Amouage Love Hibiscus

Taking a break from BGJ to review a new favorite. I am an enjoyer of anything hibiscus so I knew I was going to have to try this one from the very start.

I was impressed with the quality of the official sample. It's got a cap, and a little indent for your finger on the top. The atomizer is great, too.

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. 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 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.

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. In typical Amouage fashion, a little goes a long way. Literally, because someone across the room will probably smell you coming. The longevity is excellent as well.

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