
According to Osmoz.com, "John Gamba, Master Perfumer at Givaudan, created Black Amethyst with autumn's deep, rich mysterious hues in mind." It's an autumn dream of me in a Beaux Arts mansion, sitting on a purple velvet window cushion, surrounded by a misty breeze wafting through white lace curtains, anxiously aware of approaching heavy footsteps...(think Brontë sisters or Daphne Du Maurier.) I adore Black Amethyst. Believe it or not, it's the first Bath and Body Works fragrance I've ever purchased! I have the brand new edt in the classy square bottle with a tall, frosted, stately cap. The top notes are somewhat sweet, consisting of predominantly dry, dusky vanilla, with slight hints of berry. What made me fall in a big way for this scent, is the base notes. On me the patchouli is light and honeyed, and the vetiver is deep and green. This fragrance contains my favorite base note blend: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Vanilla, and Musk, and they're radiant with my chemistry. On me, this is one heck of a complex fragrance. It initially reminds me of Deep Red, and then I think of Ralph Lauren Notorious, and then Narciso Rodriquez edp. I've seen many comparisons between Black Amethyst and Black Orchid, which I'm sure delight the perfumer, who must have used Black Orchid for "inspiration". When the Black Amethyst is sprayed in the air, or on a scent strip, I definitely get the comparison. However, on my skin, when it reaches full development, Black Amethyst is reminiscent of Allure Sensuelle. It's alluring, and sensual. (Definitely not one of the dreaded "fruity body spray" scents that permeate junior high classrooms.) Plus, the price can't be beat. I hit a sale today, which allowed me to buy two fragrances and get one for free. A 2.5 oz bottle sells for $26.50, which is a major bargain even without the freebie! The lasting power of Black Amethyst is okay. Typical of, maybe even a little better than most edts, but, for the price and the size of the bottle, I can spray and spray and re-spray without guilt. Overall, an extremely positive purchase.