Balmain BeautySel d'Ambre Eau De Parfum Refill, 5 oz.

Ozonic and ambery

I received this product for free from Balmain for testing and review purposes. This is a very interesting scent that's grown on me since first trying it. It's one that I definitely recommend trying on your own skin before purchasing, since it was significantly warmer and sweeter sprayed on the box than on either mine or my boyfriend's skin. Right out the gate after applying, it's more peppery than I expected, though in a subdued way compared to the sharp, assaulting kind of pepper note in a lot of fragrances. By far the most prominent note on the skin is ozone. My boyfriend said it reminded him of old fashioned air purifiers, though in a pleasant nostalgic way. I enjoy ozone scents, but it is quite strong here. The olibanum is clearly present from the start, but it doesn't veer heavily into incense territory, which I appreciate. There's a salty smokiness that resembles clothing left near a campfire and then worn on a cold beach. This fragrance has some spice, but not enough that I would place it in the so-called "oriental" category. After the more spicy, heavy opening, it shifts more towards the orris accord. That's what I presume gives the earthy, slightly powdery floral quality during the middle of the wear. I personally wish it were somewhat less prominent on my own skin, but it's not overwhelming like the powdery florals in many perfumes. After a few hours of wear, this fragrance settles more into the ambery side, with an animalic tint. If I could, I would skew it to favor the sweet amber aspect more than the mineral/floral notes, but that's personal preference. This is a very sophisticated, well balanced scent, that manages to be bold and sexy but not over the top. It gives me the feeling of a subtle warmth in the midst of a cold, atmospheric evening. I think a lot of people will enjoy it.