Shem Clones

"### Conclusion This scent is for the individual who cultivates an air of mystery, perhaps a writer or a musician drawn to dimly lit cafes and the melancholy beauty of rainy days. They appreciate the *idea* of luxury but aren't afraid to embrace a touch of unconventional grit. While the opening promises a sophisticated allure, the drydown reveals a less polished, more challenging character. It would suit someone who appreciates bold contrasts and doesn't mind a little rough around the edges. ### First Impressions & Dry Down Sultry Woods opens with a spiced rose dusted with cardamom; think Turkish delight infused with a subtle metallic tang from the geranium. The heart leans into apricot jam - that's the osmanthus doing its work. A resinous amber attempts to add warmth but struggles against the cypriol's medicinal bitterness. The drydown is where it veers furthest from its inspiration. Instead of refined leather, there's a harsh, almost chemical leatherette accord mixed with a grassy, rooty vetiver. The elemi tries to smooth things out, adding a lemony lift, but a persistent plasticky note lingers. ### How Long Does it Last? On my skin, Sultry Woods lasts approximately 6 hours. Projection is moderate for the first hour, filling a room easily, then settles closer to the skin at about an arm's length. I tested it during a rainy evening walk and found the dampness amplified the plasticky aspects of the base."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Sultry Woods opens with a disorienting clash. The rose is syrupy, reminiscent of rosewater Turkish Delight, battling a green, almost bitter geranium. The cardamom lurks beneath, adding a spicy, slightly medicinal edge that is far harsher than Shem's refined warmth. The heart reveals an osmanthus note struggling to break free from a heavy, suffocating amber accord. The cypriol oil introduces an earthy, slightly musty facet. It lacks the creamy apricot suede feeling of the original. The base emerges as a leathery shadow, not supple and worn, but more like a plasticky dashboard, with a faint citrus cleaner vibe from the elemi. The vetiver is subdued, adding only a whisper of green. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is impressive, clinging to skin for 7-8 hours. Projection is initially strong, radiating two arm lengths, but quickly settles into a more intimate bubble after an hour. I tested this in a cool, air-conditioned office environment. The forceful opening became tiring after repeated exposure. ### Bottom Line Wearing Sultry Woods is like attending a black-tie event in rented formalwear. It gives the *impression* of sophistication, but the ill-fitting seams and the knowledge that it's temporary ultimately betray the illusion. The complex, nuanced elegance of Shem is exchanged for a bold, declarative statement that, while assertive, lacks finesse and ultimate staying power in the memory."