Hardkor

Some fragrances are incredibly context-dependent. Fresh mandarins come to mind. When I smell them on a plantation by the Mediterranean, I smell summer, lightness, sunshine. However, in winter, by candlelight and choral singing, it is one of the most Christmassy scents I know. Now, it is probably this very thing about context that shapes my impression of Amber Kiss. The opening is spicy - personally, a bit too sharp for me, almost peppery. I think I can sniff out cardamom and a little ginger. Gradually, it becomes warmer, almost cozy, yet with a heavy blanket of spices hanging over everything. The longevity is incredible - even after hours, I can distinctly perceive the scent on my wrist. And the more the spices fade, the more beautiful and sweeter the fragrance becomes. Warm, cinnamon, a hint of vanilla, I would say. But above all, there is an all-encompassing impression: Christmas. And here lies the crux: Is it the spiciness, the warmth, the woodiness that makes me think of Advent and the festive season? Or is it much more the perfumery, which is already decorated for Christmas, promoting the most beautiful gifts for her and him? I can't help but mentally start making the first plans for the holiday and adding gingerbread to the shopping list. I wonder if Amber Kiss would have had the same effect on me had I tested it in February. As it is, it is simply an intense Christmas scent that makes me dream of spiced almonds, sleigh rides, and contemplation under the Christmas tree.

Amber can mean so many things. Originally it's a warm blend of vanilla and balsamic notes, which can range from sweet to resinous in a rugged way. In the last decade it also became a synonym for synthetic molecules like ambroxan, ranging from fuzzy-woodsy to really scratchy and harsh. You never know what you get! Jimmy Choo's take on this versatile note is sweet, warm and kind of fuzzy. The resins here feel transparent without any heaviness. Benzoin is maybe my favorite balsamic note, it's so soft and creamy and never harsh, so I love that they used it here. I also really enjoy the top notes, they're all noticeable for a long while. The mix of peony, bergamot and pink pepper adds a fresh, sparkling, rosy layer on top of the amber that makes the scent stand out from other ambers. I really can't think of anything that smells just like this! There is a hint of cinnamon, too, but I don't perceive this as a Christmas scent or a gourmand. It just adds touch of additional warmth. I find Amber Kiss very feminine and suitable for autumn, winter and early spring. Most ambers feel more clearly autumnal/wintery to me, but the lovely clean peony makes this scent more versatile. This is wishlist material for me.