Open Your Mind - Lavender + Sandalwood

The initial spray presents an almost aggressive aromatic sharpness—the aniseed and tarragon create a green, slightly liquorice-tinged breath, immediately unusual. Bergamot cuts through with its citric bite whilst the onion (shocking, botanical) adds a subtle savoury pungency that makes you question whether this is actually a fragrance or some herbal infusion. Within moments, the green fruits emerge to soften this herbaceous assault, suggesting something between a country kitchen and a spice garden.

The composition settles into something far more complex as the floral heart emerges around the one-hour mark. Jasmine arrives with restraint, immediately softened by the powdery orris root and creamy cyclamen, which adds an almost cosmetic femininity. The raspberry becomes discernible now, lending a subtle fruitiness that bridges the savoury top notes and the rich base developing beneath. Geranium provides a slightly rosy, green-tinged structure that prevents this from becoming sweet—it's sophisticated and slightly cool, like standing in a garden at dusk.

The final phase belongs entirely to the base, which unfolds as a rich, woody tapestry dominated by oakmoss, cedar, and patchouli. Tobacco smoke drifts through like distant incense, whilst the sandalwood and tonka bean create a creamy, almost vanilla-adjacent warmth that feels almost buttery against the skin. The amber and musk provide a subtle skin-scent quality in the final hours, creating an intimate second skin rather than a projection—the fragrance becomes something you smell when you move rather than something that announces you.