Here’s a couple of first impressions of scents released late last year that I tried early this year (January).
Juliette has a Gun – Not A Perfume Superdose – As if Juliette has a Gun hadn’t inflicted enough pain on the world with Not a Perfume, they decided to give us a superdose of hurt. Superdose is a minimalistic perfume that consists of a synthetic molecule (Cetalox), which is a version of Ambroxan created by Firmenich as a replacement for ambergris. Ambroxan is used in the base of many cheap designer scents, and here we can enjoy this molecule in all its glory, by itself, for an extra 100 or so dollars than you’d pay for something you find at your regular mall. Superdose has a sharp, metallic, almost clinical woody, musky amber scent that quite frankly didn’t work on my skin and is a complete waste of money. Supposedly when I wear this scent, I am meant to garner many compliments. I managed to wear it for 4 hours before regrettably I had to scrub it off. Not one compliment. Apparently, it’s good for layering, but I didn’t bother wasting my time.
ALTAIA – Wonder of You
ALTAIA is a niche house created by the founders of Eau d’Italie. I have many favourites from Eau d’Italie and I find them great value in the world of niche, so I was looking forward to trying Wonder of You. Wonder of You is meant to evoke the carefree feeling of being in love. The scent opens with a bright, zesty burst of blackcurrant and grapefruit, however, this opening fades very suddenly and what’s left is that dreaded molecule again …. ambroxan. In Wonder of You it feels about as cheap as a 5 dollar shower gel you can pick up from the drugstore. It lasts for about 3 hours on skin before mercifully fading. To make matters worse you’re paying an extra 100 or so dollars for this premium line over something from Eau d’Italie. If you’re looking for something fresh avoid this and pick up a bottle of Acqua Decima From Eau d’Italie. Have we reached peak niche yet?
Have you tried these scents? What did you make of them?