Sweet Redemption, the tenth (and last) perfume in the Temptation series from By Kilian, is probably my favorite among them. It makes me wish Rene Gruau was alive and well to create an iconic image or two for this fragrance. An image as devastatingly romantic as the thing I smell on my skin. And also very French.
Before applying, all I smelled was sweet orange blossom. I had to raise an eyebrow. Do we really need another orange flower perfume? And from Kilian? But on my skin the creamy blend of delicate blossoms and vanilla becomes a delicious gourmand with a chocolaty overtone. This is not the only perfume that performs this transformation (more about this in a few days or early next week), but there's still enough going on here not to surrender completely into a gluttony oblivion (though at times it's quite close).
I actually wish the incense and myrrh were better pronounced on me and I could smell a little more highbrow in Sweet Redemption; but I'm not complaining. This sweet veil of romance, lust, acceptance, forgiveness and sheer happiness suits me quite well.
Notes (from Luckyscent): orange blossom, vanilla, myrrh, opopanax, benzoin, incense.
By Kilian Sweet Redemption ($225, 50ml EDP) is already available from MiN NY and shipping within 24 hours (free shipping on orders over $100). Luckyscent and the rest of the usual suspects will probably have it by next week. I purchased my samples from Luckyscent.
Photo of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg circa 1969 from the Swinging Sixties on Tumblr.
This will be one of the next samples I buy, it sounds so simple but delicious to me. Chances are, if you love it, I'll love it.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to grab the last sample at my local Saks. I was very curious to find out what this smelled like and I was surprised because I thought it would smell deeper. I don't know if that's the right term but this is the opposite of what I thought it would be. I'm still on the fence over this fragrance; bitter orange leaf to vanilla smells off on me. Maybe I just need to give it another chance. I agree, I wish the myrr was more pronounced on me.
ReplyDeleteMajor love. It even works in the heat & humidity here in Houston. I picked up my *free* sample from Luckyscent several weeks ago and have been rotating it w/ Bois Blond & some iris thing that I've determined just smells metallic on me after 2 hours. Kilian SR=winner!
ReplyDeleteI really like the scent but I can't justify buying it.
ReplyDeleteIn other news - I never liked thigh high boots until I saw this pic of Jane. Maybe I could get those instead of a bottle of By Kilian ;)
I'm so glad that you mentioned the chocolate overtone in this fragrance. The chocolate had eluded me until today. Apparently I need people to tell me what I'm smelling. :) Anyway, I just finished my sample of SR today and after working out with it on, I am getting ALL chocolate! It's like I smeared a melted candy bar on my arm. I love it!!!
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