Steppin' Out with Chris Collins Sweet Taboo and Danse Sauvage

5d (edited) • SOTD 🍊

NOTE: Instead of a Scent Of The Day, I am introducing a fragrance I wore for going out on a date, attending a party, or simply enjoying the evening.

Thanksgiving Day is the start of the holiday season that will last until January 6 (Epiphany), including such festivals as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Since there are so many events packed into this period -- dinners, social gatherings, religious ceremonies, even shopping -- I have decided to dedicate two fragrances just for those events.

CHRIS COLLINS SWEET TABOO

TOP NOTES: clary sage, cardamom, cinnamon

MIDDLE NOTES: geranium, cacao, coffee

BASE NOTES: benzoin siam, tonka bean, vanilla, musk

A spicy gourmand, I wore this fragrance on Thanksgiving Day for our family dinner and evening movie. Sweet Taboo leans into the classic, comforting and celebratory aromas associated with the holidays, but with an upscale, slightly seductive twist. The cinnamon, cardamon and vanilla scream cozy holiday treats as associated with cookies, coffee shops, and spiced baked goods.

Moreover, the warming, gourmand nature of Sweet Taboo is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, Christmas morning and general cold-weather comfort. The cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla create a sweet, spicy profile that feels familiar yet luxurious, while the coffee and cacao add a nice roasted, dark depth. It has a high-quality "expensive dessert" feel.

Perfect for daytime, casual gatherings and general festive warmth (think Thanksgiving dinner, cozy weekends, or Christmas shopping).

CHRIS COLLINS DANSE SAUVAGE

TOP NOTES: cognac, plum, saffron

MIDDLE NOTES: pepper, chili, rose

BASE NOTES: cedarwood, vanilla, oud

A dark and complex fragrance, I wore this scent at the first holiday party held two nights after Thanksgiving. Danse Sauvage has an intoxicating opening with an assertive blend of sweetness, warm spice and woods. The primary notes I discern are nutmeg, cedar, cognac and plum, with the cedar and cognac being the most prominent.

The combination of cognac, plum and warm spices makes it an ideal scent for the celebratory, boozy and slightly more formal nature of the season's late-night parties and special occasions. It carries a sense of rich tradition and mystery. The powerful opening of boozy cognac and dark plum gives way to a spicy heart (pepper, chili) and a dense, lasting drydown of cedarwood and oud. Its intensity and longevity make it stand out at a party, projecting a refined, assertive warmth.

Perfect for evening events, date nights, and formal holiday parties (think New Year's Eve, Christmas cocktails, or a special anniversary dinner).

NOTE: The notes breakdown charts are courtesy of Fragrantica. The images are courtesy of Chris Collins' website.

3 comments