Liudmila Selina

Liudmila Selina

Feb. 16, 2026

4/5

4

The first fragrance from this brand seems to use Firmenich raw materials. So where did this woody leather come from, like in Gucci Guilty Absolute? It's not listed in the pyramid, but it's felt very clearly. It's unmistakable - it's precisely that "suitcase" leather. There's no tarpaulin leather smell here. And forget about creosote-soaked railway ties. The scent is soft, yet strong. The marjoram here resembles Indian patchouli - raw, damp, tart, but not bitter. In combination with oily oud, it doesn't lose its richness, as if dripping down the skin in heavy drops. Over time, the leather accord is complemented by styrax notes. It's hard to describe this scent; it's resinous-leather, with animalic amber nuances. It's often mistaken for oud. Overall, it's a leathery-woody fragrance with spicy and animalic accords. The perfume is certainly interesting. But if you don't like Gucci leather, it's best to stay away - it's too obvious here

Liudmila Selina

Feb. 16, 2026

5/5

5

Today, a new colleague, peeking into my bottle of Askeza, said with a smile: "What a cool scent! It smells like compote!" I almost fell over from her words, and she, noticing my wide eyes, tried to justify herself: "Well, it's like a compote, made from wild pear, with a smoky touch." Well, at least she caught something, and that's good. And here we are discussing burnt forests of Botswana, noble smokes, and meditation. But for people around, everything turns out to be much simpler - just a compote

Liudmila Selina

Feb. 16, 2026

5/5

5

The last fragrance from Christopher Chong's collection. Overtures for Harrods is a separate story, almost incomprehensible. In this mysterious, slightly hazy fragrance, I was looking for the atmosphere of the "Roaring Twenties," a "Great Gatsby" style party. But, alas, in vain. For me, Portrayal is like a river princess, unexpectedly appearing at a feast. She shimmers in a silver dress, her hair gathered in a long braid, cold and detached. Outside, it's night, fir branches peek into the open windows, candles barely burn, guests freeze in bewilderment, looking at the uninvited guest. And in the air, there's the scent of river water and night violets. Glimmers of light play on the walls, anxious glances are fixed on the motionless figure in the doorway. Why did she come? Whom is she looking for? No one knows who she is. The groom paled, clutching the edge of the table, the bride pressed against him, shielding her beloved. Silence. Only the rustle of fir branches and the howl of the wind outside the walls. The scent of violets becomes more and more palpable, almost dense, leathery. The moonlight and the figure, frozen in its rays, tremble and shimmer. She raises her hand, pointing at the stepmother, who covered her face with her hands, at the petrified host, and at the groom, white as a sheet. Huge gray eyes are full of pleading and reproach. Her hand drops, the figure begins to melt, disappearing into the white light, floating out of the window. A moment, and the apparition vanishes. Only the open shutters remain, swaying fir branches, and the moonlit river, flooding the hall. The guests remain silent for a long time, clenching their fingers, staring straight ahead. Nev

Liudmila Selina

Feb. 16, 2026

4/5

4

The perfume brand, which once shocked, released a fragrance in 2009 with a rather controversial name, Fat Electrician. They say the inspiration came from a true story about a young gigolo in dangerous 70s New York. But why exactly "fat electrician" - that remained a mystery. Everyone, of course, draws their own conclusions 😄 Antoine Maisondieu created a fragrance that, despite its provocative name, turned out to be very pleasant and attractive, based on vetiver. If you're familiar with Encre Noire by Nathalie Lorson, you'll immediately recognize the familiar accord of Haitian vetiver, which some describe as "burnt wood." But unlike Encre Noire, where harsh vetiver is softened by cedar and cashmeran, here it's softened by olive leaves and milk - a frequent guest in this brand's fragrances. This gives the scent a certain corporeality, which might deter those unaccustomed to such combinations. Overall, the fragrance sounds quite unambiguous and straightforward, barely changing over time. The vetiver is no longer so dry, and the smoky breath of myrrh prevents it from becoming too feminine. There's no vanilla here, and although I've forgotten what candied chestnuts smell like, I feel that sweetness is still present in the fragrance. At work, they couldn't figure out what it smelled like for a long time until a colleague exclaimed: "It's vetiver dipped in milk oolong!" There you go! Couldn't have said it better myself 😄

Liudmila Selina

Feb. 16, 2026

5/5

5

I used to think that Orchid was the most long-lasting fragrance of all Ford's non-Private Blend line. It seemed to grow into the hair, not allowing other scents to take its place, and even when it seemed to have faded, it would suddenly gently remind itself, wrapping around the temples with its floral-earthy notes. But I was greatly mistaken! Violet, which at first glance seems so light and ephemeral, is actually not so simple at all. It hides its notes, tucks them behind others, teases and beckons. The opening doesn't please with citrus. Expected a bright mandarin? Alas, instead you'll only get crushed stems and leaves. And the violet in the heart? It's not so easy to find. First, make your way through the delicate iris stems, then through the thickets of jasmine, which will swirl around you and laugh. And just when you're sure you'll encounter jasmine again, the bushes will suddenly part, and on a dark, damp vetiver base, in a cloud of musk and benzoin ether, Violet will appear. It's cool and mysterious, enveloped in a light powdery veil. To catch it, you'll have to take off your gloves and bring it to your face. And that's it! Now you are completely under its power. I don't know how long it will be before it loosens its strong embrace. It will grow into you, wrapping its stems around you, imprisoning you in a fragrant cocoon from which you won't want to escape. Tom Ford creates insidious fragrances, each with its own character. They live their own lives on our skin, sometimes subjugating us, with a clear plan unknown to us. And each time it's interesting, which side will this or that fragrance show today? P.S. Many thanks to my friend Stanislav for introducing me to this mysterious fragrance. You're the best

Liudmila Selina

Feb. 16, 2026

5/5

5

Oh my, how wonderful it is that there are fragrances like Breath of God! 🌟 This is a true gem in the world of niche perfumery. Unlike many other brands, there's nothing superfluous here, everything is in its place. The scent is multifaceted and complex, yet light and airy, which makes it special 💖 Unfortunately, in Russia, this brand isn't treated with the respect it deserves. But I'm sure it's worth trying, and you won't regret it! 🎉

Liudmila Selina

Feb. 16, 2026

4/5

4

Listen, who else caught pine notes in this fragrance, like in Fille En Aiguilles? It's obvious! But this sickly sweet, carrot-like Ambroxan from Molecule 02 just ruins everything, like a parasite! But Iso E really elevates the whole bouquet, giving it room to breathe and sparkle a bit. Overall, I liked it. A colleague bought it, and now when I leave the office after her, I smell pines, sand, and meadow grasses. Summer in Crimea? Possibly. 🌲