Lorenzo Villoresi Sandalo Review: A Journey Through Scent Evolution

The world of perfumery often weaves a tapestry of culture, memory, and art that transforms mere scents into powerful olfactory journeys. Among the esteemed names in this realm, Lorenzo Villoresi stands out, having drawn inspiration from his travels, particularly his captivating experiences in the Middle East. Founded in the early 1980s, Villoresi's perfume house has set the benchmark for niche fragrances, marked by creativity and a keen attention to detail. This article dives into the unique fragrance Sandalo, exploring its multi-faceted elements, scent evolution, and reception in the fragrance community.

The Origins of Lorenzo Villoresi Lorenzo Villoresi’s journey into the fragrant arts began in 1981, driven by a profound connection to the scents that surrounded him. His experiences in the Middle East, rich in spices and aromas, inspired him to study perfumery intensively. Villoresi committed several years to understanding the fundamentals of this delicate craft, from methods of distillation to learning the significance of various natural ingredients. By 1990, he opened his own perfume house, initially providing products for the luxury brand Fendi. The launch of his personal creations came in 1993, and the brand has since gained international recognition, particularly evident when Villoresi received the prestigious 'Prix Coty' award in 2006, celebrating excellence in the perfume industry.

Introducing Sandalo Eau de Toilette Sandalo, launched in 1995, encapsulates Villoresi’s love for sandalwood, drawing from both Indian tradition and modern olfactory artistry. This enchanting Eau de Toilette offers a complex yet harmonious blend of fragrances, allowing the wearer to embark on a sensory exploration of woodiness, floral notes, and citric brightness. Villoresi characterizes Sandalo as weaving together a rich foundation of Mysore sandalwood, adding layers of arboreal sap, rose, opoponax, and guaiacwood for a lush experience.

The Scent Profile of Sandalo The composition of Sandalo is essential to its unique identity, crafted with a meticulous selection of notes that evolve as one wears the fragrance.

Top Notes The initial burst of Sandalo is vibrant, featuring an invigorating medley of rosewood, lavender, petitgrain, orange, and lemon. This opening is marked by a piquant citrusy aroma, underlined by green and woodsy undertones.

Heart Notes As the top notes settle, Sandalo transitions into its heart, where Bulgarian rose, neroli, labdanum, and sandalwood emerge, creating a floral bouquet intertwined with the warmth of wood. This progression reveals the fragrance's depth and complexity.

Base Notes The dry-down of Sandalo introduces a creamy sandalwood blended with vetiver, amber, opoponax, and oakmoss. The base resonates with earthy richness, culminating in a soothing, well-rounded finish that lingers subtly on the skin.

A Journey Through Sandalo's Evolution The fragrance journey of Sandalo on the skin is captivating. Upon application, the initial impact can be quite assertive due to its bitter and sharp aromatic openness. Some users have described the opening as “aggressive,” with herbal notes competing for attention. However, patience yields a more balanced experience, as the crisp and bracing introduction gradually gives way to the smoother sandalwood notes layered beneath.

First Impressions The first moments with Sandalo can be polarizing. Users report a strong initial presence of petitgrain and lavender that can come off as sharp or medicinal. Despite this, many agree that the composition is remarkably well-blended, making the experience intriguing even through its brash opening. The bitterness of petitgrain, combined with the floral nuances of lavender and rosewood, creates a unique sensory challenge that invites wearers to explore further.

Gradual Transformation Around the thirty-minute mark, the sandalwood begins to assert itself more prominently, transforming Sandalo from a chaotic aromatic blend into a more cohesive fragrance. The creamy Australian sandalwood base starts to shine through, softening the harsher top notes and fostering a warm exploration of woody scents. As the hours progress, the fragrance quietens down, settling into a beautifully creamy, predominantly sandalwood scent accentuated by lingering hints of lavender and other florals.

Final Hours In its later stages, Sandalo exhibits a subtle soapiness, possibly due to the influence of white musk. This development may not appeal to everyone, as some may find it veers towards an overly clean or synthetic scent. Nonetheless, the final evolution of Sandalo continues to emphasize its sandalwood heart, maintaining a sense of airy freshness that draws the admiration of seasoned fragrance enthusiasts.

The Community Reaction In the fragrance community, Sandalo has generated a plethora of opinions, ranging from enthusiastic praise to critiques. This perfume's reception exemplifies the deeply subjective nature of scent, revealing personal preferences that shape individual experiences.

Positive Reviews Many admire Sandalo for its longevity and overall balanced composition. Reviewers often highlight its meditative qualities, celebrating the way the scent evolves while retaining a clear identity rooted in sandalwood. For some fragrance aficionados, Sandalo represents a ‘holy grail’ sandalwood fragrance, encapsulating all that is desired in such a scent profile. The positive sentiment extends to its projection, with many noting that it garners attention without being overpowering.

Critical Perspectives Conversely, Sandalo does not escape criticism either. Some wearers express disappointment over the opening's harshness and the subsequent soapy finish, describing it as overly linear and less sophisticated than they might expect from a niche fragrance. A portion of the community emphasizes a yearning for greater complexity, lamenting that the scent falls short of the mystical qualities often associated with Mysore sandalwood.

Comparative Analysis Sandalo has also drawn comparisons to other notable sandalwood fragrances, notably Gucci’s Rush for Men and Diptyque's Tam Dao. About one hundred reviewers on Fragrantica have noted similarities to Gucci's offering, while others like the blogger ""faizanj"" delineate the distinctions between Sandalo and Tam Dao through nuanced interpretations of note utilization. These comparisons highlight the diversity present within the sandalwood fragrance category, offering consumers an array of choices depending on their olfactory inclinations.

Accessibility and Pricing Affordability plays a significant role in Sandalo's appeal, priced at $80 for a 50ml bottle and $150 for the 100ml variant. Given its niche status, these prices are competitive compared to market standards, especially considering the quality of ingredients and craftsmanship involved. For those in the U.S., LAFCO serves as the primary distributor, with availability also spread across niche boutiques in Europe, Canada, and other locations globally.

Conclusion Lorenzo Villoresi's Sandalo stands as a testament to the complex interactions within the world of fragrance. While its bold opening may challenge some, the rewarding journey through its evolving scent profile offers a rich narrative woven from tradition, respect for materials, and artistic expression. As with any fragrance, personal experience varies, making it essential for individuals to explore Sandalo and determine where it fits in their scented lives.
What notes are in Lorenzo Villoresi's Sandalo?

Sandalo features top notes of rosewood, lavender, petitgrain, orange, and lemon; middle notes of labdanum, Bulgarian rose, neroli, and sandalwood; and base notes of sandalwood, vetiver, amber, opoponax, and oakmoss.

How long does Sandalo last on the skin?

The longevity of Sandalo is typically moderate, lasting between 3 to 7 hours depending on the individual's skin chemistry and application method.

Where can I buy Lorenzo Villoresi's Sandalo?

Sandalo is available for purchase through various retailers including LAFCO in the U.S., niche boutiques across Europe, and directly from the Lorenzo Villoresi website.

Is Sandalo suitable for both men and women?

Yes, Sandalo is a unisex fragrance, appealing to those who appreciate woody and aromatic scents regardless of gender

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