Oscent Black by Alexandre.J

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

I’ve had it for two weeks and am still exploring it; it’s the second or third time I’ve tried it on my wrist. The opening is an incense bomb, literally suffocating, not as 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 good at the base, like a confection but without sweetness, very subtle. Although there are no declared floral notes, it feels like an aromatic haze, surely 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 should 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 scent of aged woods, but of wood that has settled yet remains fresh… My partner builds guitars, and it reminds me of the scents in his workshop. As soon as I put it on, 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 powerfully 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 focus on the base notes or longevity yet because I didn’t wear it on my neck during the day (only tested on my wrist). I’ll update when I do. I’m liking it a lot 🙂