Black Mallow
Fragrance notes
Character
A gourmand does not have to be loud to be convincing. Black Mallow makes the case that a scent built on sugar and spice can hold its own in a cooler climate without shouting across a room. The marshmallow here is a soft cushion, not a candy blast, and the black licorice curls through it with a clean, herbal bite. Anis and soft spicy accords keep the sweetness from becoming a flat line, while the balsamic and powdery edges give the blend a faintly vintage texture. This is composed by Angela St. John for Solstice Scents as an oriental vanilla that leans into contrast rather than comfort alone. The argument is that restraint makes the theme stronger. The person who likes a treat that still smells like perfume will find the balance easy to wear.
The right setting for this is a dim hallway where a wood stove is burning and the air carries a trace of dried herbs. The mallow sits close to the skin like a scarf that still smells of the kitchen, gentle and a little old fashioned, while the licorice cuts a straight line through the warmth of the room. It suits someone who enjoys a gourmand that remembers its roots in the spice cabinet. It is not for the person who wants fruit or fresh air in the bottle. The scent is a jar of dark sweets stored on a high shelf beside a bundle of dried anise.
