Samarinda is the newest perfume from a house that I love, Providence Perfume Co. This spicy fragrance is inspired by Indonesia. I get Pacific Northwest craft cocktail from it.
Samarinda opens with a boozy cardamom and orange oil. Spicy pink peppers add a fruitiness. Samarinda actually gets “louder” at the heart. It’s a spicy carnation floral…with booze. So much booze. And a hint of earthy espresso which smells like toasted brown rice on my skin, like genmaicha. I also swear that I get a fruity, sweet Luxardo maraschino cherry…it’s like a carnation Manhattan. And then it dries down to smoky liquor, like a mezcal or scotch, with a lot of boozy, sweet vanilla-tonka. So much booze.
I’m a fan of Providence Perfume Co. and I think Samarinda is a nice addition. However, I was conflicted if I should write a review or not. Bottom line is that Samarinda is not for me. It’s 97% booze on my skin and smells just like I spilled an expensive cocktail on my jeans. And not just any cocktail, one from Canon in Seattle, which is a major compliment (and if you are ever in Seattle, you must go there). At least I smell like a fancy drunk. The deal is that I do smell like a drunk in this (or at least think I do which keeps me from enjoying it). It’s something I’d rather drink than wear (statements like that aren’t helping with my “drunk” status).
I’m certain that this one is going to wear differently on everyone (all perfumes are like that, but especially all-naturals). It’s not for me, but it could be for you. Don’t let this post discourage you from trying this. If the notes sound interesting to you, give it a try. I can see this one working and I do find it interesting (especially on paper), but my skin is making it smell like a bar. But, saying that…you wouldn’t believe how many requests I get wanting me to suggest booze perfumes. Well, here you go. Here’s one that smells like a really great artisanal cocktail.
Notes listed include sweet orange, cardamom, pink peppercorn, carnation, heliotrope, orange blossom, Sumatran coffee, scotch leather, rum ether, jasmine rice, vanilla oakwood and roasted seashell (choya). Launched 2013. PERFUMER – Charna Ethier
Give Samarinda a try if you love boozy scents. Or if you like perfumes like Frapin 1697, Lubin Idole de Lubin, Olfactive Studio Chambre Noire, Slumberhouse Ore and/or Opus Oils M’Eau Joe No. 3. Samarinda is unisex, leaning more towards the masculine.
5% of sales of Samarinda will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund which facilitates the wildlife protection efforts in Borneo and Sumatra.
The 1/2 oz spray retails for $68 at Beautyhabit. Samples are also available for purchase.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Fancy craft cocktail, so much booze. Like I’ve already said, it’s not for me but I see it having many fans. If you love boozy scents, you should put this on your to-try list.
Want more reviews? Try…
Fragrantica – Ida’s review
Charna is immensely talented as a perfumer and you’re right, not all perfumes are for everyone. Still, nice to see a shout out to the latest from one of my favorite houses as well.
The reasons why it doesn’t work for me will work for someone else. If I had more guinea pigs around me, I’d have them testing it too. I have this feeling that it is a chameleon.
PPC is an awesome line. I’ve bought quite a few of the perfumes from Beautyhabit and I’ve been through a couple of bottles of Cocoa Tuberose.
Cocoa Tuberose. dreamy!!