illuminum – Page 2 – Notable Scents

* Trumpet flower starts off with a sweet, but not candied, flower and a touch of the natural indolic. Its a mix of jasmine, tuberose, and orange blossom.

* Since the scent is based on the South American trumpet flower and there are three different varieties, I am guessing that it’s based on the Velvet Trumpet flower native to Chile.

* Trumpet is definitely the right name because it goes on loud and broadcasts/projects strongly.

* The flowers are joined by a honeyed vanilla and sweaty spice, which dries it a bit.

* After 8 hours of development, the base notes start to come through – sweet resins with a light musk.

Summary: While I don’t like saying a fragrance is masculine or feminine, Trumpet Flower would be difficult for a man to pull off as it really is a flower bomb. The base notes last more than 12 hours or to your next shower. The second time I wore it, the base was still there even after I showered. This is a high quality fragrance that floral lovers will definitely want to experience.

Illuminum Haute Perfumes are available from http://www.illuminumperfumelounge.com/ . They will be available at Henri Bendel in June 2012.

Disclaimer: Sample provided by Illuminum. My opinions are my own and I am not financially compensated for this review or any others. Image from www.illuminumperfumelounge.com

* Starts off like a soft floral, with a bit of citrus. I get jasmine and germanium.

* The floral calms down but stays present throughout – a subtle light oud starts to come through.

* The oud gets a bit sweaty and salty, but never dirty or aggressive.

* The sweat fades away, and a light vanilla with sandalwood and musk is the base.

Summary: Indian Oud isn’t necessarily feminine but is an oud that a woman could wear without it being overbearing. It definitely smells great on a guy, I got a few compliments when I was wearing it. Unlike many of the ouds on the market, this is not an “oud in your face” or an arabic-styled fragrance. The base notes last a really long time – more than 12 hours and easily into the next day or next shower. Though there is strong projection on first spray, it lightens and becomes office-friendly after the first hour. If you are looking for an oud to wear that doesn’t “wear you” – Indian Oud is worth checking out.

Illuminum Haute Perfumes are available from http://www.illuminumperfumelounge.com/ . They will be available at Henri Bendel in June 2012.

Disclaimer: Sample provided by Illuminum. My opinions are my own and I am not financially compensated for this review or any others. Image from www.illuminumperfumelounge.com