Olivia

First Impressions & Dry Down

Olivia opens with a forceful blast of synthetic water jasmine. The green mandarin attempts to cut through, but registers as a generalized citrus cleaner aroma. An undercurrent of ginger flower provides a fleeting spicy lift before being swallowed by the dominating saccharine accord. The heart reveals a surprisingly prominent salt note – reminiscent of salted caramel popcorn that's been sitting out in the humidity. A thick vanilla follows, lacking nuance and resembling vanilla-scented playdough. The dry down attempts to ground itself with ambergris, but comes across as a diluted amberwood aroma chemical, leaving a thin, scratchy trail of something vaguely resembling sandalwood and a metallic tang on the skin. This deviates significantly from the intended inspiration, missing the original's complexity and creamy texture.

Projection Power

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5 hours. Projection is initially strong, extending about an arm's length for the first hour, then quickly retracting to a skin scent. I tested this indoors and in moderate outdoor conditions. It performs best in climate controlled environments.

Bottom Line

Olivia is best suited for cooler autumn evenings, used as a casual fragrance. It is perhaps appropriate for a quick errand run, but lacks the refinement for formal settings. It functions perfectly well for a casual brunch during the cooler days of the year.