I moved on to Amberland today, and right away it felt like a shift from the barbershop/fougère direction I started with. Amberland lists labdanum and grapefruit on top, rose and pink pepper in the heart, and amber with vanilla in the base. Instead of the clean, soapy vibe I expected from this house, Amberland opens warm and resinous with a little sweetness underneath. It leans more amber-vanilla with a touch of spice, almost like a cozy evening scent rather than something you’d wear fresh out of a shave. On my skin, I pick up a mix of warmth, spice, and that resinous backbone. I’ll be straight with you, I had to look up what labdanum even is, but whatever that resinous material does here, it gives the base a warm, slightly smoky depth that anchors the whole thing. The citrus up top is quick, but it gives just enough brightness to keep the opening from feeling heavy. Can't say I pick up on grapefruit necessarily, but once it settles, it becomes smooth and warm, the kind of scent that feels built for cold air or low light. And even though vanilla isn’t usually a note I gravitate toward, the touch of it here mixed with the amber creates a base that settles in a way I think will be a hit with most. I know what you are thinking, @Georgi Zayakov, but the vanilla is actually courting me this time. I’m testing these respectfully, especially since this is a style I don’t normally reach for. My tastes tend to run fresh and clean, so Amberland sits outside my comfort zone, but that’s the point of this whole exploration. I want to experience what this house can really do. I mean what really puts the happy in HappyLand? I’ll keep wearing it in cooler moments and see how it evolves, but for now, I’d call this one warm, sweet, and surprisingly elegant. A good reminder that stepping out of my lane can still lead to something interesting.

Same exact notes as JPG for a fraction of the cost. The blue elixir starts out a lot more toned down from the JPG. The Lavender is much more pronounced in the blue elixir. The khadlaj lasts longer as well. Got my first compliment from the khadlaj at the mall today. Sprayed both on at 11am the Khadlaj I can still smell the Lavender but as to the JPG it's a skin sent at barely even that. Khadlaj was $40 to over $100 for the JPG. Definitely worth it cheaper than the OG and out performing it as well.