Picked this up a few weeks ago, the second release this year from Armani's SWY Line and I really like it. A warm Oriental Spicey edp that adds a touch of fiery ruggedness too the classic DNA. Although it's bottled like many of those Dubai limited editions, I can see this becoming a full time staple in the SWY line up. Like many of these releases, marketed by L'oreal, they don't credit the perfumer, abort Cécile Matton was the nose behind many of these flankers! It shifts away from the pure gourmand sweetness of its predecessors, designed to replace some of the syrupy facets of the original with a desert inspired aesthetic and a resinous warmth that feels more mature than the Original edt. Spices begins with a sharp, energizing burst of black pepper balanced by the zesty, citrusy brightness of bergamot & mandarin, for an immediate spark that sets a vibrant tone. As the fragrance transitions into the heart, it unveils a complex trio of hot spices consisting of clove, cinnamon & saffron, which are tempered by the inclusion of Lavender Diva essence & a subtle, jammy apricot note. This xore phase is where the Spices moniker truly shines, offering a dry heat. The dry-down settles into the signature base of the collection, that sugared chestnut accord, but here it is deepened by smoky leather, ambery woods & a luxurious Bourbon vanilla extract. The addition of a date note in the base provides a dark, fruity/leather sweetness that anchors the spices, creating a textured trail that lasts for ages. Spices as you could imagine is a serious contender, offering heavy projection. On the skin, it boasts impressive longevity, I get a solid 8 hours, and it clings to clothes forever. Due to its dense, spicy, and resinous profile, this fragrance is best suited for the colder months of autumn and winter, where the crisp air allows the warmth of the cinnamon and amber to bloom beautifully. It is an ideal choice for formal evening events, winter dates, or high-profile social gatherings. Easily my favourite release of the year so far.

Based out of Southern Louisiana, is Natif Parfums and the owner, Jarion Clayton, is making bangers right now! If you haven't heard of or tried Swamp Water (his #1 seller), you NEED to get your nose on this! Swamp Water is a true 4-season unisex fragrance that opens with a bright blast of citrus, neroli, bergamot, mandarin, apple, and juicy watermelon. As it settles, the vanilla, amber, patchouli, sandalwood, cedarwood, and aquatic notes come together to create a smooth, fresh, slightly sweet scent that is incredibly addictive. Performance on my skin is outstanding — easily 12+ hours — and the compliments keep coming every time I wear it. Check out Natif Parfums on Facebook when you can and check out his other frags for sure!

Wore these two fragrances to the same location last two days. Receptionist remarked how good I smelled yesterday and again today, remarking how much she loved this fragrance. Interesting because I wore Baccarat Rouge 540 yesterday and Le Bonbon today.