Santal Carmin

Sandalwood's prominent composition supported by guaiac wood, saffron, and musk. The rest of the notes are faint but present enough. It is woody, slightly boozy, slightly sweet, comfy, smooth, warm, well-balanced, and well-blended. It has average sillage and longevity. I approached this bottle because I was exposed to Somebody Wood by Phlur, which has a similar note composition with a slight difference in musk note levels, and I wanted to try this to see which one I'd end up choosing since I really liked the musk accord in Somebody Wood, and I usually hate musk notes. The woody notes in here have an iso-e-super/ vetiver like quality in their own unique manner and that's appealing, besides that the composition is smooth, masc leaning and sophisticated which makes it enjoyable. The main con here is that it has an almost below-average sillage that reminds me of JHAG Not a Perfume. I would've gone crazy for this bottle if it had good sillage. When I compared this to SW by Phlur, I immediately noticed that SW has a prominent boozy musk accord that I barely notice here on the drydown. At the time, it's hard to decide because i like both but SW has prominent musk accord and this one has a weaker sillage that in a way reminds me of JHAG not a perfume, but I'll have to spend more time to understand the bottles to their fullest before I decide to choose between the two. Edit: I ended up choosing SW by Phlur over this. Somebody Wood has better sillage and longevity, as well as a top note of cyclamen-musk and less sandalwood, while this has more sandalwood and is much smoother with weaker sillage. I already have a couple of sandalwood bottles, so I prefer the cyclamen musk prominent one instead.

One of my favorite perfumes. I first smelled it in 2018, never knowing I was about to fall into a love story with it. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be: elegance. It’s a refined, composed scent and I adore it. I also love layering it with a touch of oud incense to create an aura around it. And I absolutely love the compliments I get when I wear it.

Smells like Band-Aids and a clean doctor’s office. Oddly enough, I don’t hate it.

Santal Carmin went from a like to a love for me within a few wears. The soft leathery nuances of saffron with the creaminess of sandalwood give this scent a tranquil and cozy aura. The longevity and sillage are stellar: the fragrance still radiates from my coat more than 24 hours after spraying, adding a lovely scent to the wardrobe area. Definitely a must-try for those who like the saffron / wood DNA, but are taken aback by the piercing and scratchy sensation that often comes with it.

ずっと探し続けている、松榮堂の堀川の様な日本の寺院で焚かれる白檀の線香の残り香に、一番近い香水です。これ以外だと、タムダオが墨入りのスモーキーな白檀です。両方とも、香りがすぐ飛んでしまいます。香彩堂の白檀の練り香水もお線香系です。キールズのオリジナルムスクも、お寺のお線香をまろやかにした様な、白檀風の香りがします。コムデギャルソンにも白檀お線香系の香水がありました。

I'm surprised how much the color suggested in the name reflects the actual fragrance. Yes, a cozy evening fragrance: candle light reflections on polished mahogany. There's that calming santal feeling indeed. but it's not about meditation: it has something demanding, keeping your senses alert. The mellow spiciness of saffron, the sweetish burn of guaiac and vanilla, some more smoky dark woods and the general impression of amber. I can see how in the last couple of years this dark woody-saffron -vanilla trope has been hopelessly overused and boosted to the point of unbearable, but this stays nice and classy alongside the blurry flood of ill-defined, post-orientalist syrupy woody ambers and the clones of their clones. Yes, you can sense a certain arrangement here, an aim for simplicity and a certain clarity about each note, what it does and how it relates.

I just applied this cologne from a sample and it has a very intriguing composition. I can see how some people would think this has a little bit of a medicinal/bandaid accord. That is not initially what I thought of but once I read the argument, I could see their point. It kind of reminds me of when someone has been burning sandalwood incense over and over and this is the smell left behind (not while it's burning, afterwards...that residue which is on the curtains, furniture, etc.). The sandalwood is strong with this one. Anyhow, I find this scent to be comforting. There is something in this composition that is kind of nagging me, though, and I'm not sure what it is. I assume whatever it is, it's meant to balance the components but it is keeping the scent from being a favorite. I am not familiar with the scent of saffron. I have a new bottle in my cupboard at another house but I keep forgetting to smell it so I have a comparison. But I think that might be what is nagging me. Or maybe the musk is just too strong. It is one of those. I think on the dry down if I let it develop longer, these issues might straighten themselves out. I can see this having a long duration of action, and I think the sillage could be impressive depending on how much you put on. I'll update this once I have a better idea. I love it but I don't. I think I have a like/dislike relationship with this scent for now. I am going to sit with it and see where it takes me and I will revise this review once I have a better idea of what to say about it.

Bandaid accords are a plus and something many of us are looking for!

