Etra by Etro

Etra kicks off with a spicy note, likely from the pepper and cilantro, though I also detect black pepper, lots of cardamom, and an anise-like aftertaste I can’t quite place. As it settles, the floral side blooms with geranium on top and a woody base. The trail is soft and lasts about 7-8 hours on my skin. It felt unisex and fun for casual occasions, ideal for spring and summer to let the heat bring it to life, given that it doesn’t project much. Based on the scent and price, I didn’t go crazy buying more; I removed it from my collection because it felt too light, even though my partner loved it. Scent: 6/10, Longevity: 7.5/10, Sillage: 4/10, Value for money: 3/10, Versatility: 6/10, Packaging: 6/10. Would I buy it again? No.

I just received this perfume I bought blind after seeing votes for its similarity to Le Feu by Issey Miyake (now impossible to find), and I must say I’m very surprised at how similar they are. I’d say it’s 90%. Le Feu was more intense, like all quality perfumes from 20 or 30 years ago. So, if you already own Le Feu and want to enjoy it again, don’t hesitate to pick up Etra.

Thanks to Demopop for letting me try this perfume, which quickly became one of my favorites for beautifully blending familiar and exotic aromas. On my skin, it starts sweet and spicy, with that fresh kick of cardamom, followed by vanilla-tinged woods (Brazilian palo santo stands out) and a hint of pepper. It’s linear, but not less complex for that; it lasts about 9 hours and projects well at first. If I wear it later in summer, the opening is spicier, with cardamom and cilantro, and the pepper adds extra sweetness. As it settles, that explosiveness fades and Brazilian palo santo takes over, becoming creamier and more vanilla-like without losing its spicy edge. At the end, you catch hints of flowers and musk, though it’s a wood in every sense. The opening is potent, but after half an hour it settles into an enveloping cloud that lasts about 8 hours. I absolutely loved it; it’s an excellent personal fragrance. It’s super elegant without being formal, and I think, aside from times when you need to be fully dressed, it suits any occasion except a scorching summer day. Pleasant: 8/10, Interesting: 10/10, Versatile: 8/10, Original: 9/10.