Obsidian
Obsidian by Scentologia offers a warm and mysterious blend of woody notes and powdery iris. Launching in 2024, this unisex fragrance uses rosemary and saffron to create a sharp opening before melting into amber, vanilla, and cashmere wood. It is a solid choice for those seeking a comforting, long-lasting scent for colder weather and evening wear.
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Performance Metrics
207 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Longevity is strong, typically lasting 8 to 10 hours. Projection is solid at arm's length for the first two hours before settling into an intimate, lingering scent bubble that thrives in cool, dry weather.
Notes Pyramid
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Obsidian is a dense, ambery woody scent defined by a sharp rosemary and saffron opening, a powdery heart of violet and orris, and a deep, resinous base of cashmere wood, tonka bean, and vanilla that feels warm and textured on the skin.
Main Accords
16 MAPPEDThe woody and powdery accords dominate the experience. The wood notes feel smooth rather than raw, while the iris and violet provide a dusty, high-quality powder that prevents the amber and vanilla from becoming too syrupy or cloying.
Community Data
336 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in winter and spring.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Strong performance for all-day wear.
Sophisticated, modern woody profile.
Excellent fit for winter and autumn.
Balanced powdery iris texture.
High quality ingredient feel.
Distinctive, non-generic opening.
Versatile for office or evening wear.
Comforting resinous dry-down.
Sturdy, well-crafted composition.
Great for fans of niche-style scents.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Opening bite may be too strong for some.
Base can feel repetitive after many hours.
Not a crowd-pleaser for fresh-scent lovers.
Price may be high for casual buyers.
Can be too heavy for summer heat.
Requires skin testing due to orris.
The heavy base of cashmere wood and tonka bean can feel stifling in high humidity or small, enclosed office spaces.
The saffron top note may present a metallic or medicinal sharpness that persists longer than preferred for those sensitive to spice.
Given its Extrait de Parfum concentration, the fragrance can be unexpectedly potent, making it difficult to adjust the sillage for those who prefer a subtle scent bubble.
The patchouli in the base is quite prominent and may clash with the delicate violet and rose heart notes if your skin chemistry tends to amplify darker earthy elements.
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Obsidian by Scentologia: A Resinous Wood Worth Owning”
The opening of Obsidian is what initially grabs your attention. It skips the usual citrus burst and instead hits you with a sharp, herbal snap of rosemary combined with the leathery, metallic sting of saffron. It is not a polite start. It announces itself with a bit of bite that feels distinctly modern. If you are looking for something that sets a serious mood from the first spray, this is it.
As the initial spice fades, the heart reveals its true character. The violet and orris provide a clean, slightly dusty powder that smooths out the edges of the opening. It is here that the fragrance feels most balanced. The floral aspect is not heady or sweet in a traditional sense. It serves more as a textural bridge, pulling the sharp top notes toward the dense, resinous base that eventually takes over.
The dry-down is where Obsidian settles for the long haul. It becomes a warm, dense skin scent built on cashmere wood, patchouli, and a hefty dose of tonka bean and vanilla. It is less about changing and more about deepening. It feels like wearing a well-tailored wool coat. It is structured, comforting, and remarkably consistent for several hours on the skin.
Performance is excellent, as expected from an extrait. I easily get 8 hours of solid wear. The projection is strongest in the first hour or two, casting an arm-length radius that is easily picked up by others in a room. After that, it pulls back into a closer, more intimate bubble that is perfect for professional settings where you want to smell put-together without taking up too much space.
In terms of audience, this leans toward those who already appreciate woody or powdery profiles. It is not a safe blind buy for someone who loves fresh, aquatic, or hyper-citrusy scents. It demands a bit of confidence because it has weight. It excels in cool to cold weather. I find it performs best on a crisp autumn evening or a freezing winter day when its warmth has room to project.
My final verdict? It is a solid buy for those wanting a modern, sophisticated, and resinous wood. It is not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it executes its theme with clarity and quality. If you are tired of the same old woody scents and want something with a bit more texture and depth, pick up a bottle.
FAQs
What is the dominant smell of Obsidian?+
Obsidian is built around a heavy woody and powdery core. It opens with aromatic rosemary and spicy saffron, but the dry-down is dominated by a smooth, resinous combination of cashmere wood and vanilla. This creates a cozy, slightly dark texture that is ideal for wearing in autumn or winter weather.
Does Obsidian smell more like a men's or women's fragrance?+
It is decidedly unisex. The aromatic opening of rosemary gives it a traditional masculine edge, while the powdery orris and sweet vanilla heart soften the profile enough for anyone to wear comfortably. It lacks the sharp, clean edges of typical male scents and the overtly floral sweetness often found in female-marketed perfumes.
How long does Obsidian last on skin?+
This is a long-lasting fragrance. Most wearers get between 8 and 10 hours of performance before it settles into a very close skin scent. The tonka bean and amber base provide a steady anchor that ensures the scent remains detectable throughout a full day at the office or an evening out.
Is this a good fragrance for a blind buy?+
Proceed with caution. While it is not aggressive, the mix of saffron and orris creates a powdery, dry density that can be polarizing for those used to fresh citrus scents. It is much safer to get a sample first to see how the cashmere wood and patchouli notes behave on your specific skin chemistry.
When is the best season to wear this?+
Obsidian thrives in colder weather. The amber and vanilla base provides a warming sensation that feels out of place in high heat. It works particularly well during late autumn and throughout the winter months, when its woody profile can cut through crisp air without becoming cloying or overwhelming to others nearby.
How does the scent change from opening to dry-down?+
The opening is bright and herbaceous, driven by rosemary and bergamot. As it settles after about thirty minutes, the violet and orris provide a clean, slightly dusty powderiness. Finally, the dry-down reveals the heart of the perfume, leaving a deep, sweet, and comforting trail of cashmere wood and warm tonka bean.
What kind of projection can I expect?+
Expect strong, arm-length projection for the first two hours. It does not fill a room, but it creates a distinct scent bubble that is easily noticed by others. After that, it pulls closer to the skin, becoming a more intimate, comforting scent that lingers through the remainder of its lifespan.
Can I wear this to a professional office setting?+
Yes, provided you watch the trigger. One or two sprays is enough for a workday. The powdery iris and woody notes are sophisticated rather than loud. Avoid spraying it on your clothes if you are in a very small, shared office space, as the tonka bean can project strongly early on.
Is this fragrance suitable for gifting?+
It makes a great gift for someone who enjoys modern, woody, and resinous profiles. The bottle design is striking and the scent is versatile enough for both formal events and relaxed evening outings. However, avoid gifting it to someone who exclusively prefers very light, aquatic, or hyper-citrusy fragrances.
How does this compare to standard woody fragrances?+
Unlike traditional, dry cedar-dominant woody scents, Obsidian incorporates a significant amount of powdery iris and sweet vanilla. This makes the wood accord feel much creamier and more luxurious on the skin. It bridges the gap between a spicy, aromatic scent and a warm, gourmand-adjacent amber perfume.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREConsider Dior Homme Intense for a more iris-focused powder, or Tom Ford Oud Wood for a drier, woodier experience without the vanilla sweetness.
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