Cicatrices

The opening delivers a distinct kick of dark, bittersweet black licorice alongside a brief, tart splash of bergamot. It smells earthy and herbal rather than sugary sweet, immediately catching your attention with a warm, slightly medicinal anise aroma that begins softening into rich leather within fifteen to twenty minutes.

After thirty minutes, the sharp licorice mellows as warm, resinous myrrh and powdery iris blend with smooth jacket leather. Over the next several hours, the scent settles into an earthy, comforting base of patchouli, sweet labdanum, and smooth vanilla, producing a cozy skin scent that lingers comfortably throughout the evening.

On bare skin, Cicatrices reliably lasts between 8 and 10 hours, with the final hours resting as an intimate skin scent. On fabrics like wool sweaters, cotton shirts, or winter coats, the resinous myrrh, patchouli, and vanilla base clings firmly for 24 hours or more until the garment is washed.

During the first two hours, Cicatrices pushes out a moderate projection bubble of roughly two to three feet. As it dries down, it pulls closer to the body, creating an intimate arm-length aura. It leaves a subtle, inviting scent trail that people notice when walking nearby without overpowering the room.

Cicatrices performs at its best in cool to cold weather, particularly in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). Autumn and winter allow the dense amber, spicy licorice, and warm resins to bloom gently. In hot summer weather, the heavy balsamic notes can become overly dense and cloying.

This fragrance is tailor-made for casual autumn weekends, evening dinners, cozy pub outings, and date nights. It also works in professional office environments if applied lightly with just one or two sprays, but its dark, moody character makes it less suited for high-energy athletic activities or warm outdoor picnics.

Cicatrices is a genuinely balanced unisex fragrance. The supple leather, earthy patchouli, and smoky myrrh provide a grounding masculine edge, while the powdery iris, sweet licorice, and smooth vanilla add an inviting softness. It smells equally natural and confident on anyone who enjoys rich, non-traditional amber perfumes.

While Aquolina Blue Sugar focuses on sweet, cotton-candy licorice for a younger crowd, Cicatrices is far more grown-up, swapping excessive sugar for dry leather and smoky myrrh. Compared to Patchouli Boheme from the same house, Cicatrices is sweeter and more anise-forward, whereas Patchouli Boheme leans heavier into green, woody forest notes.

Cicatrices is formulated as an Extrait de Parfum, boasting high oil concentration and excellent endurance on skin. Because two sprays provide all-day performance, a 100ml bottle lasts a long time. For fans of unconventional licorice and resinous leather scents, the high-end niche price tag delivers strong ingredient quality and craftsmanship.

Cicatrices layers wonderfully with pure woody scents like sandalwood or cedar, which ground the anise top notes. It also pairs nicely with simple bourbon vanilla or amber body oils to heighten its sweet dry-down. Avoid layering it with bright aquatic or fruity florals, which clash with its dark, resinous character.