WHAT I SMELL:  Snowy Owl opens with bright reflective aldehydic snow and the smell of freshly turned earth.  Quickly, it begins to move to the cool and fresh along with a cottony finish that feels light and fluffy.  There’s a wonderfully light herbal hint of mint, but its portrayal is much more attuned to the smell of warmed faux fur that lines the inside of worn leather gloves.  As the perfume continues to develop, light and soft florals seem to pop out from the snow and once again the smell of moist earth begins to emerge as if the frozen ground has melted to reveal some hints of spring.  The perfume at this point is soft and inviting and quite powdery and it feels as if it has been lightly applied to the skin with the softest makeup brush.  As Snowy Owl continues to develop, it begins to strengthen just a bit and the light florals make way for a radiating amber tinged woodiness.  In the end, the perfume feels as if it is full of contained energy that’s held secure within a cocooned wrap of musk.

From the Zoologist Perfumes website:

A thick carpet of silver envelops the landscape, untouched but for the dazzling reflection of the sun. Snow stretches as far as the eye can see, while a bitter wind rolls silently across the sky, its hush barely broken by the powerful beat of an ivory wing. Despite the stillness of the arctic, the snowy owl senses a flutter beneath the icy crust far below. Through snowy tunnels voles scamper, oblivious to their fate. A warm glow stirs within the breast of the majestic bird as it dives, confident in its mastery over the frigid kingdom.

Zoologist Snowy Owl glides on with a minty opening, while the gentle warmth of musk combines with beautiful hints of snowdrops, lily of the valley and iris. Sweet coconut and woody vanilla swoop in to surprise and entice. Snowy Owl merges cool vitality with exquisite softness in a captivating scent, ideal for those who aren’t afraid to take what they desire.

Top Notes: Snow Accord, Lily of the Valley, Mint, Coconut
Heart Notes: Iris, Snowdrop, White Rose, Mate, Frankincense, Galbanum
Base Notes: Ambrette, Cedar, Civet, Musk, Oakmoss, Tonka, Vanilla

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME:  I can’t argue with the fact that this perfume captures the spirit of the snowy owl and it’s winter environment.  But what I can add is that it’s a very well dressed snowy owl at that.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE SNOWY OWL:  soft, enticing, engaging

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT SNOWY OWL:  Now Smell This, The Sniff, Colognoisseur

BOTTOM LINE:  The first half of the development of Snowy Owl is wonderfully delightful and you can feel the cool air of the snowy landscape swirl around you as you wear it.  I just wish it would have remained in the soft and pretty for a greater amount of time.  Maybe like snow, all it requires is an occasional dusting to keep it in the “pretty” realm?

• Bone Rating: 3.5 out of possible 5 bones
• Scent: Floral
• Nose:  Dawn Spencer Hurwitz
• Classification:  Unisex
• Expense:  $165 for 60 ml parfum extrait.  Also available in 10 ml travel spray.