The famous Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner is considered the founder of modern zoology, but as a true 16th century scientist he was also: a prominent physician, botanist, linguist and – of course – spelunking adventurer. In his 'Descriptio Montis Fracti sive Montis Pilati' from 1555, he chronicles his climb to the summit of Mount Pilatus, but we also get to follow him into the caves of the Alps. 'At night, the moon shines into the cave so brightly the light itself seems to take form, like a mist. It gathers in the ceiling and makes the limestone stalactites glitter and gleam, dripping tears of white liquid into puddles on the rock floor that never dries. Moonmilk.'
A massive accord of sandalwood makes up nearly half the formula, letting that sacred and alluring scent take center stage. Other notes showcase the different aspects of the multi-faceted wood. Lily-of-the-valley and mandarin brings out the calming smoothness, warmth is boosted by cardamom and lime, while the subtly dry texture of sandalwood is reflected in black tea. A touch of leather provides depth to underline the full body of the wood.
Moonmilk fragrance notes
Head
- black tea accord, lime
Heart
- black pepper, cardamom, lily of the valley, mandarin
Base
- mysore sandalwood, tan leather
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Latest Reviews of Moonmilk
BLUF: Enjoyable, somewhat novel opening. Less enjoyable, somewhat nuclear woody/amber base.I came for the sandalwood and tea with cautiously optimistic expectations. I'm not entirely disappointed. I'm not entirely satisfied.
The first few minutes do a decent job of sticking to the note pyramid. Lime, a fairly decent black tea accord, and some cool aromatic spice (sure, let's say cardamom). I don't find anything particularly floral about it. The woody base certainly presents a strong suggestion of the synth sandalwood accord I typically enjoy 4/5 times, and here isn't all that different.
After a few hours I feels like it's droning on, maybe even somehow intensifying. When worn on the back of my hand and making contact with a shirt sleeve, it took two times through the laundry to become barely noticeable. I'm not one to pile on woody amber ACs. Railing against them feels like railing against electricity because you think the internet is bad for society. I like modern perfumery and I don't think it would be what it is without them. But like all people, I have a level of tolerance and Moonmilk creeps just over that threshold about 50% of the time I wear it.
According to the brand, "A massive accord of sandalwood makes up nearly half the formula". For sure, massive indeed. I just wish it was less massive and more moderate. What a prude.
It's not you, Moonmilk, it's me.