Xi’an

‘Xi’an’ is a very distant, soft and subtle scent. I’ve had to spray this a few times to get the most out of this whispering aroma. The rhubarb is the first to appear, but it’s usual sharply fruity, green tang is subdued and tamed. I get a gentle tea note from somewhere but everything is so weak I’m struggling to detect notes from what starts and ends as a non-descript, very close skin-scent.

It was easy to ignore, but 2 hours in and something unmissable is finally happening. I’ve now got a soaring hairspray scent that rises and hovers 15cm away from my skin – oh it’s the black pepper that’s projecting like an aldehyde! What a tantalising surprise! The rhubarb has now gone softy green and pepperminty. The cedarwood, sandalwood and musk have gone all drowsy like they’re comfortably exhausted and have slowed right down. I like this stage. ‘Xi’an’ has been interesting, but for me, it’s too little too late.

TOP – Black Pepper, Nutmeg

MIDDLE – Cedarwood, Rhubarb

BASE – Musk, Indian Sandalwood