Stash SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker

Stash is perhaps the first celebrity fragrance to dare to be different to break the mould. To the regret of many it didn’t last long on the market; such audacity was simply ‘too much’ for modern times and their restrictions. It is a ‘binary’ perfume; I love its personality style and boldness. It is extremely woody moving from roughness to creamy nuances soaked in resins and surrounded by aromatic brushstrokes. It is so beautiful on my skin so unique; I keep a bottle at 80% full and treasure it. When it dries it emits that aura of velvety fig and coconut not beachy but sweet and fleshy. The wood and resins remain but are masterfully embraced by the warmth of the fig and coconut. On my skin it is indescribable so unisex that it gives an intense sensuality. If you are lucky you can still find it; do not miss the opportunity even if just as an experience. Longevity +10h projection high to moderate.

This fragrance turned out better than I expected. After so much fuss in the English-speaking community it opens with lots of vetiver and sage. It softens with sandalwood and leaves a sexy elegant aura. Sometimes it reminds me of Bic ink with sweet nuances; it has plenty of pepper. Performance is moderate to high trail is regular but it is a beauty. It has similarities with Rush Encre Noire and the forgotten Marc Jacobs for men from 2002. It does not smell bad at all.

It opens spicy and slightly citrusy but soon nothing feels as aromatic as the spices and woods which are sweet and resinous. It is quite linear unisex ideal for autumn/winter day or night. I do not find it masculine but I understand why some might see it that way due to its character: it feels like a nocturnal boozy version of Hermès Santal Massoia a very kind perfume (which resembles nothing else beyond the wood scent). It projects softly and lasts its good 8 hours. I have liked it very much and I think it is a good purchase if you like woods. Pleasant: 8/10 Interesting: 8/10 Versatile: 8/10 Original: 8/10.

I have tested this perfume in a set of four 10ml travel minis in roll-on format. It is decidedly masculine away from safe and mass-market formulas. And curiously it does not disgust me. It is not a type of fragrance I fancy using daily but from time to time I like that seductive game of using a somewhat masculine perfume; I think that is what SJP tries to evoke. It suggests a confident woman who in the absence of her own perfume decides to use her partner’s to go out. When it settles it is dense especially regarding cedar patchouli and incense. Good trail and longevity (6-8 hours). I think I will use it occasionally sharing it with my partner who will surely wear it more and I will enjoy it while it lasts although I will not buy the full bottle. EDIT: Although at first it seemed very masculine four years later I would rate it as perfectly unisex and I feel very comfortable wearing it. Incredible how our olfactory perceptions evolve. Scent 7/10 Longevity 8/10 Trail 8/10 Value for money 8/10 Versatility 2/10 Packaging 8/10. Would I buy again? No.

Tested on blotter and it has hit the nail on the head: it smells like Ferrari Essence Silver. They share many notes and although coconut is not listed here the Massoia is present that lactone that gives the touch of coconut milk and fig leaf that people comment on so much. To me fig in nature does not smell like this but in perfumery it is a classic combo. It is the scent that stands out most; it reminds me of the typical Santal 33 and Zara Scent 1. At first it is herbal due to the sage and spicy due to the pepper; when it dries it becomes more mature with slight touches of patchouli and olibanum. It also declares a nut fruit just like the Hermès; it seems the chemical affinities are what they are. As with almost all I suppose it carries supporting musks but without knowing them individually it is difficult to dissect it. It could declare cinnamon like the Ferrari and nothing would happen hehe. I like this type of scents. I will test it on skin later because it always changes things but it looks good in terms of value for money.

Totally masculine; it reminds me of Salvatore Ferragamo Pour Homme. It is true that it’s very much in the ‘older gentleman’ trend. I bought it in a pack of four bottles for an utterly ridiculous price, but apart from the original Lovely, I think I’ve thrown my money away.