Arctic palace

How it Smells

Arctic Palace opens with a blast of tart grapefruit and fizzy mandarin, quickly overtaken by a cloying pink pepper. This initial phase smells almost medicinal, like cherry cough syrup trying to mask a burnt electrical fire. The heart attempts sophistication with incense and a muted tobacco note, but the saffron smells synthetic, leaning heavily into a plasticky sweetness. I by Widian aims for opulence; Arctic Palace aims for a passable imitation and falls short. The drydown features a scratchy oud accord paired with a pleather-like leather and an amber that evokes cheap potpourri. It's not unpleasant, but lacks the depth and refinement of its inspiration. Where I has smooth transitions, this has abrupt angles.

Conclusion

If Arctic Palace were a character in a movie, it would be a dollar-store Bond villain – all the bluster and none of the gravitas.

Projection Power

Longevity is decent, clocking in at around 6 hours on my skin. Projection is initially strong, filling a small room for the first hour, before quickly settling to a skin scent within two arm lengths. I tested it in a moderately heated office environment. It won't choke anyone out, but be prepared for a strong opening.