Linari, take two - Notte Bianca and Angelo di Fiume

It seems I'm good at picking my favourites out of a line without having any prior knowledge of what they smell like or who made them.

Today I tested the other two eau de parfums from the Linari line (I don't have the last two though) and these were not made by Egon Oelkers and don't speak to me as Eleganza Iluminosa and Vista sul Mare did.
I didn't know all  this when I tested them as I don't like my opinion influenced more than I can help it.

One thing I do need to say though - these are some seriously strong perfumes as I only put 2-3 drops of each of them when testing (the previous two as well) and they both last and are easily smelled even hours later (and even through my still congested nose).
So here are my thoughts.


Notte Bianca

Notes: delicate fruity accents of pink grapefruit, fresh bergamot and Italian orange combine with the vitalising spicy notes of star anise, elixir of absinth, clove, sage and the finest cashmere wood. Accords of Haitian vetiver and tonka bean provide a seductive sensual character to the base note, highlighted by white musk and amber.


The way this one is named, I was sure it would be a white flower fest. Not at all (as you can see from the notes). It does start like creamy whiteness but not that of the white flowers, instead it is that of the nuts (almonds, hazelnuts and coconuts). Not too sweet as there is some green stuff underneath. God, I sometime wonder why anyone would read my reviews when phrases like "green stuff" appear. :) Oh well.

The first two hours or so were great. Terrific actually as it progressed from that creamy nutty whiteness into a sweet, fresh and sagely green loveliness.
Only to surprise me with the next step that transported me straight to a June walk on the Adriatic coast amid the still green and fragrant shrubbery, a walk to the next town from the one where I'm staying. And I so wanted a perfume that smelled exactly like that! It's undescribeable for me and the middle stage of this perfume smells perfectly of that.
Unfortunately, the drydown leaves me completely unmoved. :( It's a perfectly unisex (grey) ambery -musky drydown. And it had so much potential.


Angelo di Fiume
 

Notes: gourmet of opulent, fruity notes of wild cherries, raspberries, Italian orange and bergamot merge with floral accords of ylang ylang, rose leaves and jasmine, rounded off with sweet caramel. The complex base note seduces with Madagascan vanilla whilst smooth accents of finest sandalwood and Siamese benjoin resin are subtly flattered by white musk and patchouli.


I can't say this is exactly me but if I had a bottle, I imagine I would wear it often enough. It's a perfect epitome of a sweet gourmand which would be a pretty good initiation into gourmands for those braving the perfume waters.

I love the opening that starts with a whack on the head sweetness of fruity candy. And that candy smells of oranges and raspberries to me. It makes me smile the way that lollipop idea springs into my mind with this fruit candy.

And if you thought the candy opening was sweet, just wait a minute until caramel hits you. :) I can't say I smelled the flowers but that could be because of my still congested nose, but I have to say I'm doubting it a bit what with the caramel being so strong. It feels stupid saying it's not too sweet as caramel cannot smell but sweet. But you should take into consideration that I don't have a sweet tooth so if I don't consider it too sweet, I'm thinking most people could live with it. Besides, I love the smell of caramel.
I do find the drydown of this better than that of Notte Bianca but it's a toned down fruity candy with some caramel remnants. I'm pretty sure the sandalwood and patchouli are the ones responsible for toning it down.


P.S. There is one more perfume in this line made by Egon Oelkers and I definitely plan on getting my hands on a sample of Fuoco Infernale.


Pics and notes by: Linari site