Gris Charnel After Dark

Gris Charnel EDP took me to a sandalwood and iris-laced Middle Eastern cafe, sipping cardamom tea, snacking on figs and sinking into a plush lilac chaise longue. Well, we're still in that same cafe, but it's evening now, the lights have been dimmed, and the vibes of elegance have been replaced by something downright seductive.

The cardamom tea has been more deeply steeped, giving a spicier, more viscous opening. The fig feels less creamy and more jammy - a deep shade of purple, rather than a dusky lilac - while the same smooth sandalwood base here has a shadowy, suede-like feel.

A rich vanilla note is probably the most noticeable departure from the original. It's not ice-cream-like, but more reminiscent of the raw pods. This does sweeten things slightly, but the addition of smoky patchouli and resinous labdanum balances things perfectly.

The EDP is a close love, but the Extrait is total adoration. The scent's backbone remains similar, and while still not overtly masculine, it conveys a darker, more brooding vibe that feels more fitting on my skin compared to the original.

I'd give 4½⭐️ for projection & sillage if possible. It radiates constantly on my skin, still detectable in the air after 10+ hours. It feels stronger, and more persistent than a 4, but not so alarmingly loud as a 5.