Farmacia SS. Annunziata dal 1561

For all of us who love fragrances, the ultimate dilemma is whether we should or should not spend our hard-earned money on purchasing new scents when we already have an extensive collection that could last us for a lifetime. But when we find out that one of our favorite retailers of high-end fragrances has a 15% off online promotional code, the tug of war really comes to the surface. I found out that MiN New York presently has a 15% off promotional code that as far as I know, has no expiration date. So that means it could be good for one day or one month. In looking at the store’s online selections I am wringing my hands trying to decide of I should purchase a 50 ml bottle of Penhaligon’s LP No. 9. Now, I haven’t ever sampled this fragrance and have only read reviews, but sometimes it’s just fun to purchase something sight unseen. In the past when I have done this I’ve been happy with my purchases, with a few exceptions. Of course there is more to this story. As I hadn’t added anything to my collection since Valentines Day (ok, I know that was only 3 weeks ago… but that was a gift), after sampling Ambra Nera by Farmacia SS. Annunziata dal 1561, I found that I was craving this fragrance so much that I went ahead and purchased a full bottle. As I type this, it’s on the UPS truck making its way across the country. So do I really need another purchase? No. Do I really want to make another purchase? Yes. Should I make another purchase????? Thoughts?

MiN New York website. Use promotional code: BROS

I love amber perfumes. I love their warmth, their other-worldliness and their ability to envelope. Ambra Nera is no exception. Upon application, this opens with a strong pop of cypress and eucalyptus and a slight sweetness. From the start, this is a scent that says, “here I am.” After a little while the vanilla comes out along with a light powdery finish. This is an elegant amber that transports your back in time to the Italian Renaissance. I have to say that my husband said that it makes me smell like someone’s grandmother. That comment had me worried that the scent was too feminine. I realize that everybody has their opinion, but from my end, I absolutely love this scent and the way it made me feel and how it wore on me. This is a unisex scent that has a light sweetness about it that could lean a bit feminine, but if you’re not afraid of unisex scents and embracing your feminine side, I highly recommend this perfume because it is truly a beautiful composition.

Notes: cypress, eucalyptus, amber, benzoin, vetiver, vanilla, patchouli