Mystical Metal

Sizzling Arabian Desert’s Nights TL;DR I get a veil of powdery accord between the acidic and spicy flowers. The prevailing suede is musky, soft, velvety, delicate and non-animalic. I have been wandering around this fragrance for some time, which is not accessible in all stores, and finally last Sunday I got it in my hands. For some bizarre reason, ZARA decided to call this piece from the Sensitive Metallics collection Mystical Metal, but honestly, I don’t find any connection with metals. Some people write it smells very similar to Tuscan Leather EAU DE PARFUM. Far away from judging their opinion, I find Mystical Metal to be a softer leathery fragrance, with a hint of woody leather that changes throughout the progression. They certainly give off the same vibes and the same profiles. The combination of raspberry and leather helps, but this is much gentler than Tuscan Leather. It comes out of the sprayer with a noticeably fresh blend of bittersweet raspberry and mild leather supported by a tinge of spiciness and muskiness. The red fruits are everything but sweet. Slowly, the raspberry tones down and the suede takes over a bite more. A surprising and unexpected opening; I was expecting something ozonic, airy, and metallic, but no. I am wrapped in inviting woodsy leather with delicate fruity scents. Entering the next phase of the perfume, we find a hibiscus that gives a strong acrid smell with a tinge of pomegranate. If you are familiar with hibiscus herbal infusion, also referred to as roselle, flor de Jamaica in Latin America, karkadé in Egypt and Sudan, you should recognize those astringent and acidic notes typical of dried hibiscus flowers. A not-too-high-pitched saffron contrasts the acidic cranberry-like flavour part. A veil of powdery accord is perceived between the acidic notes of hibiscus and the spicier ones of saffron. This is thanks to the alfa-isometil ionone molecule, which here expresses the more powdery aspects of the iris and less watery aspects of violet. Despite the presence of coumarins, which add that touch of spicy and non-gourmand vanilla, the dominant accord is that of leather, or rather suede, softer, warmer, velvety, delicate, and non-animal. That dusty, powdery shade that emerged in the heart remains present, now combined with refined leather and earthy musk. After many hours, a semi-sweet, fruity and powdery trail remains, with the tones of raspberry and iris still recognizable in the shadow. I would like to point out that iris and vanilla here, although subtle, make all the difference, along with the smooth leather that never turns too harsh or animalic. Similarly to Gold Oddity " the duration and projection are satisfying, ensuring a constant presence without being overwhelming. Mystical Metal is a fragrance suitable for both day and evening, versatile for many occasions. It remains anchored to fabrics for days. It is healthy, and genderless, for all lovers of leathery perfumes, even for those like me who are more into animalic leathers. Although the notes and accords suggest that it is a perfume suitable for the colder months, I feel like wearing it in these first days of spring, and then daring to go out on some summer evenings. Is it worth it? For me, yes. I formulate my feelings on a bottle I have owned since March 2024 (BC 33350).

This honestly smells like Gentle fluidity gold with a touch of suede, in my opinion. Yes it has a little roses vanille vibe to it as well, because obviously they smell alike. I have both of them and this one is more refined, classy and feminine, just like gentle fluidity gold is. I’m actually over the moon impressed. Well done Zara. If the longevity is good, I will stack up a couple. Update: After four hours or so it turned more leathery and a tad masculine, so the dry down for me is totally unisex. Nevertheless, note that I wrote four hours which means this has a good longevity. It’s now the day after and I can still (!!) smell it faintly on my wrist. This was just a one test spray in the shop. Didn’t prep or anything like I regularly do, so that’s actually impressive.

I find this to be more of a mix between Black Saffron and Bibliotheque rather than inspired by Gentle Fluidity Gold. It’s leathery and fruity but in a very balanced and soft way, it’s incredibly pleasant to smell and it’s not too heavy handed, maybe my nose is broken but I wouldn’t mind people wearing this specific fragrance in summer either. Great great performance too, went strong for 7-8 hours on my skin with a moderate projection. A great buy, I’d recommend.

Love this one for everyday, it’s my interpretation of a clean scent with some edge. It smells nice and lasts a while. It gives me a vibe of gentle fluidity, hibiscus mahajád and Black Saffron (not a dupe of these, just gives the same vibe). This is a gem. I hope it doesn’t get discontinued but it’s on sale atm so.... This isn’t a straightforward Zara fragrance so I’d recommend to try it before you buy it.

They haven't innovated in the fragrance world, but it's definitely a pleasant scent. It is creamy, as if the rose is mixed with the scent of hibiscus and a little berry fruit. It would definitely move between Kurkdjian's oud satin mood and Maison Crivelli's fragrance. A mixture of raspberry and rose gives the perfume its edge. It will be the real smell of spring. The perfume bottle is masterful.