Bath & Body Works has recently released the newest addition to their Signature Collection, a fall fragrance by Givaudan’s John Gamba. The perfume in question is Black Amethyst, a very pretty, sensual scent that veers very far from the soliflore offerings the company is most well known for, capturing the rich tones of fall with juicy fruit, sheer petals and deep woods. The Black Amethyst Eau de Toilette is already available for purchase from the official B&BW website, along with the following ancillary products: Body Lotion, Body Butter, Shower Gel, Creamy Body Wash, Body Splash, Bubble Bath, Body Cream and Hand Cream, as well as home fragrances such as room sprays and electric diffusers. 
Black Amethyst opens with an intense, sweet citrusy blast that is sparkling and fresh and soon deepens, loosing part of its sweetness and becoming dryer, blending with a tantalizing scent of red berries and pomegranate. I love the dusty dryness of the opening, which seems to act as a guard, suppressing a far juicier, pulsating heart. This lovely, dry, dusty overtone pleasantly remains a constant throughout the development of this scent. Even though the opening is quite interesting as is, it doesn’t give an indication of the complexity that is to follow. Ten to fifteen minutes after application, the scent goes through a beautiful transformation: it feels almost as though a bud unfurls to reveal deep colors and a glowing heart previously unseen. A mélange of velvety and at once peppery floral notes which feels seductive and alluring, strikes me as intensely familiar, even though I can’t immediately put my finger on what it reminds me of. However, as soon as the slightly ozonic waterfruit notes really kick in, I have it: even though this is a much sheerer, airier fragrance, the waterfruit/melon notes over piquant, velvety dark petals instantly bring to mind my beloved Black Orchid. The similarities however stop there: while Black Orchid goes on to become ever darker and dirtier, shedding its floral character as time goes on, Black Amethyst works in the opposite direction, being slowly lit from within. The floral heart notes stretch, becoming sheerer and lighter as time goes by, to reveal caramelized, vanilla tinged woods in the base notes. The patchouli note is quite innocent and joined beautifully by hints of sandalwood and deep musk. The waterfruit notes that were presenting a rather guarded sensuality having died down, the drydown is very sexy indeed, perfect for autumn. Official Notes:
Top: Bergamot, Mandarin, Tangerine, Orange Zest, Waterfruit, Melon
Mid: Muguet, Magnolia, Gardenia, Tuberose, Freesia, Peony, Camellia
Base: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Vanilla, Musk
Images: www.bathandbodyworks.com, www.mineralatlas.com
8 comments:
I admit I only have the little sample lotion of this, so far, but I am loving. In fact it sort of reminds of what a child of Black Orchid and Narciso Rodriguez edt would smell like. And would have thought I would like an aquatic waterflower note in anything, much less an oriental perfume?
Yup, you nailed it! I can totally see what you mean with Narciso Rodriguez - I'd only gone as far as Black Orchid, but you're so right. Those pesky aquatic notes are difficult to pull off, but I think both Black Amethyst and Black Orchid do so wonderfully.
I don't have a problem with waterfruit notes when they go well with the perfume, but geez there are some perfumes out there which have the note and it feels like it doesn't belong there! I am thinking of Allure, by the way...
xo,
Christine
I love this perfume, I was getting my makeup done by a women who I smelled and at first I thought she was wearing chanel chance..which I used to wear non stop. Then after I asked her she said it was this. So about a week later I bought it, I think it smells very similar to chance after it wears down from the inital spray. My boyfriend disagrees. Either way, I think it smells so pretty, and sexy, not overtly strong. Its my new favorite!
Christine, I like Allure, but I prefere the Sensuelle version. Have you tried that one?
Sophia, I never made the connetion with Chance, but I will definitely investigate. I have to admit, Chance is not my favorite. You know which perfume *Really* reminds me of Chance btw? The newest Zen by Shisheido...
I agree, I've mistaken this scent for Black Orchid 3 different times. When someone said 'you can get it at BBW' I was floored! No sense spending 200 for the eau de parfum by Tom Ford when I can spend 20!
Hahah, Anon, I know what you mean. They are really strikingly similar! Although the TF has more depth and complexity, I find that the BBW is so close it really doesn't make a big difference in what others smell on you.
Post a Comment