Deep Forest by Mancera

I absolutely love the forest scent, which is why I ordered the sample. It does give that sensation, but it’s more woody—a dark, damp forest rather than a warm one, and I like that. Perhaps the clove makes it a bit heavy at first, but I appreciate that it’s noticeable and softens thanks to the floral heart, although that initial weight lingers a little. I don’t detect the vanilla I expected in the base. I also tried Replica’s Soul of the Forest; they’re similar, but Mancera’s is much more potent and dense. It depends on whether you’re looking for something light or not, but I preferred this Deep Forest. It’s not for everyday wear, but when I want to feel that forest vibe, it delivers.

The blend of notes doesn’t suit me. The opening grates on my nerves, with an intense rush of citrus, incense, amber, violet, and talc. Because of this, I perceive it as an older person’s scent. As it dries down, it relaxes and smells like incense candles from those haberdashery and fabric shops… it just doesn’t work for me. It lasts incredibly long for cold weather, but, as I’ve said, I don’t like it.

Some might say I’m mad, but Deep Forest is very similar to the legendary Quorum: a little creamier due to the vetiver and without those green notes of caraway, pine, and moss. Otherwise, it has higher-quality alcohols, is less fresh, and more long-lasting, but… is Quorum niche and given away for free, or are niche fragrances not quite what they’re cracked up to be? To clarify, they aren’t identical; ultimately, the herbal notes and the quality of Quorum push it towards something fresher and sharper, but I don’t see the 135 euro difference in almost anything.

Oh my goodness, this fragrance literally smells like witchcraft 😬; it smells like those places that sell candles, incense, and materials for doing magical work, which in my country are called botánicas. I’m not a witch, but those places emit such a strong scent that as you pass by, you can already smell it, and this perfume smells the same: the incense is very potent, just like the violet and the clove. I’m not sure if I can wear it without people thinking I’ve just come out of a spiritual centre 😭. I was excited, but I think I’ll let it rest to see if the notes settle, as it has just arrived. PS: It lasts until you die and has a trail that’s a pain. 😅 It vaguely reminds me of Hermes’ Elixir des Mervilliers boosted by 500% and they share notes. Edit: 07/March/2023, after a week my perception changed; now it smells sweet and spiced, like creamy cloves with vanilla and a powdery touch. The orange blossom, orange, and bergamot give it a soapy touch, barely a pinch, and the amber adds depth. I’m starting to like it, although I let my son smell it and said it upset his stomach and made him feel like vomiting 🥲. The same happened to me the first time; it’s an autumn scent, but 5 minutes after applying it, I smell powdery orange with vanilla. I’ll keep testing and updating.

It sounds like Alien Fusion. The opening is intense at first, but within minutes it becomes exquisite and the dry-down is excellent. It was a blind buy that I don’t regret, although it’s a perfume that won’t please everyone. I recommend trying it before buying.