This was a blind buy for me a few years ago, and it continues to grow on me and impress. 1980s vintage gothic fugere with some nice herbaceous florals and a patchouli base. The bottle is still a head turner. I really think this was ahead of its time. If it were released today, I think it would get a lot of attention, though that attention might be divisive. Though it's been watered down and maybe reformulated (it featured oak moss, which has been restricted under IFRA), it's still pretty powerful. Licorice accord and aniseed in the opening give it a dark, slightly bitter opening, and the floral geranium adds a rosy floral depth before the patchouli, vanilla, and animalic music settle in. Gothic, dark, and yet easily wearable in the spring and fall and could do well in the office.

Here is another flanker from the Bade'e Al Oud line by Lattafa. Launched in 2021, it is classed as an Amber Vanilla fragrance, a flanker of the beastly Oud for Glory. This is also a powerhouse, with similar DNA too Initio Parfums Privés' Atomic Rose & Psychedelic Love. The fragrance opens with a vibrant zesty burst of bergamot & pink pepper, for a fresh, spicy introduction that immediately captures your attention. As the scent transitions into the heart, it reveals a lush rose combo consisting of both Turkish & Bulgarian roses intertwined with jasmine. This floral core is dense & jammy rather than powdery, creating a rich, romantic atmosphere. The dry-down settles into a deep, base where agarwood (oud), amber, vanilla provide a warm, balsamic, and slightly smoky finish that perfectly balances the sweetness of the rose. In terms of performance, Amethyst is a powerhouse, boasting exceptional longevity 9 hours on the skin and days on clothing. Its projection is strong, it will fill a room easily during the first few hours, settling into a heavy sillage that leaves a strong trail behind the wearer. Due to its intense warmth and floral-oud depth, it is most effectively worn during the fall and winter, or on cooler spring nights. It is an ideal choice for formal occasions, evening wear or date nights, whilst I'm not a fan of the Rose/Oud combos, I'd pass on this one. It is nuclear so please spray with caution. My Rating 6.5/10 Scent 1 Longevity 2.5 Sillage 2 Y/N 1

Going with Zaharoff Signature Noir on a rainy spring day. Such a beauty in the fougere profile but stays warmer in the dry down. Average it above average performance for me. Very nice house that sometimes gets overlooked.