Santal Majuscule

Whoa. Another one with a funky "Rootbeer" note going on. Not really quite like the soda, but like a more floral version of those chewable "bottlecaps" candies; it has that same powdery, somewhat dry and sweet, kind-of-like-the-rootbeer-flavor-it-claims-to-be scent. It must be a result of the sandalwood, rose, and cacao blending together. It's obviously more complex than that, too, and as it dries down it quickly becomes much more dominated by the sandalwood than anything else, but the rose and cacao are still there. It is straightforward, but nice. Exactly what it claims to be. I like it, but I don't love it. If someone was looking for Sandalwood to stand alone with little interference, this would be a solid choice. Surprisingly, I really do think this qualifies as a smack dab in the middle of unisex fragrance, despite being so dominated by "wood" notes. Not a buy for me.

Serge Lutens seems to really love this idea of making sandalwood feel edible. The number of such perfumes he released up to 2012 when Santal Majuscule was released was eyebrow-raising, and since 2012 we have seen notably less but still some exploration of this area. True that the real-deal sandalwood has a milky and peppery facet to it, but, all in all, it still smells like wood more than anything else. Duh. It's strange how few people seem to comment on the peculiar behavior of many brands and perfumers, not just Lutens and Sheldrake, in that they seem to have a weird fascination with making us want to eat some sweet desserts along with the wood serving platter. Santal Majuscule though seems to want to make sandalwood drinkable; Lutens and Sheldrake have given us a digestif liqueur on a wood serving platter, not food this time.

she is beauty, she is grace, she is pure majestic wonder! One of my favorite woody scents... my mother had a wardrobe of Serge Lutens perfumes growing up and still wears them till this day, so any Serge is so nostalgic to me. I think of the most elegant, self-assured, understated yet bold-when-it-counts-most woman when I wear this. I love wearing this both on its own for a date, important meeting, or layering with lighter scents depending on the season, occasion, day and mood. White Whale is an unexpected but perfect combo I have been most recently obsessed with. Blind bought this on a whim and while some may not recognize it as particularly special, to me it is a smooth as silk sandalwood and so effortlessly chic. White t-shirt or black ball gown, I love her!!

Really rather lovely sandalwood perfume. Smells more like australian than mysore sandalwood (so drier and well, woodier) If you enjoy TF Santal Blush I’d imagine you’ll enjoy this as well, though it’s a bit less complex, whilst also being a bit warmer and sweeter. Lovely bright fruity feeling rose in the opening (à la egoïste) then softened by a fairly sweet cacao note that almost seems to resemble a more chocolatey tonka. A good buy for the price range as it’s usually available discounted. Only think I would honestly object to is that it’s not particularly “majestic” as the name would suggest, though it certainly feels elegant and formal whilst remaining cozy and comforting.

Although the scent of sandalwood has always carried a slightly unpleasantly alcoholic undertone for me, compositions like Santal Majuscule are gradually changing my mind. Exploring these perfumes has brought me much joy and a few delightful surprises. I have a particular fondness for such rich and unexpected fragrances. If you're contemplating beginning your own journey with sandalwood, Santal Majuscule seems like the perfect choice. It truly lives up to its name. However, I would suggest that, in my experience, this composition is most suited to autumn. Its blend of rose, spice, and woodiness effectively lifts the spirits on dreary, rainy days.