No. 18

The opening is immediate and bold. You get a sharp, resinous blast of incense that feels dark and slightly medicinal. It settles quickly, but the initial spicy impact sets the tone for the entire experience, making it perfect for cold autumn nights or outdoor winter gatherings where you need something that cuts through the chill.

Yes, the sharp smoky opening softens as the amber and labdanum become more prominent. By the hour mark, the fragrance becomes rounder and warmer on the skin. The iris provides a subtle, powdery texture that prevents the balsamic notes from feeling too heavy or claustrophobic during long wear in indoor environments.

On skin, this fragrance is a strong performer, easily lasting eight hours or more. It has a tendency to stick to clothing, where you might catch whiffs of the amber and styrax even the next morning. It is a reliable choice for long work days or evening events when you do not want to worry about reapplying.

The projection is moderate to strong depending on how many sprays you apply. It creates a noticeable scent bubble that reaches arm's length for the first few hours. In a confined office, stick to one or two sprays to avoid bothering colleagues, as the smoky accords can be quite potent in small spaces.

No. 18 is clearly built for cooler weather. The combination of warm spicy accords and thick amber makes it shine in fall and winter. If you wear it in high heat or summer humidity, the balsamic notes can become cloying, so save this one for when the temperature drops.

This is an excellent fragrance for evening social events, dinners, or semi-formal occasions during the colder months. It carries a sense of gravity that works well with dark coats and layered winter outfits. It is not a typical gym or casual daytime scent because of its dense, serious character.

No. 18 is firmly unisex. The smoky and balsamic notes lean into traditional masculine territory, while the iris and amber add a softness that works beautifully on anyone. Your skin chemistry will dictate whether the spicy edge or the powdery base stands out more when you wear it.

You can, but it is already quite complex. Layering it with a citrus-forward scent might brighten the opening, but you risk muddying the deep, resinous base. Try pairing it with a simple vanilla fragrance if you want to enhance the sweetness of the amber without losing the smoky incense identity.

I would advise against a blind buy unless you already know you love heavy, resinous incense scents. It is a bold, uncompromising fragrance that demands a specific taste. Sample it first to see how the styrax behaves on your skin before committing to a full bottle.

Given the longevity and the quality of the raw resinous accords, many users find it a great value. You do not need to spray much for it to perform, so the bottle will likely last you through several winter seasons, which adds to its long-term cost-effectiveness.