Narceine Poudree

Scent Breakdown

Narceine Poudree opens with a sharp, almost medicinal jasmine. Think jasmine tea left brewing too long, then a hefty dose of baby powder dumped in. The rose is timid, more like rosewater used to clean a countertop than a blooming garden. The orange blossom adds a slight sweetness, but it's quickly overtaken by a dominant, powdery musk that becomes aggressively powdery very quickly. In the drydown, the coumarin emerges, adding a slightly nutty sweetness reminiscent of almond extract, but with a synthetic acetone edge. The cedar and vetiver are almost undetectable, struggling to cut through the thick cloud of musk and powder. It veers away from its inspiration; the inspiration has a creamy depth absent here. This is a much drier, sharper experience, missing the subtle warmth that defines the original.

Projection Power

Longevity is surprisingly good, clocking in at around 6 hours. Projection is moderate for the first two hours, projecting about an arm's length, but quickly settles into a skin scent. I tested it at the office, and the powdery aspect initially garnered a few compliments, but then it became cloying after prolonged wear in an enclosed space.

Final Thoughts

This is for someone who loves a strong, unapologetic powder bomb and doesn't mind a slightly synthetic aroma. Perhaps a librarian who wants to smell like vintage books, or someone who enjoys wearing freshly laundered linens and nothing else. This fragrance demands attention, so its wearer needs to be confident and comfortable with making a statement, albeit a dusty one.