FAÍSA

The sun (with its flow of happiness and creative energy) is Ramon Monegal’s inspiration behind FAÍSA.

At first sniff, I’m immediately reminded of #laislablanca (another Ramon Monegal fragrance and a personal favourite of mine). It must be the anise with its fennel-like, liquorice accord, combined with jasmine and tonka. It’s like I’m wearing #laislablanca again and I’m reminded of taking it in my suitcase for a work trip where (I thought) I smelt AMAZING but my nose-blind colleagues never commented.

FAÍSA is officially classed as being a woody, amber, spicy, sweet, floral, but this gives the impression that it could be heavy, moody and dark, when in fact, it’s the exact opposite. It’s bright, perky and full of the sunshine-filled citric juice of a freshly squeezed lemon. It even manages to smell yellow (thanks to the ylang-ylang, saffron, lemon, mimosa and anise). The lemon-saffron zest continues throughout the duration of the scent, keeping you bright, aware and uplifted. The sun’s warmth is replicated with the balancing addition of the soothing vanilla, tonka, caramel, sandalwood and cinnamon. There is no obvious oud (I’m used to screaming oud’s slapping me around the face upon first spray) and the rose remains demure. The raspberry is very much on-show, keeping the blend acidic and fruity throughout. It lasts well over 8 hours, probably upwards of 10/12 hours.

FAÍSA manages to be vibrant AND smooth, energic AND calming, as it embodies the midday sun’s energy and sharpness and the evening sun’s relaxation and healing.

FAÍSA is life-affirming summer sun positivity with an uplifting flow of healing energy. The only aspect missing, is the ability to get a sun-tan and a fix of vitamin D.

TOP - Lemon, Saffron, Anise, Cinnamon, Ylang-Ylang

MIDDLE - Mimosa, Jasmine, Rose, Raspberry, Oud

BASE - Amber, Vanilla, Tonka, Caramel, Sandalwood