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Santal Galore
by Areej Le Doré
Santal Galore is a complex, vintage-inspired chypre with a strong smoky and woody foundation. It opens with a bold, fruity durian note that fades into a soft, powdery floral heart of jasmine, rose, and osmanthus, balanced by smoky sandalwood and dense oakmoss. Over time, the sandalwood becomes more prominent, offering a creamy, slightly animalic base that blends with natural musk, tonka, and clove. The perfume evolves with a warm, mossy, and slightly fermentative depth, reaching its full character in cooler weather. Despite its name, the sandalwood is not dominant in the initial phases but gains presence and clarity in the drydown. It is best worn in winter or at night, with moderate to strong sillage and very long longevity, making it ideal for those seeking a layered, introspective fragrance with a vintage, slightly edgy character.
Pros
- +Evolutionary character that improves over time, revealing deeper sandalwood and mossy notes
- +Excellent longevity and moderate-to-strong sillage, making it suitable for prolonged wear
- +Uniquely shapeshifting quality that adapts to different weather and skin chemistry
Cons
- −Dominant durian fruit note may be offensive to those sensitive to intense, pungent fruits
- −Sandalwood is partially masked by musky, powdery, and mossy accords, making it less prominent than expected
- −Some users find the overall composition overly sweet and musty, which may limit appeal