Parfums de Marly Safanad Review: Elegance in a Bottle 2023

The fragrance world is a realm of art, history, and emotion, where each bottle tells a story through its carefully curated notes. One of the latest offerings from the esteemed Parfums de Marly house is Safanad, a scent that evokes the elegance and grace associated with the ancient lineage of the Arabian horse. Released in 2023, Safanad encapsulates a journey through the senses, balancing floral and fruity notes with an underlying warmth that aims to enchant and intrigue. Here, we embark on an exploration of this special fragrance, dissecting its layers to understand what makes it stand out – or not – in the vast universe of perfumery.

The House of Parfums de Marly

Founded in 2009 by Julien Sprecher, Parfums de Marly draws inspiration from the opulent era of the 18th century, specifically the equestrian sculptures known as “Les Chevaux de Marly” created by Guillaume Coustou. Each fragrance from this house is named after a breed of horse or notable equine, a homage to the grace and beauty these animals represent. Safanad, like its predecessors, links its essence to royalty and history. According to legends, it was inspired by a gift from the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon—a Safanad horse, a revered breed known for its purity and nobility. In crafting this fragrance, the house sought to channel the characteristics of this magnificent creature into a scent that captures its essence.

The Essence of Safanad

Composition and Structure Safanad is an Eau de Parfum that cleverly melds fruity and floral notes, creating a perfume that feels both dynamic and elegant. The harmonious blend is designed to take the wearer on a sensory journey from the lively top notes to the deeper base, transforming beautifully over time. Top Notes:

• Orange
• Pear

Heart Notes:

• Orange Blossom
• Iris
• Ylang-Ylang

Base Notes:

• Ambergris
• Sandalwood
• Vanilla

A Journey Through the Notes

When applying Safanad, the initial scent is a vibrant burst of orange, reminiscent of a sun-drenched orchard. The fragrance captivates with its juicy, almost syrupy character, complemented by the sweet allure of orange blossom, which swiftly follows. The combination creates an atmosphere of freshness and vibrancy that evokes the memory of picking fruits in a sunlit grove. However, upon the blossoming of the heart notes, the experience begins to evolve. The pear, initially bright, becomes a fleeting whisper, allowing the more dominant flower notes to take the stage. As the ylang-ylang and orange blossom intensify, a custardy sweetness develops, resulting in a lush and feminine floral bouquet. The sensation is reminiscent of walking through a garden in full bloom, where every breath is heavy with fragrant delights.

Longevity and Projection

One key point of interest when evaluating a fragrance is its longevity and sillage. Safanad tells two stories; on some skins, it offers substantial presence with a pronounced sillage in the first hour, while on others, it quickly transforms into a mere skin scent. The differences can be attributed to individual skin chemistry, which can amplify or dull specific notes within a composition. Following the initial waft of alluring florals, Safanad begins to lean more into its base notes within the first couple of hours. The once pronounced sweetness slows to a more delicate aroma, where musk, slight hints of amber, and a vague woodiness emerge. Despite the allure of the opening notes, the lasting power of the fragrance feels lacking, dropping in impact sooner than some might prefer.

A Balancing Act of Elegance

What’s remarkable about Safanad is its ability to walk the line between being overtly sweet and sophisticatedly subtle. Many fragrances in this genre tend to lean heavily on sugary florals that can feel overwhelming or cloying. Yet, there’s a distinct charm in Safanad’s composition that maintains a level of elegance, albeit at the cost of complexity. Nevertheless, the more critical fragrance adherents find themselves questioning aspects of this perfume, especially regarding its overall originality and price point of $275 for a 75ml bottle. The scent, while beautifully constructed, may feel too straightforward or lacking in deeper, transformative qualities.

Conclusion: Worth the Investment?

While Safanad entices with its stunning opening and lush floral heart, it ultimately raises questions about its value. The experience is delightful, yet one could argue that at its price point, it borders on an extravagant indulgence for what seems to be a traditional formulation without unique twists. For fans of fruity florals, particularly those who cherish the sweet allure of orange and florals, Safanad may be viewed as a suitable addition to their fragrance wardrobe. However, for the more discerning collector seeking distinctive notes and a significant narrative, this fragrance might leave them wanting more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In summary, Parfums de Marly's Safanad invites you into a world of elegance and charm, but whether you choose to continue your journey with it is up to your olfactory preferences and budgetary discretion.