Matsuri
Annayaké (2006)

The opening blends ylang-ylang - the main player - with an orange note, and they are soon joined by a mild whiff of clove; the latter is very mild on not likely got scare Dracula away. Then a bit of peony strengthens the floral side, and this all is mixed together.

The drydown is developing a jasmine-lilac duet, and this floral phase is occasionally enhanced by a peony impression. Further towards the end, fruitiness from a peach aroma is evident.

I get moderate sillage, adequate projection and six hours of longevity in my skin.

I can't see much of a holiday in this, unless it's the neighbour's garden. And not a very fragrant garden it is; all the notes are fairly generic and dull on my skin, in spite of being quite synthetic. 2/5

Trying this was a strange quick ride.

On first impact, I was blasted by a really strong smell - reminding me of floral bathroom sprays of the 70's after grandma left (god bless her.) It came on strong, sweet and sickly. I got no woods and very little spice like I was expecting.

In 15 minutes, 2/3 of the retro sweetness falls away to a lighter and more tolerable sweet floral with maybe some tea? Some people might like it at this point - and I would have liked it more if the sweetness was replaced with spice.

In a half hour most of it is gone entirely and I have to put my nose directly onto my wrist to smell anything at all -- and what's left to my nose is a very, very light (rosey?) floral combined with something clean and aquatic, -- its almost invisible.

Someone who likes spicier woodsier scents might be disappointed with this. But someone who likes floral soapy scents might appreciate the end of the ride if they can tolerate the first 20 minutes.