Gardenia Musk
Ava Luxe

My sample is labelled simply as Gardenia, but the notes are the same as those listed here. Interestingly, there is no musk listed, & neither do I smell any. This is a very fresh white floral in the beginning, dominated by water lily & jasmine. After a few moments I detect hints of gardenia wafting from my arm, but only in a very abstract sense. This is not a creamy gardenia, & it has none of the "blue cheese" or "mushroomy" aspects that are sometimes attributed to it. Over the first two hours it becomes quite heady & sweet, before fading to a green & grassy jasmine base. It did survive being covered with suntan lotion & baking in the sun for a few hours before I went for shower nine hours in, though!
I have other gardenias that I much prefer, but I'd say this is worth a try for those who prefer their gardenias on the less challenging side.

A beautiful, clear, pure gardenia that doesn't get sharp, and lasts a long time. If you love creamy, not peppery gardenia, you should try Gardenia Musk. Kai is one of my favorite fragrances. Gardenia Musk doesn't smell like Kai, but it satisfies my need (caused by Kai) for more tropical gardenia in my fragrance wardrobe. Gardenia Musk is a very lovely, well-blended, fresh floral. It's refreshing and uplifting.

I was lucky enough to receive Gardenia Musk as a free sample, because I certainly wouldn't have chosen it myself. I'm neither a particularly floral person, and my ability to tolerate certain musks would have made me think twice about choosing a musk-based scent. However, this turned out to be delightful!Being a Londoner, I am not that familiar with this lovely, tropical flower, but now that I've smelled this, I want to be! The musk is very understated, allowing the gardenia to take centre stage. It is a scent that smells both clean and opulent - my colleague complemented me on it saying this is what laundry would smell like if you had it done at Harrods!Having used up the entire tester in one day, I am now left sadly sniffing an empty vial, and thinking seriously about investing in a bottle.Well done, Serena - this is a winner!