Here’s three quick reviews of Raw Spirit perfumes:
WINTER OAK
Notes listed include clary sage, Italian bergamot, pepper, lemon, geranium, saffron, mate absolute, clove bud, olibanum, suede, oak, oakmoss, cedar, Haitian vetiver, patchouli and musk. Launched in 2014. PERFUMER – Harry Fremont
Winter Oak opens sort of foody like lemon pepper. It’s zesty-spicy. As it dries down, it’s like sage and yerba mate tea. So, it’s green, musky but there’s a bitter astringency. Like many of the other Raw Spirit perfumes, the vetiver note is very prominent on my skin. Winter Oak wears as a bitter, herbal green scent with vetiver and a dry cedar in the heart.
This is a good unisex aromatic “cologne” sort of style perfume. The vetiver and woods help to keep it from being as fleeting as so many other perfumes in that “summery fresh” genre. It’s one to try if you like crisp, woodsy scents or want something that smells like a fresh forest. I know this is “Winter Oak”, but something cool and fresh like this is perfect for summer and warmer weather.
Final EauPINION – Zesty “lemon pepper” vetiver.
DESERT BLUSH
Notes listed include Australian boronia, ylang-ylang, osmanthus, jasmine petals, violet, Australian sandalwood, musk and cedar. Launched in 2014. PERFUMER – Harry Fremont
For some reason, this one also reminds me of vetiver. The opening is a woodsy vetiver. I eventually pick up on something that reminds me of osmanthus tea. As expected, I think the violets in this were teasing me. The crisp green violets play hide-and-seek throughout the wear. It eventually wears like a soft, powdery sandalwood (see my review below because that’s what is in it). It’s milky, cool and slightly fruity-floral…but also a modern woodsy scent. After wearing it a few times, it vaguely reminds me of a softer, lighter Byredo Mojave Ghost. It basically reminds me of fro-yo and I can’t really explain why.
Final EauPINION – Cool violets and frozen yogurt.
WILD FIRE
Notes listed include ylang-ylang, jasmine, cedarwood, Australian sandalwood and musk. Launched in 2013. PERFUMER – Harry Fremont
Wild Fire is essentially a sandalwood, an Australian sandalwood to be exact. It wears like balsamic woods. Like the rest of the Raw Spirit fragrances, this one is soft and sheer. It’s like a whisper of sandalwood. Florals are listed, but they seem to add an “airiness” instead of well, a floralness. Overall, this is a linear Australian sandalwood. It’s perfectly fine alone but I see it being a good layering fragrance.
Try it if you like sandalwood or want something simple. I could see liking this one if you like Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black. For reference, Wild Fire is less sweet than that one and even less complex. Also, it doesn’t smell like a wild fire, so that’s a pro or con depending on what your tastes are.
Final EauPINION – Balsamic, soft Australian sandalwood.
Projection and longevity are below average for all of these. They wear close to the skin. In general, I’d recommend this line to anyone looking for polite “day” fragrances. You want to smell good but you don’t have to be showy or suffocate the folks around you. I also think all of these, because of how they wear (AKA sheer), they’d be great for summer.
I like all of these, but not enough to buy a bottle. (I’d buy a bottle of Citadelle). Out of the three I reviewed today, Desert Blush is my favorite.
Raw Spirit perfumes are available in a few sizes with the 1 oz retailing for $90 at Amazon.
Here’s my other reviews from this brand:
Citadelle and Bijou Vert – These are both vetivers.
Mystic Pearl – An aquatic floral.
Summer Rain – Thunderstorm vetiver.
*Disclaimer – Sample provided by the brand. I am not financially compensated for my reviews. My opinions are my own. Product pic from the brand. Post contains affiliate links. Thanks!