Liquidambar (Styrax)

This is styrax as it's supposed to be. It's a complex, unusual and intriguing scent comprising several elements blended naturally in such a way as to make it hard to pull them out. It is sweet - but not sweet as in sugar; sweet as in resinously sweet. It is lightly resinous. And, when you dilute it and let it settle a little bit (days/weeks), it reveals some very naughty - and yet strangely attractive - facets of itself. You could say that it smells, then (though not entirely), of the intimate area of a woman who is expressing arousal through scent, mixed with a bit of the scent of her hind quarters, and a hint of something else equally uncouth in the background. This may sound unpleasant, but it is surprisingly attractive in a primal and feral sort of way at the right concentration. I have found that styrax is useful for two things (at very low concentrations; I typically use 1%): it makes an excellent natural fixative, and it is also noticeably aphrodisiac! These two uses, however, require exquisite care to get the amount right, and you must use it in combination with the right components otherwise to achieve the noticeably aphrodisiac effect. If you have not smelled styrax, this is something you will find fascinating to discover. Highly recommended. I suggest mixing with oil instead of ethanol.

Review by Shannon 10/20/2015

This scent confused me, but not in such a way where I could not tell what was in it. The smells seem to me almost a ritual. Spice and bitterness. A touch of sweet that binds the two. Consecrated with an overtone of heat. It all comes together to make something new and strange. Almost unidentifiable in its alien nature. The only recommendation I have is the try the scent for yourself.

Review by Meredith 8/14/2015

I bought a half oz of this months ago, it was AMAZING! The human flesh note was animalic and almost alienish. To me, that's the turn on. So different yet familiar. The dried fruit notes are a pleasure and great for oriental, resin, incense and even ambergris interpretations. Anyone questioning this, I highly recommend. ESSPECIALLY if blended. I smear this on alone but it's not for the faint of heart. I'v easily offended random people. Then I ordered a 1/4 oz of this and still loved it. Had more of a pear like note and just adds that resinous tone. Going back for more! Thanks eden, keep this bizzare beauty around!!!

Review by MD 12/20/2014

Very warm and spicy. There is a strong hint of something very like cinnamon, but more tenacious and less bombastic; a spiciness that won't overwhelm your blend. There is a sweet, chemical like component similar to opoponax (sweet myrrh) that is particularly nice when rounded out with vanilla.

Review by David J 1/28/2014

The quality of styrax can vary. This is my styrax of choice. Nicely balanced with sweet notes of dried fruit. A great choice for blending oriental style perfume creations.

Review by What Men Should Smell Like 3/23/2013