WHAT I SMELL:   The Decay of the Angel opens on the skin with soft and creamy mandarin and neroli, that quickly becomes contained in a mentholated tent of a indolic jasmine.  The perfume’s florals are rich and thick and they feel like they’re full of syrup that coats the skin.  The perfume is incredibly unique, absolutely stunning and mind numbing when breathed in.  After a short while, the syrupy thickness begins to melt away, but the mentholated florals remain with a softened tone.  After a bit, a light suede settles in under the florals as they continue to thin and the perfume continues to radiate, but with a softer intensity.  After a short while longer, a light plastic ebbs in, like the smell of a fleshy band-aid.  It’s not a bad smell, but mixed with the florals it’s interestingly unique.  In the end, the labdanum is the star, giving the perfume a warmed and comforting musk that lingers with the remains of the ghost like florals.

From the Timothy Han Edition Perfumes website:

A rich and exotic burnt floral fragrance with a subtle headiness that comes from desire infused by flowers on the wane. Inspired by Yukio Mishima’s 1971 novel of the same name, these are the final longings of a descending angel.

Top:  Mandarin, Neroli, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense

Heart:  Sambac Jasmin, Acacia, Cade

Base:  Oudh, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Tonka, Labdanum

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME:  A dilapidated French château.  Once full of life with beautiful gardens it’s now a reflection of it’s former self.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE THE DECAY OF THE ANGEL:  haunting, introspective, unique

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE DECAY OF THE ANGEL:  None to be found.

BOTTOM LINE:  I love this perfume.  It’s achingly beautiful in a otherworldly way.  Sometimes perfumes speak to the soul.  In this case The Decay of the Angel does to mine.

• Bone Rating:  4.5 out of possible 5 bones
• Scent: Floral Oriental
• Classification: Unisex
• Expense:  $180 for 60 ml eau de parfum

Sample courtesy of Twisted Lily Fragrance Boutique and Apothecary.