Russian Tea

Capturing the essence of autumn in a fragrance is truly remarkable. I enjoy wearing this perfume with elegant attire such as a beige turtleneck sweater, trench coat, or other sophisticated outfits, which complements its cosy, refined character perfectly. The main notes of tea and mint are particularly impressive, while the supporting notes add depth to the overall scent.

Thanks to the unexpected presence of raspberry in aromatic perfumes, such as Russian Tea and Pierre Guillaume Isparta 26, I've discovered that I'm particularly fond of this unusual note combination. The scent boasts a crisp, enveloping black tea note paired with a fresh, spicy layer from the mint and raspberry, which is further nuanced by subtle hints of darkness and rain courtesy of gentle woods and pepper. Despite being applied with restraint, these elements contribute to an overall sense of transparency in the fragrance. As time passes, the tea and overcast qualities become more prominent, but the fresh aspect remains noticeable when sniffed closely hours later. I find Russian Tea to be remarkably cozy and comforting, yet still brisk and invigorating – it's certainly earned a spot on my shopping list.

Sample testing - unable to provide comprehensive feedback on longevity, solely focusing on scent evaluation. Russian Tea presents a fascinating dichotomy. While it seamlessly blends smoky and fruity/fresh notes, evoking memories of Lush's Breath of God, the balance is more effectively executed in Russian Tea, rendering it more wearable and fresh. Upon initial sniffing or at arm's length, the fragrance appears as a delightful, fruity, and pleasing scent. However, upon closer inspection, its smoky undertones emerge, reminiscent of something being burnt on the stove - an unusual yet captivating aspect. As I haven't had Russian tea, my expertise lies solely in its scent profile. This addictive fragrance can be worn throughout the year, but its steep price tag ($135 CAD for 35ml) raises questions about its exceptionalism.

The fragrance's aroma is reminiscent of smoky leather and refreshing mint tea. I typically reserve it for the colder seasons, whether during the daytime or evening hours. As for its projection, this perfume doesn't seem to leave a strong impression on those around me, as I didn't receive any compliments. However, its longevity is impressive, consistently lasting for 12 hours.

The unique blend of raspberry, smoke, and mint initially creates a medicinal aroma that I find unappealing. As the raspberry note fades away, the scent shifts towards a more subtle tea-leather combination. Although the ingredients seem high-quality, unfortunately, it doesn't quite translate well on my skin. Nevertheless, I can envision someone with the right preferences enjoying this perfume during colder months ❄️.