Illusione Bois Nu

The immediate attack is bracingly citric—sharp bergamot and lemon puncture the air with almost piercing clarity, their bitterness immediately evident. Within two minutes, the clary sage arrives like a herbaceous veil, introducing a peppery, slightly dusty quality that transforms the brightness into something austere and contemplative.

As the citrus gradually retreats, the fragrance settles into its most interesting phase. The tiar softens the patchouli's edges, creating an unusual accord where floral creaminess meets earthy dryness—think of touching velvet in a dimly-lit room. Akigalawood emerges with growing prominence, lending an almost synthetic, slightly cool woody backbone that prevents the composition from becoming too natural or cosy.

What remains is an almost skin-like dryness, with tonka bean and vanilla providing only the faintest sweetness—barely perceptible unless you actively search for it. The woody-patchouli-sage matrix becomes increasingly prominent, creating a refined, minimalist finale that clings softly without projection, finally fading into a clean, almost soapy woodiness reminiscent of expensive cedar shaving cream.