WHAT I SMELL: Intoxicating is what the opening of Secrets du Paradis Rouge is as it’s sweet and lush with this incredible honeyed rich orange. It’s also waxy and thick, incredibly gourmand and head spinning pretty. The thickened orange like a sheen of wax paper feels like it’s covering the skin like a sheath. After a little while, the perfume begins to warm ever so slightly with an almond hue. The scent is delightful but at the same time has a very comforting and reassuring edge that makes you feel that all is right with the world. A lovely understated musk enters and the waxy begins to dry. The orange blossom sweetness makes way for a sweetened woody patchouli and vanilla. All combined, the experience is opulent and grand. The perfume dances between the orange and the amber with a radiance that burns brightly. This is a perfume that cannot help but be noticed, but it does so in the most benevolent manner. As the perfume continues it’s journey, the musk becomes more prominent, but still warmed by the benzoin and amber the fragrance continues to radiate a warmth and glow that makes this shimmer on into the night.
From the Jul et Mad website:
A timeless ode to the Orange Blossom, opening on a note of Neroli Absolut and sublimed by the freshness of the orange peel and the Davana essence. Scents of almond, honey and rose accompany us through the mysterious streets in the heart of the Medina.
The gates of a Secret Paradise open suddenly, unveiling a majestic Orange Blossom that blends perfectly with sensual notes of vanilla and Tonka beans; the whole, sustained by a perfectly balanced accord of benzoin, amber and musk.
Head : Orange, Mandarin, Davana, Neroli Marocco, Cloves
Heart: Orange Blossom Absolut, Damascus Rose, Bees Wax, Almond
Bottom: Patchouli, Timbersilk, Tonka Beans, Vanila, Benzoin, Amber, Musk
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: 18th century French court.
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE SECRETS DU PARADIS ROUGE: grand, gracious, sublime
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT SECRETS DU PARADIS ROUGE: Persefume
BOTTOM LINE: OK, I know that the inspiration of the perfume is the beauty of Marrekesh, but to me, it’s full on French court. The perfume is elegant, big and a bit over the top at the beginning, but in all parts, it’s just perfect. I would have to say that Secrets du Paradis Rouge is one of my favorite releases of the year!
- Bone Rating: 4.5 out of possible 5 bones
- Scent Floral
- Nose: Luca Maffei
- Classification: Unisex
- Expense: $175 for 50 ml parfum extrait
Sample provided by Jul et Mad. Opinion my own.
WHAT I SMELL: Aqua Sextius opens with a warm and rich bergamot and citrus which feels like it’s sprinkled with brown sugar. It’s rather deep in its initial form which was a surprise to me as I was expecting something light and airy instead of this comfortable hug. After a few minutes, a slight saltiness comes forward which at first seems a bit discordant with the other notes, but you quickly get used to it as it’s refreshingly different. After a few more minutes, a minty herbal accord layers on top of the salt. At this point, Aqua Sextius is a bit balmy, like a luxurious rendition of Ben Gay. After around the 15 minute mark, the fragrance begins to radiate this wonderfully warm labdanum and amber highlighted with a kick of semi-sweet Guaiac wood. After some more time, the fig becomes noticeable and it stays in this realm until after an hour when Aqua Sextius moves into an even-tempered, light woody and salty dry down.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: The earthen beauty surrounding the warm mineral springs.
The Scented Hound 