusive and my right arm with this in a Zara store. While initially different scents the drydown after an hour smells almost the same. Both of them but in particular Dolce Nostalgia Vanilla & Incense reminds me bit of Seborin dandruff hair tonic. Could be the leather note. Considering the hair tonic has been around here since like the 1950`s maybe even longer the word "Nostalgia" in the name makes sense to me but not in a good way. Don`t like it.

A very good perfume. He has a very close DNA, 90-95%, by Mont Blanc Meisterstuck. It can also make you think of Bentley Absolute. Performance is not bad at all, but more moderate than MBM. Elegant, mature and mysterious. I recommend with warmth.