Sephora is having a cyber week sale, 20% off using code SAVEGIFTS. Unsurprisingly, Chanel products are excluded… but I’m looking at Gucci Guilty Absolu, Prada Paradigme, and other recent designer releases that haven’t hit the discounters yet.

I finally ordered a second discovery set of various Boadiceas from Olfactory, so now I have two 10ml of Oud Sapphire. I had to actually try this on at some point and today is the day. This frag is complex with more of a rich leather note than oud at first. The opening is spicy and you can detect the slightly sweet touch of saffron and black pepper. There is also a soft, powdery fruity texture which I believe prevents it from feeling too harsh. In the mid, the central players are leather and oud. The leather is strong yet luxurious and dominates the frag. Oud is present but serves more as a supporting character, adding a dry, woody, and a smoky component rather than a "funky" or animalic (barnyardy) profile. I've been wearing this for about an hour or so now and the fragrance is settling to something smooth and creamy, with orris responsible for powdery vibe. There is a base of sandalwood, which gives it the woodiness. This is sophisticated and a bit comforting, with the strong leather-oud identity but with that Boudicea polish. If Boudicea isn't my favorite house, it's in the top two. This House is really a cut above (but Amouage is really #1, especially if I factor in the prices and value.) This is a 8.75 (± .25) / 10.00