PISCES
PISCES by BY SHAMS PERFUMES is a modern oriental woody scent that balances delicate orange blossom with a robust, powdery vanilla heart. Grounded by creamy sandalwood, this 2024 launch offers a comforting yet mysterious aura. Designed as a unisex fragrance, it is ideal for those who value longevity and a soothing, resinous dry-down throughout the colder months of the year.
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Performance Metrics
18 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
This fragrance excels with long-lasting longevity, typically remaining detectable on skin for eight to ten hours, with a strong projection radius that covers an arm's length for several hours.
Notes Pyramid
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A powdery and warm composition where sweet vanilla and earthy patchouli rest on a bed of creamy sandalwood, accented by a bright orange blossom top note that provides an initial floral lift.
Main Accords
5 MAPPEDThe vanilla accord provides a soft, powdery foundation that moves from sweet to resinous over time, while the sandalwood creates a smooth, persistent woody trail that anchors the lighter floral and sweet notes.
Community Data
58 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 spring and fall. The vote picture leans most toward daytime.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Impressive longevity lasting over eight hours
Sophisticated unisex appeal
Creamy sandalwood base feels high quality
Versatile for both professional and casual wear
Excellent projection in cool weather
Balanced vanilla that avoids cloying sweetness
Incorporates sophisticated materials like Peru Balsam for added texture
Uses modern base notes to ensure exceptional lasting power
Artistic composition perfectly matches the dreamy, sensitive zodiac theme
Successfully transitions from crisp florals to a deep, contemplative base
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Might feel too heavy in hot, humid climates
Requires light spraying in office settings
Patchouli note may polarize those who prefer pure florals
Lacks the freshness some look for in summer scents
Very subtle citrus opening fades quickly
Limited distribution makes it harder to sample
Heavy base compounds can be perceived as synthetic or sharp
The initial floral sparkle is dominated quickly by resins
May be too intense for casual or intimate settings
Lacks the traditional simplicity some expect from woody florals
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“PISCES by BY SHAMS PERFUMES: A Warm, Woody Vanilla Essential”
The opening of PISCES by BY SHAMS PERFUMES is immediately striking, centered on a bright, slightly zesty orange blossom. It feels clean and open, offering a brief window of lightness before the heart notes begin to emerge. This is not a sharp citrus, but a soft, floral introduction that prepares the wearer for the denser, more complex development to come. It establishes a welcoming mood right from the first spray.
As the fragrance transitions into the heart, the vanilla and patchouli take command. The vanilla here is powdery and sweet, providing a rounded texture that sits comfortably on the skin. The patchouli is not overly earthy or dirty; instead, it acts as a structural anchor, adding a layer of depth that prevents the vanilla from becoming too one-dimensional. This heart phase is where the scent feels most dreamlike and contemplative.
By the time the fragrance reaches its dry-down, the sandalwood dominates the profile. It is a creamy, persistent base that stays close to the skin for hours. This sandalwood is smooth, lacking the harshness sometimes found in synthetic wood notes. It wraps the vanilla and remaining traces of patchouli in a warm embrace, creating a sense of mystery that lingers until the end of the day.
Performance-wise, this is a heavy hitter. It projects strongly during the first three hours, creating a noticeable bubble around the wearer, before settling into a steady, long-lasting presence. It is ideal for cool-weather wear, where the warmth of the sandalwood and vanilla notes can bloom effectively in the crisp air. It is less suited for humid, hot days, as the weight of the base could feel overwhelming.
Regarding audience, this is a versatile unisex scent. It will appeal to anyone who enjoys powdery vanilla fragrances that have an oriental woody backbone. It is sophisticated enough for professional settings yet warm enough for casual or romantic evenings. The composition is well-balanced, making it a reliable choice for daily use.
To conclude, PISCES is a balanced, thoughtful release that delivers on its promises. While it may not suit those who strictly prefer fresh or ozonic scents, it is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to build a base of comfortable, long-lasting woody perfumes. It is a worthy investment for those who prioritize quality materials and consistent, all-day performance.
FAQs
What is the dominant scent profile of PISCES?+
PISCES is defined by a heavy vanilla accord that feels powdery and sweet. The orange blossom provides a floral lift in the opening, while the patchouli and sandalwood in the base add an woody depth that balances the initial sweetness for a grounded, comfortable wear in cooler weather.
Does the scent change much from opening to dry-down?+
Yes, it shifts noticeably. The opening is bright and floral, dominated by the orange blossom. After about an hour, the scent transitions into a powdery, vanilla-heavy heart. By the end of the day, you are left with a creamy, persistent sandalwood base that lingers close to the skin.
How long does PISCES last on the skin?+
This is a long-lasting fragrance. Most wearers report it staying on the skin for at least eight to ten hours. Its performance is particularly impressive in mild to cool climates, where the vanilla and sandalwood notes can project steadily throughout an entire workday without needing a reapplication.
Is the sillage overwhelming?+
PISCES has strong, noticeable sillage, especially during the first three hours of wear. It creates an arm's length scent bubble that others will easily detect. As it settles, it becomes more intimate, but the vanilla-heavy trail remains present in the room when you walk by.
What season is best for wearing this?+
While it is a versatile unisex scent, it shines in autumn and winter. The warm vanilla and woody sandalwood accords are comforting in cold, crisp air. It can be worn in spring, but you may want to use fewer sprays to prevent the patchouli from feeling too heavy in warmer temperatures.
Is PISCES suitable for a professional office setting?+
It can be worn at the office, but apply it sparingly. Because the vanilla and patchouli combination has strong projection, one or two sprays are sufficient. It is a warm, inviting scent that works well for business meetings, provided you do not overspray in smaller, closed-in rooms.
Who does this fragrance suit best?+
This fragrance leans unisex and appeals to anyone who enjoys powdery, vanilla-centric woody scents. It is ideal for individuals who gravitate toward contemplative, soothing aromas. If you find pure gourmands too sugary, the patchouli in this blend provides the necessary earthy contrast to keep it balanced.
Is this a good blind buy?+
If you love sweet, powdery, and woody combinations, it is a safe blind buy. However, because vanilla and patchouli are prominent, sampling first is recommended if you are sensitive to heavy, resinous notes. Test it on your skin to see how the sandalwood interacts with your specific body chemistry.
How does this compare to other woody vanilla scents?+
PISCES is less overtly sugary than many modern designer vanillas. It feels more focused on the interplay between the powdery floral opening and the woody base. It shares the same comforting, enveloping quality found in many niche woody scents but maintains a mainstream appeal that makes it easy to wear.
Is it a good gift for someone who likes floral scents?+
It is a great gift for someone who enjoys floral fragrances but wants to explore something with more depth. The orange blossom provides a familiar floral start, while the vanilla and sandalwood introduce them to the woody, oriental category in a way that feels approachable and soft.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREConsider Serge Lutens Bois Vanille for a darker take, or The 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods if you prefer a more linear, lighter experience.
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