Muskwood

When I bought Rose 31 by Le Labo, they gave me a sample of Santal 33. I remember smelling it briefly and immediately hating it. It was too masculine, too dry, and almost bitter/sour in its openings.

I recently stopped wearing Rose 31 and decided to try Santal on my skin. Again, the first 2-5 minutes open as too dry, too sharp; reminds me of salty air/marine smells- and algae. After the initial sharpness, the dryness still hangs but in a quiet way. These head notes actually remind me of having dried, crunchy hair because of the salt of ocean water-- as the ingredients seep in, that first hour also offers a soft, smooth leather feel on my skin. Nothing too masculine or aggressive.

An hour and a half in, a completely new layer opens up to me. The sharpness completely shifts to a comforting round smell, while still hinting at a nose tickling, subtle pepper. Someone said there was a hint of sweet peppermint candy in the heart notes-- I personally don't think that its actually peppermint; its a simple uplifting pepper that brings out the other components of Santal 33.

This is definitely a sexy, bold but quiet, skin scent. Although more "masculine", i think women (like me) can pull it off if sick of too sweet, "pink" perfumes. It's an edgy alternative. The drydown actually reminds of Sycamore by Chanel. It's a round, green woody perfume that is very unique and unusual-- especially for ladies.

I'm personally addicted to it now- even after hating it the first time I tried it. I learned from this perfume that love at first sight can be deceiving and vice versa; give it a try.

Molecule 01 is basically 100% Iso E Super (diluted with alcohol), the chemical/molecule that has been used in many well-known perfumes in the past as a base note. So it is a very familiar, comfortable smell.

When I tried it on for the first time, for the first few seconds, it smelled very synthetic and "chemicaley", but after a few minutes, Iso E Super developed on my as skin as this warm, soft-edged sweet woody scent. The smell is very intimate- it's not overwhelming at all because it's such a warm and "round" scent, but it does radiate around the wearer. So people will notice it, but never in an aggressive way. To be precise it is slightly sweet, slightly spicy, very woody, pretty soft, and a little musky too. It smells like sweet and warm cedarwood and sandalwood. If this scent could be characterized as colors, I would attribute a velvet/dark burgundy tint to it.

If you ever try it on you will notice that at times you won't be able to smell it anymore, thinking it has disappeared, but all of a sudden you'll catch a glimpse of it; the smell will come to you in waves.

A lot of people have criticized it because of a few reasons: it's not a perfume at all, it's just a chemical. And it's absolutely ridiculous to buy a $135 bottle for just a single-note scent- that you can create yourself for approx. 20$ (with about 85% perfumer's alcohol and 15% Iso E Super). And then still call it as "Molecule 01" whereas it should just be called Iso E Super.

But I have to say that I'm addicted to it, and I'm thankful that Geza Schoen has thought of trying the Iso E Super molecule on its own.

Of course, if you don't feel like making your own Iso E Super concoction, then go ahead and get a bottle of Molecule 01 because the effect that it has is truly uncomparable to any other perfume. I love it, and it makes a great signature scent because the longevity is quite remarkable. It stays on your skin for about 5-10 hours (depending on your pH balance) but even if by the end you think the scent has gone, other people will still be able to smell it on you.

It definitely has a velvety-woody feel to it, and if Iso E Super works for you, it will provide you with an amazing aura and emanation.

I wore Fleurs de Citronniers all last year and for some reason I switched to some other perfumes for a few months, but I revisited it, and I can now say that I'm back to it for good.

The top notes are indeed very citrussy- but what is very interesting about this perfume is that is doesn't convey any bitter, cold aspect of the lemon blossom. It is, contrarily, a very warm fragrance that explores the usually very fresh scent of lemon in a much balmier way. The top notes are a little too heavy for my taste actually: they remind me of very warm yellow chandelier lights.

But, the fragrance soon develops into something comforting thanks to the white honey and to the neroli, that offers a soapy aspect to it. What is truly beautiful with this perfume is that the iris and the tuberose, and the white honey result in a white but warm floral scent. This perfume suggests delicateness, luxury and comfort.

What really made me addicted to Fleurs de Citronniers is the drydown/base notes. The musk and white honey provide the most delicious smell- the way it lingers on my skin is subtle and just divine.

I can't stop smelling my wrists. And- the perfume's longevity is great: of course after two hours, the perfume is just very light (which is nice because of the heavy top notes) but the smell is still present, and it will enchant anyone who sniffs you. You can still smell the base notes literally after 12 hours on my skin. I'm amazed.

Also, in my opinion, this perfume is "evergreen", in the sense that you could wear it all year. Personally, I'd still say that this perfume is a little more of a fall/winter/spring scent. But again, it is so versatile that you could wear it in the summer as well, since the base notes are soapy and light.

I've been wearing Jasmin 17 for a few months now, and I'm still not sure what to think about this perfume. The website description claims that this fragrance willl create "havoc in our circle of male friends". I wouldn't use the term havoc, but I have to admit that A LOT of people have complimented me on this perfume- I was at a party and a guy walked passed me and told me he was truly intrigued by my 'captivating' smell. When I switched perfumes for a day, all my friends were complaining about my new smell and missed the Jasmin 17.

Jasmin 17 opens up with a very fresh and sweet jasmine scent, that is constantly battling with a heady vanilla smell. It is a white floral, but again I have to underline the sweetness of it- which can be a little too much at times. The heart notes offer a very comforting and "round" warm jasmine smell. And the base notes leave a green, citrussy light smell that freshly lingers on clothes.

Three of my friends told me it is somewhat an addictive perfume- because although the smell itself isn't mindblowing, it does entice people in a subtle charming way. Jasmin 17 would be more of a spring perfume because of its floral and fresh aspect, but I've been wearing it throughout autumn and winter and it does deliver some sort of warmth. The only aspect of this perfume that really disappoints me is that its longevity is very weak. Since it is a fresh perfume, the smell quickly evaporates.

But this perfume is for feminine and delicate women, who do know how to charm using their subtle magnetism.

Le Labo's Labdanum 18 is confusing and interesting. It is quite surprising since there is both a very young and "old" feel to it. It smells like talcum power, but at the same time, the use of civet makes it heavier. I like this smell, but not for me. It isnt "young" enough. For some reason I keep wanting to compare it to Guerlain's Shalimar, because of the musky, "animal" smell to it.
I have to add that Labdanum combines this innocent baby image (with the talcum power) and the very sensual, raw, straightforward civet smell. Its an in-your-face perfume like, "come get me", but the powdery scent of it makes it quite subtle and complex at the same time.
Definitely try it. I enjoy Le Labo's perfumes, but this Labdanum 18 really stands out- it doesn't smell like the other ones from that brand.
About the longevity; the staff at the store told me it was super long lasting, the most long lasting of the brand, but for some reason: I was super disappointed to notice that it would literally last 30 minutes on my skin. Seriously. Maybe they didn't compound mine properly. But still, I have to admit that I love this perfume and I wish it would suit me better. I guess I just don't want to smell like this enough...