Amouage Love Hibiscus

Love Hibiscus is one of those perfumes that smells different when you've got your nose buried in your skin VS when you're appreciating its scent cloud in the air.

Up close, the frankincense in the opening is *very* strong, and honestly a bit off putting. The frankincense and cypriol give a bit of grandma's medicine cabinet, but the intense woodiness does calm down quickly over time.

The scent cloud is glorious - fragrant passionfruit, astringent hibiscus, and salted caramel, with just a little of the woody incense in the background. It is absolutely breathtaking and I just want to close my eyes and breathe it all in. The hibiscus here is like a tea that has been brewed until every facet of the dried petals has been distilled into the ruby red liquid - sharp, tart, and even a little bitter. It is a wonderful foil to the sweetness of the passionfruit and complements the woodiness perfectly.

The dry down is where this perfume really shines. As it dries down, the orris comes through and blends with the passionfruit to make a deliciously smooth, milky, slightly powdery passionfruit cheesecake drizzled with a tart hibiscus caramel syrup. The perfume is grounded by a calming, creamy sandalwood and vanilla base, with the darkness from the cypriol steeping the whole composition with an air of mystery.

Projection is strong, with a large scent cloud for around 3 hours. In typical Amouage fashion, a little goes a long way. Literally, because someone across the room will probably smell you coming. The longevity is good as well - though this does not have the nuclear level of projection and performance as say, Guidance - it sticks on skin for a respectable 8 hours.

A playful, exotic, tropical fruity-floral perfume that is lighter than most other Amouage offerings, and perfect for summer. This is a showstopper that will have everyone you walk by entranced. Absolutely intoxicating. I really love this one and will have to look for a deal on a full bottle... 10/10