Endymion

Absolutely lovely stuff, even if it is a bit weak. Starts off with a sort of olfactory illusion: smells at first like it's going to be a blue shower gel type cologne. As much as that isn't my thing, this moment is gentle and lovely, consisting of a cool herbal-citrus accord that I mostly attribute to mandarin and lavender. As the top fades, the heart and base come into focus. I personally have never gotten much coffee from Endymion -- it's a rounded edge of the overall blend at best, along with the geranium, the presence of which fluctuates moment to moment. The base is the overriding experience for me, and the lasting impression: creamy nutmeg, warming and incredibly smooth. It smells like warm, spiced milk to me, despite the lack of lactonic notes. The cream, which I attribute to sandalwood and musk, is rounded out by a bit of leather, wafts of vetiver, incense -- it changes constantly, then fades out.

Endymion, you cold sparkling beauty. Most Penhaligon perfumes are too subtle to my taste but I found Endymion's soft calming musky-citrus + rich lavender accord so soothing. There's something nocturnal how the atmosphere this Penhaligon's (in particular) conveys is too fog-like, frigid, and tickling but still oh so soft (sparkling) to the nose to convey something hot sunny but still bright like the moonlit (wildflower-- meaning grass-like not bouquet flower coded) meadow. Moreso than Luna, which was just so imperceptible to my nose. My new layering perfume, for that $160AUD 30ml which goes on sale often for about $120AUD for a 30ml on a lucky day. Probably even less. Rare Penhaligon's I did not find too sharp, antique an imagery and regretful a purchase (looking at you, my first ever perfume purchase with my own money: Lily Of The Valley.)

The initial opening is an aromatic citrus scent with a light floral undertone. At 15 minutes this fragrance is coming off of my skin with a freshness that is projecting a clean sensation radiating off my skin. At 30 minutes, I am still getting a clean and fresh scent profile, but I am starting to pick up on some florals and a hint of a Coffee note. After about 60 minutes, and as we get to the base notes of this fragrance, I am starting to pick up on the woods and resins. I am still smelling the fresh and clean scent from the opening, but now there are undertones of Leather, woods, and resins that provide a nice depth to the scent profile. The dry down of this fragrance is a lightly spicy Leather scent with an underlying soft sweetness coming from the resins and soft woods.

Endymion from Penhaligon's is the kind of scent that's both easygoing and stylish. It starts off with a zesty zing of bergamot – kind of like a fresh, sunny morning. Then, it gets more interesting with a mix of sage and lavender, which makes it feel laid-back but still pretty classy. What I really like about it is the subtle kick of leather and nutmeg that comes through after a while. It's not too in-your-face, but it adds a nice, cozy warmth to the fragrance. It's the kind of cologne you can wear just about anywhere – whether you're heading out for coffee or to a nice dinner. Endymion is like that cool, easy-to-get-along-with friend who’s always up for anything, making you feel good and adding just the right touch of sophistication to your day

I honestly love the smell. It's rather inoffensive, it's an easy wear, it lasts really well on me personally. In my personal opinion this is just a classic, more manly scent, a little barber shop-ey, a little basic, but damn, it gets the job done and I am in love with it