08 Soft - Elemi Resinoide & Ambreine & Anise
Crafted in Amsterdam by artisan perfumer Joris Schenk, 08 Soft - Elemi Resinoide & Ambreine & Anise is a modern unisex skin scent. Bright top notes of lemon and bergamot meet a dry down of warm ambreine, spicy star anise, and mahogany wood, creating a balanced and comforting amber fragrance.
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Performance Metrics
0 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Expect five to six hours of skin-hugging longevity. The sillage is personal, projecting only to arm's length for the first hour before settling down into an intimate scent profile ideal for cool autumn days.
Notes Pyramid
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A warm, dry skin scent that opens with bright lemon and sweet star anise. It quickly evolves into a resinous heart of ambreine, before settling into a base of dry mahogany wood, amber, and soft musk.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe citrus top notes provide a brief sparkle before the dry mahogany and warm ambreine take over. The star anise adds a soft, spicy, licorice-like sweetness that remains throughout the life of the scent.
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When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
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This perfume is best suited for individuals who wear fragrance for themselves rather than to get attention from across the room. It fits a quiet, intellectual aesthetic and pairs perfectly with casual knitwear, leather jackets, and rainy Sunday afternoons. If you want a loud fragrance that announces your arrival, you will want to look elsewhere.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Unique blend of sweet star anise and citrus
Cozy mahogany wood dry-down
Completely unisex profile
Safe for office wear
Hand-crafted in small batches
Warm ambreine adds a comforting quality
Non-synthetic, natural feel on skin
Perfect for cool autumn weather
Does not become cloying in close spaces
Excellent layering foundation
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Quiet projection after ninety minutes
Citrus notes fade very quickly
Anise note can be polarizing
Requires reapplication for all-day wear
Premium pricing due to artisan production
Hard to find outside boutique shops
Lacks the density of traditional winter ambers
May smell too medicinal to some noses
Does not project well in cold outdoor air
Not suited for fans of loud, sweet scents
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“NaNaNaa 08 Soft Review: Intimate Amsterdam Artistry”
The opening of this scent is a pleasant surprise. Instead of a sharp, harsh blast of alcohol, you are greeted immediately by a sweet, candied lemon and bright bergamot. The star anise is present from the very first second, adding a sweet, licorice-like warmth that makes the citrus top notes feel thick and edible rather than sharp and sporty.
As the initial citrus fizz begins to quiet down after about twenty minutes, the true character of the fragrance emerges. The ambreine takes center stage, bringing a warm, slightly resinous texture to the composition. It is not a heavy, sticky gourmand amber, but rather a dry, airy warmth that floats gently above the skin. The star anise lingers, blending into this warm heart to create a soft, spiced glow.
On skin, the accord behavior is remarkably smooth. The mahogany wood and amber base notes provide a dry, sturdy foundation that keeps the sweetness of the anise from becoming cloying or childish. It smells like a polished wooden desk in an old library, warmed by afternoon sun, with a faint trace of herbal tea nearby. The white musk rounds out the corners, ensuring the dry-down feels soft and clean.
In terms of performance, this is not a loud projector. It behaves as a personal cocoon, radiating gently within your personal space for the first hour before clinging close to the skin. You will get about five to six hours of total longevity, which is standard for an independent, small-batch formulation that avoids synthetic projection boosters. It feels best in cool, crisp autumn weather when the air helps the spicy woody notes pop.
This perfume is best suited for individuals who wear fragrance for themselves rather than to get attention from across the room. It fits a quiet, intellectual aesthetic and pairs perfectly with casual knitwear, leather jackets, and rainy Sunday afternoons. If you want a loud fragrance that announces your arrival, you will want to look elsewhere.
Ultimately, Joris Schenk has created a lovely, comforting skin scent that shows real restraint. The star anise can be a difficult note for some, but here it is handled with enough balance to make it approachable. It is a quiet, artistic release that warrants a sample if you enjoy woody, spicy amber scents.
FAQs
What does 08 Soft smell like overall?+
This scent operates as a warm citrus-anise blend anchored by a resinous woody base. It starts with bright lemon and sweet star anise, creating a candied opening. The blend then settles into a soft, warm cloud of ambreine, mahogany, and white musk.
How does the opening differ from the dry-down?+
The opening pops with fresh bergamot and a sharp, sweet licorice note from star anise. Within thirty minutes, these bright elements fade. The scent shifts into a skin-hugging warmth dominated by resinous ambreine, dry mahogany wood, and a clean, powdery musk.
How long does 08 Soft last on the skin?+
You can expect five to six hours of wear. Since it is a hand-crafted, intimate formula, the bright bergamot top notes disappear quickly, while the warmer amber and mahogany base notes remain close to the skin for the rest of its lifespan.
What is the sillage and projection of this fragrance?+
The projection is light and personal, extending only to about arm's length for the first hour. It soon recedes into a soft skin scent. This low sillage makes it a safe option for office environments or close encounters.
Which season and weather suit 08 Soft the best?+
It performs best in cool, dry autumn weather. The warmth of the ambreine and the spicy kick of star anise bloom beautifully when there is a chill in the air, whereas hot summer days might make the amber base feel too heavy.
What occasions are ideal for wearing this perfume?+
This scent is perfect for casual daytime activities like reading at a local coffee shop or taking quiet weekend walks. Its subtle nature also makes it an excellent choice for a cozy date night at home in a soft wool sweater.
Does this scent lean masculine or feminine?+
It is completely unisex. The top notes of sparkling bergamot and sweet star anise are genderless, while the dry-down of dry mahogany wood and warm amber balances clean, woody, and resinous tones that anyone can wear comfortably.
Who is the ideal target audience for 08 Soft?+
This perfume is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate small-batch, independent perfumery. If you prefer subtle, resinous skin scents rather than loud designer fragrances, the quiet complexity of Joris Schenk's formulation will appeal directly to your taste.
Can I layer 08 Soft with other fragrances?+
Yes, it layers beautifully. The clean white musk and dry mahogany wood in the base make a solid foundation for simple citrus or light floral colognes, adding a resinous, warm depth without dominating the entire combination.
How does this compare to other amber-anise perfumes?+
Unlike heavy, sweet gourmands, this one keeps a drier, woodier profile. The mahogany note prevents the star anise and ambreine from becoming cloying, keeping the overall feel close to the skin and much lighter than typical cold-weather amber scents.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREIf you want a louder take, try Etro Anice for a fresher anise, or Serge Lutens L'Eau d'Armoise for a different herbal approach.
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