Art of Nature II

The Verdict

This fragrance works best as an uncomplicated, intensely sweet vanilla for casual situations. Think grabbing coffee on a cold day or a quick trip to the grocery store. Avoid wearing this in close quarters or situations demanding sophistication, as the somewhat synthetic nature might become overwhelming.

Notes & Nuances

Art of Nature II kicks off with a blast of cinnamon, less like freshly ground spice and more akin to cinnamon red-hot candies, bordering on artificial. The cardamom struggles to peek through the cinnamon, lending a vague herbal bitterness. Initial bergamot is fleeting, disappearing beneath the sweet onslaught in mere seconds. The heart features a dominant vanilla, thick and bourbon-esque, but unfortunately marred by a chemical undertone. The elemi adds a slight resinous counterpoint, but it's not enough to rescue the vanilla from smelling cloying. In the drydown, the praline accord emerges, somewhat burnt and almost acrid. The musk is a clean, white musk, while the ambroxan attempts to add depth but comes across as synthetic and abrasive. This deviates from its inspiration, lacking that airy, refined sweetness.

Performance Reality Check

I got about six hours of wear from Art of Nature II. Projection is strong for the first two hours, easily filling a room, but then quickly softens to within an arm's length. I wore this while running errands on a chilly autumn day.