Seller: Remembering Matt (120inna55)
Condition: Used
Remaining:
80% or More
This item is from the collection of Matt Hilton (120inna55). You can read more about Matt in the "About the Seller" section of this page.
Please consider a small donation to Matt's family if purchasing direct from M&M.
Read Matt's Review or Photos:
HERE
Scent Profile (by Matt when available):
I was drawn to "A Midnight Dreary" by the name alone. Any Poe reference gets my attention, and I assume there will be some alluring darkness to be had from said fragrance. This isn't a new offering from Catie's Bubbles, but one that's eluded me for a while in that when I casually shop their site, the set's been unavailable. The timing was apparently right last week when I dropped by to order "Dusk" (an outstanding set that I used earlier this week), AMD was again available. Not being much into florals or sweet fragrances, I still hesitated, but the inclusion of sandalwood, amber, and vetiver gave me hope that this fragrance would be to my liking. It was only after placing my order that I discovered this was an homage to Tom Ford's Black Orchid EdP. Not having a clue about Black Orchid, I was unfazed. That was until I read up on it and discovered it was at least at one point marketed as a women's fragrance. At that point, I'd resigned myself to begrudgingly giving it a chance, but then probably passing it on.
As soon as the warm, damp knot encounters "A Midnight Dreary", sweet, but dark florals pour in. Not a deal breaker. This is initially sweeter than my tastes as far as a wearable fragrance, but definitely something with which I want more time to explore. This semisweet floral accord persists at this state throughout the leisurely lathering process. I drag my feet a bit, because of the surprisingly seductive nature of the fragrance. As the shave progresses, it descends into darkness as a rich merlot swells to the musty gnarled rafters. The overall accord gets richer and thicker with overripe fruit countered by eerie musky and resinous notes. The shave is over far too soon.
Fortunately the paired splash unfolds similarly, but it rushes past the sweet florals and moves right to the dry red wine. I'll have to revisit the soap to see if I missed it, but a hint baker's cocoa seems to briefly make a showing. On this rainy cool day, AMD only lasted about 4-5 hours, but the last couple hours were very nice warm rich notes suggesting smoldering incense and finally labdanum and vanilla.
A Midnight Dreary took me off guard. On paper, this one shouldn't be in my wheelhouse, but it's just dark and bloody enough that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been guilty of judging a book by its cover, but henceforth? Nevermore.
