Prada L'Eau Ambrée Eau de Parfum review

         When it comes to perfumes, there are certain product lines that I find myself visiting time and time again. It's a logical development, as a brand's scents often possesses a common character (and often common perfumer as well!) I've developed a particularly soft spot for fragrances by Prada. You might remember that my first purchase after the end of my self-imposed fragrance ban (i.e. the ban that led to my perfume 'exploration explosion' on Cute and Mundane) was Prada Infusion d'Iris. I also enjoyed a sample of Prada Candy, a deliciously playful scent (reviewed here). Prada scents are crafted with a clean and elegant purity, allowing individual notes to shine. Today's sniff and scribble features Prada L'Eau Ambrée Eau de Parfum, a scent that follows in this tradition.

        Prada L'Eau Ambrée Eau de Parfum (2009), is bottled in a squat smoky black bottle with an asymmetric gilded topper. The packaging suggests old school drama--- think old, old school, as in Greco-Roman or ancient Egyptian times --- fitting imagery considering the history of the aromatic substance. The Prada L'Eau Ambrée campaign (see below) features regally postured models ensconced in an otherworldly golden glow, shaded through a light sepia-grey that channels the spirit of ancient Egyptian bas-reliefs carved into weathered sandstone walls. It's a beautiful composition that really reflects L'Eau Ambrée's modern take on an ancient note.

Notes: Amber, Lemon, May Rose, Patchouli, Opoponax, Vanilla

          Prada L'Eau Ambrée is a scent that celebrates its namesake, amber. A supporting cast of opoponax and patchouli embellish the natural characteristics of amber, while lemon, rose, and vanilla add complimentary intrigue. Prada L'Eau Ambrée starts out strong with opopanax, then briskly decreases in intensity step by step --- as if descending the tiers of an Egyptian pyramid --- to land at a soft, warm, and smooth vanilla amber finish.

           First, a strong, almost acrid opoponax opens the scent; its dark woody, resinous, even slightly smoky scent does trail throughout the perfume and whisper at the end. Second, amidst the din, a smoky patchouli and sharp citrus clamor for attention. They have a similar intensity to, but a coolness unlike that of the opoponax. Third, the fragrance starts to become more relaxed and enlivened with hints of lemon and rose alongside amber. The lemon is beautifully mild, like the rind of a whole, uncut fruit. It adds just the right touch of freshness to an otherwise base note heavy smell.The rose is barely present, fading in and out between moments. (It should be noted that I often enjoy strong doses of the flower, so my nose may be less sensitive to it as a result). Finally, a very enjoyable warm and smooth amber with vanilla hugs the skin.

          The warmth or coolness of my skin seems to play a role in my Prada L'Eau Ambrée experience. Heat seems to kindle the woody and incense-like character of the opopanax, while cooler skin accentuates the beautiful lemon and rose tones. As you might guess, I prefer the latter. In fact, I'm feeling particularly zen writing about and wearing L'Eau Ambrée with a cool glass of lemonade in hand!

        Prada L'Eau Ambrée  has the genteel, clean palate that seems to be characteristic of Prada scents. The construction is much like that of Infusion d'Iris. Both L'Eau Ambrée and Infusion d'Iris have a smooth, almost powdery composition that is complemented by soft citrus and crisp resiny or woody notes: the former features lemon, opopanax and amber, while the latter features mandarin, cedar, and benzoin. The fragrances feel clean, without being too ephemeral or simple.

         Prada L'Eau Ambrée Eau de Parfum is a modern take on an old-world note. The perfume has a light and easy elegance that many will find easy to wear. Don't be scared by the sharp opener; L'Eau Ambrée quickly evolves into a lasting vanilla amber finish. The scent is nice for those who prefer a low key, close-to-the-skin scent that avoid the theatrics of bright, feminine top and middle notes. I would definitely recommend a sniff if you get the chance. When it comes to Prada, I'm more of an Infusion d'Iris girl, but I'll keep Prada L'Eau Ambrée in mind for the days when I need a break from my floral favorites!

        Thanks for reading! Have you tried Prada L'Eau Ambrée? What Prada perfumes have you tried? Do you enjoy amber-based scents?

Love, Dovey.