Cicatrices by Laurent Mazzone Parfums

What a strange perfume. It opens with licorice, myrrh and patchouli, smelling like greasy food with lots of Maggi stock. To my nose, it’s a disaster. This sensation lasts nearly an hour. Then come the leather, vanilla and opium notes, but very low key, as the licorice dominates. The iris is barely noticeable, adding a very subtle touch of talc. In the end, there’s just the myrrh, vanilla and that lingering licorice. It reminds me a lot of Jovoy Paris’s Psychedelique. In short, a discontinued perfume; don’t buy it blindly. I see it as a winter scent for mature people, unisex but leaning towards men. For those over 35 seeking something intense. Suitable for semi-formal or formal occasions. Scent: 6.5/10 Sillage: 7.5/10 Projection: 7/10 Longevity: 9/10

The beginning is a bit convoluted: the gourmand licorice clashes with the burnt myrrh, creating an initial mix of toasted licorice with a touch of bergamot citrus. That burnt sensation comes from the myrrh, the only note capable of providing it according to the description. It reminds me of the burnt phase of Ambre Fetiche. During the first two hours, the gourmand aspect struggles against the burnt notes to dominate the heart, but ultimately the latter wins. Gradually, the licorice fades and the leather emerges. Together with the myrrh, they create a petrol-like effect, similar to Lonestar Memories, but without that sweet phase. The three base notes—patchouli, vanilla and opium—are hard to separate, but I suppose they contribute to that petrol effect, especially the opium resin and the earthiness of the patchouli. Perhaps the vanilla is the most invisible. From the heart to the dry down, there are hardly any changes, only a loss of power and the petrol effect remains noticeable. The performance is very good, potent for hours and then more skin-scented but still present. Good longevity. I see it as much more masculine; although the gourmand opening might appeal to a woman, the rest of the burnt and petrol scent only suits a man. Ideal for cold weather. Personally, I liked it. It’s quite original due to the mix of licorice with balsamic and dark notes and its evolution. The good performance adds points, though the exorbitant price detracts from its merit. I wouldn’t buy it for that price, but it deserves to be tried.