Overture

To Buy or Not to Buy?

This fragrance leans towards cooler weather, suitable for fall or early spring. The artificial sweetness of the opening and the overpowering cinnamon render it unsuitable for warmer climates. Best suited for casual evening wear, and not for formal or professional environments, due to the challenging opening.

How it Smells

Overture by Fragrance World initiates with a robust cognac accord, albeit one tinged with a synthetic sharpness, like artificial cherry flavoring in cough syrup. The cumin note is present, lending a savory, almost body odor-like quality, fighting against the more refined cardamom. This trio clashes instead of melding in the initial moments. The heart attempts to smooth this cacophony with myrrh and labdanum, yet the cinnamon emerges as a dominant force, taking over from the cardamom and the other notes. It's a powdered cinnamon, akin to what you'd find in a stale Christmas potpourri, rather than a fresh, vibrant spice.

The base is where this deviates most significantly from its inspiration. A musky, animalic accord does surface, but it's a clean musk, lacking the depth and complexity I was hoping for. The smoke and incense are subdued, almost an afterthought, manifesting as a vague, ashy aroma that dissipates quickly. Overall, the blend feels thin, missing the richness and nuanced layers of the inspiration. There is a plasticky drydown at the end which lingers unpleasantly.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending beyond a single arm's length for the first hour, before rapidly receding to a skin scent. I tested this during an evening out, and it faded before the main course arrived.