C4SHMER4N 2019 by Zara

A simple perfume that suits me perfectly. Woody, sweet, salty, and warm, totally unisex. It hits hard at first but mellows beautifully over time, just as the other review mentioned. The dry-down is addictive and on my skin, it smells exactly like Calvin Klein’s Reveal. The trail is medium-high and the longevity is brutal, lasting around 9-10 hours. I’ve tried using it as a base for other perfumes, as Zara seemed to intend with their molecular line. Mixed it with vanillas and, especially, with citrus as @JuanPasiones suggested, and it worked wonders. I like wearing it on its own, but that woody note it lends to other fragrances is very interesting and blends brilliantly, unlike what usually happens with layering. From my point of view, it was a fantastic proposal and I’m getting great value from it. Scent 7.5/10, Longevity 9.5/10, Sillage 7.5/10, Value for money 8/10, Versatility 5/10, Packaging 6/10. Would I buy it again? Maybe.

Minimalist and synthetic, yet warm, soft, fluffy, and very sensual. It turns out to be tender, delicate, and sweet without being over the top. It wraps you in warmth, envelops you, and seduces; it inspires tenderness, closeness, and trust, making you want to hug whoever is wearing it. Ideal for winning trust in a business setting or for a date with a delicate girl in close quarters. It reminds me of some childhood aroma, though I don’t know which one. Zara’s opening bergamote is very artificial, metallic, and sparkling, like old spray air fresheners, but here it is tempered by the sweetness of the following notes, although the metallic touch remains almost throughout the first hour. It’s not a complex work of art, but something direct and simple, very unisex and clearly winter-appropriate; in humid weather, I see it even better. The design is industrial and minimalist, cold and metallic, with a bottle that feels good to touch, a comfortable size, and a perfect cap and spray nozzle. Spectacular longevity: 7-9 hours. Presentation: 9.

Excellent for layering with other woody or citrus-woody Zara perfumes. Use it as a base, spray without fear; it smells like a cold cedar note, simple but elegant. Then spray any of Zara’s freshies on top in the same proportion, such as Vibrant Leather or Noble Palo Santo. Something favourable happens: the second scent is potentiated, its projection increases, and it doesn’t change much, simply acquiring a more woody, transparent, and dry touch. On its own, that dry and cold woody note is monotonous and can get tiring, although as minutes pass it transforms towards something softer and more elegant. What a good perfume and what a pleasant surprise! At that price of 10 dollars, I can’t believe it, they smell at the level of any designer.

C4shmer4n is another gem from Zara. I loved it at first sniff and as a couple of hours pass, the dry-down smells better: elegant, sweet, clean, woody, and attractive. My wife loves it. It has good fixation on fabric until the next day, and on skin, 5 hours for sure. Although its sillage is moderate, it’s a good perfume for such a low price.