Oscent Black by Alexandre.J

Alexandre.J presents it as a black jewel: Osccent Black is powerful and captivating. The opening ginger melts into the warmth of the woods, while tobacco and frankincense bring that oriental opulence over a musky vanilla. It’s an elegant, pleasant fragrance in the oriental style; in my opinion, it features a very well-structured labdanum incense with patchouli and ladanum, accompanied by subtle woods and a delicate vanilla that softens without being sweet. I detect it as perfectly unisex; ideal for those who enjoy good frankincense and want to stand out without overpowering. I think you’ll love it.

I’ve had it for two weeks and am still exploring; it’s the second or third time I’ve tested it on my wrist. The opening is an incense bomb, literally suffocating, not so much tobacco as I thought. Within minutes, I notice a mix of woods with a touch of musk that could be patchouli or incense. The vanilla is well at the base, like a confit but without sweetness, very subtle. Although there are no declared floral notes, it feels like an aromatic haze; surely it’s the cedar, a wood that smells incredible and has that well-aromatic profile. It’s a dry perfume and I think that contrast, which builds in crescendo as it dries, is what gives it the unisex character. It feels like it must change from skin to skin. Throughout, the smoky trail persists, softened and very balanced. I don’t detect anise or ginger (nothing like the ginger in Hermès Jardin Après la Mousson). The woods here smell magnificent, as if we were in a room with freshly sawn wood… Let me try to describe it: it’s not the smell of aged wood, but of settled yet fresh wood… My partner builds guitars and it reminds me of the aromas in his workshop. As soon as I put it on, for some reason, it reminds me a bit of the opening of Shalimar, but I know they aren’t very similar… I suppose it’s the smoky tone, although Oscent Black is more potently smoky. Later, it reminds me a bit of Natura’s Formula do Humor. The Formula is sweeter and certainly less complex, but they share some kinship. I haven’t been able to stop at the base notes or duration yet because I didn’t wear it on my neck during the day (only tested on the wrist). I’ll update when I do. I’m liking it very much 🙂