First spray was around 11:56 a.m. and I wanted to track how this one opens and settles on skin. 11:56–12:00 (opening): Right off the bat, the mix of peppermint, cardamom, cinnamon, and pink pepper comes through really nicely. It’s very fresh, but not green or herbal. The peppermint gives a cool lift, while the spices keep it warm and approachable. It doesn’t smell like spearmint gum or anything playful. It’s fresh, but refined. The first thing that came to mind was that kind of freshness you get from minty ice cream, like mint chocolate chip without the chocolate. Not because it smells edible, but because of the contrast between cool mint and soft warmth underneath. Around 12:10 p.m.: The sharpness of the mint has started to calm down. It’s still there, but it’s much softer and smoother now. The cardamom and cinnamon are still present, but they’ve lost their edge and feel more blended. Everything feels more cohesive at this point rather than bright and sparkly. So far, this is reading as a cool-warm contrast fragrance. Fresh, spicy, and very well balanced. Nothing harsh, nothing overpowering. It’s already feeling comfortable on skin while still being interesting. Update: It’s about 1:07 p.m. and I’m starting to pick up a faint hint of rose coming through. The profile is shifting into the heart now and it’s becoming more resinous and warm overall. The mint is still present, but it’s no longer sharp. It’s smoothing out and blending into the warmer core. Now at 1:25 p.m., there’s still a noticeable lift or “pop” in the scent. Not like the opening, but more of a lingering minty glow that keeps it feeling fresh and alive. The warmth underneath is stronger now, so it’s sitting in a really nice cool warm balance rather than being purely fresh. At this stage, it feels like the heart is fully taking shape. Rose is subtle, the resinous warmth is building, and the mint is still giving that clean edge without dominating.

While I was out today, I took the time to sample fragrances. I found YSL Myslf, Armani Stronger with You, and Dior Savage Parfum too floral/sweet. Definitely picked up on the mandarin in Sauvage Parfum. I enjoyed Tom Ford’s Ombré Leather and Sauvage Elixir. Until I develop a better vocabulary, what fragrances would you suggest I try based on these preferences?