Fragrance du Bois – Santal Complet – Is it worth the £££?

Fragrance du Bois (with headquarters in Paris) is a niche fragrance house that specializes in Oud Fragrances. The brand works exclusively with the rarest, finest, most expensive and sustainably sourced pure Oud oils, all nurtured from the seed and combined with the finest ingredients, allows them to craft the world’s most evocative and exclusive perfumes. Fragrance Du Bois is the only fragrance house that uses its own signature 100% pure and natural Oud in all its Oud formulations.

Though Fragrance du Bois is famous for its Oud fragrances, Santal Complet is one of its bestselling fragrances as well. Santal Complet was launched in 2016. It is an oriental woody fragrance for both genders. The quality and creaminess of sandalwood in this fragrance are incredible.

Packaging: The presentation is absolutely beautiful. Fragrance du Bois’ clear cut, finest crystal, bottles and flacons are adorned with jewels. The bottles scream luxury and you know they are for special occasions. The sprayer is really fine and smooth. The brand has done justice to the presentation for such high-quality fragrances.

Fragrance Family: Oriental

Top notes: lemon, coconut

Heart notes: violet, black pepper

Base notes: musks, sandalwood, amber, vanilla

Fragrance Du Bois says: The perfect antidote to a cold winter’s day, Santal Complet’s delicious coconut opening makes you close your eyes and dream of sunny days in paradise. Bright lemony notes cede to an unfettered heart of violet and black pepper, before creamy base notes of sandalwood, amber, musk, and vanilla provide the crowning glory in what is a soft, sensual and meditative fragrance.

The milky coconut is beautiful and elegant in the opening. The lemon is bright but not sour. It is the sweet lemon that adds crispiness yet adding brightness to the sweet accord. It is the softest way a lemon note is added to the composition. The heart consists of violet and black pepper. Black Pepper is subtle and not sharp. The dry down has Musk, Vanilla, Amber, and Sandalwood. This is more of woody vanilla and not sickening sweet. Amber is beautiful here and Sandalwood is oh-so-creamy!

Performance: Santal Complet is not a head-turner. It projects a little bit but stays close to you which is what you would prefer for fancy events. I get about 6-7 hours of wear which is impressive for a soft, subtle scent.

Overall thoughts: Santal Complet is an elegant, smooth, refined fragrance. This fragrance is perfect for special occasions and ball events. This would make a lovely wedding scent too. This niche fragrance brand uses very high-quality ingredients and that is the reason their fragrances cost so much. When you want to smell elegant and subtle without overpowering – this is what you should be wearing that day. This is a beautiful spring-summer woody fragrance and you can wear it in Autumn as well.

I have not heard of any other brand doing so much with the Oud and creating so many beautiful and different Oud fragrances. If you ever get a chance to explore this Fragrance house, definitely do that because it is a beautiful fragrance house and you will be amazed at the quality of their fragrances and especially how well they blend them.

I also want to own bottles of Oud Rose Intense and Sahraa Oud from the brand. I tried the samples and fell in love. I feel these two will be more for colder months for me but Santal Complet is an all-rounder when it comes to seasons.

Until next time, Ashh xo

*This fragrance was very kindly gifted to me and I am very appreciative of that. The opinions however are not biased by any means.