There is something seriously addictive to this one! This is my all-time favourite, I think it's timeless and classic and so unique. It opens with an uplifting bouquet of saffron carried by the bright lime and bergamot in a very perfumed and exotic way, rather than an overly fruity kind of way. As the fragrance evolves, the sandalwood emerges wrapping the uplifted floral/bergamot/lime with a creamy wood accord that reads as sexy and enticing. Vanilla enters then, sweetening it and turning it ever so slightly to the feminine, but the sandalwood and musk balance the sweetness out and it reads as soft rather than overly gourmand. Over time the saffron clings closer and closer to the skin and takes on a slightly salty accord as saffron tends to do on me, like a Mediterranean breeze vibe. I LOVE this perfume, one of my all time favourites. I would bathe in it if I could, just want to smell like this forever!

Santal Carmin is really beautiful. I’m speaking for the gold bottle with the red label version, I haven’t smelt any other versions. It’s quite simplistic in nature but so impeccably blended. It’s airy, classy, sophisticated and well rounded. I don’t see the comparisons to BCR540 except the rich saffron note. BCR540 bothers me, Santal Carmin doesn’t. This pulls leathery and smooth on my skin. It’s kind of reminiscent of Virgin Island Water by Creed for a short while, before getting to the base; where Santal Carmin is woodier tempered with vanilla, Virgin Island Water is much sweeter with sugar and amber. And of course Santal Carmin is much longer lasting and has a leathery suede type feel throughout from the saffron. The bergamot and lime is very subtle and I actually pick up on those notes more towards the heart of the fragrance. The guaiac wood and musk intertwine so wonderfully together, creating a very subtle smokiness and gentle powdery nuances. The sandalwood is sweet and creamy. The vanilla feels almost crystallised, a little sugary but not gourmand. Santal Carmin is cozy, warm, you’ll want to hug yourself when you wear it and others won’t be able to let go of you. But, I’m more about what fragrances can do for the self more than what they do for others so…

A Captivating Fragrance Journey: Santa Carmin by Atelier Cologne I recently acquired the mesmerizing fragrance of Santa Carmin by Atelier Cologne, and I must say it has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. This exquisite scent embodies elegance, sophistication, and a touch of mystery that has left me utterly captivated. Upon my first encounter with Santa Carmin, I was immediately enchanted by its unique combination of notes. The fragrance opens with a burst of zesty Calabrian bergamot, which adds a refreshing and uplifting touch. This initial citrusy embrace is quickly followed by the enchanting and seductive allure of Moroccan jasmine. The floral heart of Santa Carmin is truly divine, exuding a delicate yet intoxicating aroma that lingers beautifully. What sets Santa Carmin apart is its skillful blend of warm and sensual base notes. The rich and creamy vanilla from Madagascar adds a hint of sweetness, while the earthy and woody patchouli leaves a subtle trail of intrigue. These base notes create a harmonious balance, leaving a lasting impression that is both comforting and alluring. One of the aspects I truly appreciate about Santa Carmin is its remarkable longevity. The fragrance holds its presence throughout the day, gradually unveiling its various layers and evolving into a captivating symphony of scents. Each time I catch a whiff of Santa Carmin, I am transported to a world of elegance and sophistication. The bottle itself is a work of art, simple but reflecting the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. The sleek and minimalist design, adorned with the label's signature leather cap, exudes a sense of luxury and refinement. It is a true statement piece that beautifully complements the fragrance it contains. In summary, Santa Carmin by Atelier Cologne is a fragrance that has stolen my heart. Its captivating blend of notes, remarkable longevity, and impeccable presentation make it a true gem in my collection. Whether you're seeking a scent for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a moment of luxury, I highly recommend experiencing the enchantment of Santa Carmin for yourself.

This is the milkshake that brings all the boys to the yard. One of the scents I keep going back to for any season but Summer. And in Summer I'll wear it at night regardless because I love it so much. I see they've put all the fragrances in new packaging, so I hope the formulation has remained the same. Because once my 100 ml bottle is empty, you betcha I am buying this again. If only to remember all the boys that have come to my yard while wearing Santal Carmin haha.

Comforting, pure, clean, easy, likeable, delicious. The sandalwood is super duper creamy and the fragrance as a whole is an homage to that note in particular. The blend here is really nice, and the other notes support but nothing sticks out. It comes together into something that isn’t challenging or edgy in the slightest, it is very approachable. My partner likes this one on me as well. This scent is entirely unisex and I would love to wear it on its own but I also think it would layer really, really well.

This is a beautiful sweet santal fragrance that for me would lean more feminine if it had slightly more floral notes but is perfectly unisex. I have only had it on for a few hours but I notice decent sillage and expect good longevity due to the sweet/vanilla note. I cant say its exceptional or particularly unique but I will get good use out of this in the fall/winter months. If you like creamy woody fragrances then you cant really go wrong with this. Side note if you're in the UK: Exotique Musk by Artiscent Atelier in Superdrug is virtually identical to this- 30ml is £6 so do with that what you will.

I prefer the original bottle that was gold with a red label. It fit the fragrance more. A smooth and rich fragrance like you’re in an old mansion library sitting in a leather chair by the fire. On a cold night. I love the way Atelier works with sandalwood.

