Olfactif for Men January 2016 Subscription Box Review

Olfactif  is a monthly unisex fragrance discovery subscription box. You’ll get 3 samples in your box, each containing 15-20 “wears” of an independently designed perfume. With every box, your account will be credited with an $18 voucher to use on fragrances from the store. Olfactif‘s focus is on niche fragrance, so you’ll see different & unique scents, higher quality and hard-to-find ingredients.

The regular Olfactif box is unisex and meant to be worn by women and men who enjoy niche fragrances.  Because it features fragrances intended to be wearable by both sexes, it only occasionally indulges in the heartier scents typically associated with Men’s fragrance.  The Men’s box is centered around traditionally masculine fragrances, all from the niche world.  You will still see the same creative spirit and defiance of convention, but the focus will be on the yang.

Olfactif Men’s comes in the same cool packaging as their flagship subscription.  It is attractive and the flap retracts within the box when you pull the ribbon.  The information card for the fragrances is tucked inside.

For thousands and thousands of years, the wood of trees was necessary for human survival. We used it to build the fires that warmed us, fed us, and kept predators at bay. We used it to build the shelters that protected us from the elements. Our appreciation for the life-sustaining nature of wood—and for its scent—is practically etched into our DNA.

This collection is all about the woods. We begin in sun-dappled woods, then take a step into a cooler, drier corner of the forest, and finally submerge our senses into the opulent darkness of oud.

The theme for this ensemble of men’s fragrances is “Into the Woods.”  The scents play on the central role wood has played in man’s existence and the familiarity and reverence that dependence has instilled in him.  The collection shows the many moods of wood, progressing from bright, to spicy, to dark and rich.

The three fragrances come tucked neatly within the very cool case.  The bottles are testers, but they have enough spritzes to last quite a long time, so they are perfect for keeping around for a change of pace well into the future (but make sure to take advantage of the subscription credit toward purchase, and pick up a full size of your favorites!).

The fragrance notes give detail on the composition of the fragrances, but the prominence of each element changes as the scent ages on your body.

Into the Woods

• Cedrat Boise by Mancera:  This fragrance begins with a blast of citrus from the bergamot and lemon.  It then develops a fresh and penetrating presence, reminiscent of “Irish Spring” soap.  This fades within a few minutes, leaving a lasting note of sandalwood and cedar, tempered by leather, vanilla, and white musk.
• Dry Wood by Ramon Monegal:  The cedrat gives this fragrance a sweet citrus head note, which is accompanied by strong peppery notes that last throughout the life of the scent.  The combination reminded me of a hard candy with an addictive flavor, but I couldn’t recall specifically what the candy was.  Two synthetics, cashmeran and norlimbanol, stretch the sandalwood and cedar to new bounds, creating a scent that is simultaneously dry, deep, and sweet.
• Oud Shamash by The Different Company:  Cinnamon and flowery notes create the early impression from this blend, with a host of botanicals playing upon the resinous woods that follow.  The oud presents throughout, with sandalwood and tolu (a species of balsam) joining to form the lasting scent.  The oud has a peculiar depth to it.  It plays with the sense of smell, hiding a richness that seems willing to reveal itself if you just inhale more ever more deeply — it truly draws you in and leads the nose.

This was a truly magnificent collection.  I loved the “Into the Woods” theme at first sight, as the woodsy fragrances have an inherent masculinity and incredible range.  Unlike the theme of the movie of the same name, which is repetitive and dreadfully obnoxious to the ears, this collection was a delight for the nose.

Visit Olfactif to subscribe to the Men’s box or find out more!