Hermes Santal Massoïa reminds me of an impressionistic painting of fog. It’s a soft, misty suede woods. A must try fragrance for anyone interested in perfume or for anyone curious about Jean-Claude Ellena’s signature style.
Santal Massoïa is a suede wood that opens with a bitter fig and rubbery aloe vera. It’s misty and muted, reminds me of a “greige” shade. Up close I get a black licorice and creamy woods and this is what Santal Massoïa dries down to – bitter woods.
Notes listed include sandalwood and massoïa. PERFUMER – Jean-Claude Ellena
Give Santal Massoïa a try if you like warm, woodsy fragrances. Or if you like perfumes like Serge Lutens Un Bois de Vanille, L’Artisan Parfumeur Bois Farine, Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche, and/or Humiecki & Graef Bosque.
Projection and longevity are below average. That is everyone’s complaint about this fragrance. It doesn’t really bother me because it fits into the artistic direction of this fragrance. Santal Massoia is a mist, it’s foggy but never thick. And like all fog, it vanishes in a few hours.
Hermès Santal Massoïa is available at Hermès boutiques. The 3.4 oz spray retails for $240.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A fog of creamy woods. It’s genius.
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Hmmm…interesting. I am thinking of trying this one out by finding samples of it first. I do collect perfumes and if its scent suits my taste then it will be included in my collection. Let us see….
Julie recently posted..Do Eyelashes Grow Back After They’ve Fallen Out?
Mist, Fog, Vanishes. Now I finally understand Ellena. Great description and thank you. When I went to try these and the Jardins I did so because of the aesthetic and because I liked what he had written in his books. I left the shop with Spice Bomb!
I admit that I didn’t like the Ellena aesthetic until a little over a year ago. I liked stuff with more “umph” and lasting-power. But, then his style clicked with me one day and I’ve had fun going back and trying those that didn’t wow me the first go around.
Yes, I am waiting to grow into them. I will await the click!
Jordan River recently posted..अशोक – Ashoka – Neela Vermeire Créations – Bertrand Duchaufour
I actually liked this perfume when I tried it but my comment was: “I wish it lasted longer… or was much cheaper.”
Undina recently posted..In the Search for the Perfect Blackberry: P.S.
I do wish it were cheaper. I like many of the Hermesessence but haven’t bought any because of the $$$.
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