I could blind buy atelier cologne bec I love all of them, I own almost 20 in my collection and santal carmin is one of my gav, such conforty, sweat but not sugary like all the new fragrances coming on the market (La Vie Est belle, trésor lancome etc), it has personality and keeps lighting my day when I move and can smell it. really warm and well blended.

I can’t appreciate this as a personal fragrance, but I want my house to smell like this! This gives the impression of a well-kept library. Timeless and genderless — I can’t place it in a season or an expression. This isn’t the smell of a person but maybe a book whose pages have marinated for decades. Unfortunately this did not perform as well as I was hoping. Wore this on a night out and it wasn’t detectable after couple of hours, and I can’t smell it any further than 2 inches away from my skin immediately after it’s been sprayed. Based on the diversity of opinion regarding longevity and sillage in other reviews, it sounds like my 2022 formulation is a downgrade from previous iterations. I’ll experiment with its staying power, but I don’t see myself buying a decant or bottle of this once my tester is empty. I hope they decide to make a candle of this someday!

Sweet and creamy, to me it is sensual, confident and soft. Somewhere else someone wrote that this is their favorite version of sandalwood and I agree. I find this easy to wear yet unique and intriguing, and would love to wear it often in the fall. I had a forgotten pack of Atelier samples from years ago and have been working my way through again. This one I wanted to buy, but it’s too expensive & hard to get for me anytime soon. So I asked my boyfriend (who will say something negative about nearly any fragrance) to comment and he told me it smells like an old person. So that helps me hold off for now. But I do still want it.

What a love. Earthy, woody, light vanilla nice sillage and long lasting! I have now sampled 3 Ateliers. Clementine California, Orange Sanguine and this -- all Gorgeous!

I had the gold bottle with the red label and now a red lunar new year bottle with the gold metal lotus plaque. Those two bottles smell identical. Anyone compare either of those to this new blue bottle? I'm worried now that they seem to be switching things up.

I have 6 or 7 from Atelier. This is a clear WINNER! All of the others were just *OK* to me. Blind buys. When I bought this one, I immediately ordered a backup. If you like these notes, you need to go on & get this bad boy! Mine have red labels, so there may be a reform that happened!!!

A few years ago, I tried this perfume and thought it smelled like jasmine. When I tried it again recently, I found it pleasant, long-lasting, and strong. The perfume has saffron, vanilla, sandalwood, and bergamot notes that blend delicately. I accidentally sprayed on my band watch and could smell the fragrance from it for a week. This luxurious perfume is perfect for autumn and winter and my top choice for formal meetings during those seasons.

Used to own a travel size of this, has gone up a crazy amount $ since discontinuation. Just received a sample again for reminiscence sake—formulation seems much weaker to me now since ~2017, unless my sense has finished! Still love how saffron forward this is, that’s definitely what drew me in to begin with. I grew up on Persian food, so they smelled like home to me. Now the line punches through a little more than before, and I’m getting a slight synthetic edge. Still nice and comforting, but all in all I probably won’t go for a bottle.

Good one. Had one Turkish guy beg me to tell me the name of this perfume.

Toffee-like scent addictive sweet goodness. Comforting, gourmand, cozy, not overly sweet. Beautiful sandalwood and saffron blend, sophisticated not headache inducing. It's a gorgeous calming and happy perfume, close to skin but lovely quality here, just so smooth. Yet another goodie from Atelier Cologne. 8/10

STUNNING Sandalwood Smooth Leathery Vanilla Scent. Very easy to wear. Only a very untrained nose would write about this & BR540 in the same paragragh. That mess STINKS. Pleeeeease don't do that. Atelier is insulted. If you are weirded out by the obvious DNA Lemon Island, Orange Sanguine, Pacific Lime & their WEIRDA$$ Vanilla all share, do not worry, it isn't here. Thank god!

Sandalwood with a hint of sweet fruitiness in the opening, settling into woody notes in the drydown. Very pleasant and easy to wear, but not terribly unique. I also have a hard time smelling sandalwood scents on my skin, so I can only faintly detect this after the first 20 minutes. Otherwise, I like it and I think it would be a nice cozy fall and winter scent.

So, I sold my BR540 extrait to my co-worker and friend. Prior to that, I sold my backup Santal Carmin to him, and then I got him a large bottle with my points, just before they left the U.S. market. He alternates between the two frags in winter, and I want to make it clear, that Santal Carmin is a quiet, demure, monster of a fragrance with sillage comparable to BR540 extrait, except BR540E is screaming “look over here,” and Santal Carmin is subdued, and confident, knowing it doesn’t have to try hard to impress. I come in on the second shift, and my friend is still strongly radiating either fragrance. Sometimes he pulls a double shift and I can still smell him at the end of 16 hours, with this fragrance, on the days he wears it, or with BR540E on the days he wears that! These fragrances are not similar at all apart from the saffron note they share, but I'm mainly comparing the performance, and the longevity and sillage of SC. It’s fantastic!

Pleasant standard sandalwood but has poor sillage and poor longevity. Ultimately nothing special.

Damn, this stuff smells good on me. Pricey. ✨