Well this is my first review so please forgive me if I miss anything out or get it wrong!
I got this from the lovely Erica and I must admit it's not one I would have thought of getting myself. However, I am really pleased she sent it because it is completely beautiful!
In the bottle: Almond almost overpowered everything else but I got hints of something floral and some sweet spice. And it made me sneeze!
Upon application: I can smell almonds, a slight tinge of spice - possibly nutmeg - makes my nose tingle inside, another sneeze is coming! Could there be a similar spice in this as used in some snuffs?? Something slightly floral lightens this but I cannot quite put my finger on it. There's a fleeting hint of star anise - lasting less than five minutes. Now there's cardomon and something else that reminds me of a wonderful Indian caterer we have near here - as you enter the place, all you can smell is the plethora of sweets that they make on the premises; I got a real blast of this for about ten minutes with QOS! Yummy - makes me want to go there and buy a huge box of Barfi!
Dry-down: A little powdery but is only really apparent if I get a vague waft as I move my hand in front of my face; not when I inhale deeply! I find it a dry, feminine, almost florally musky scent - possibly has red musk in it? Is the floral gardenia or magnolia? Am not sure. The almond has really calmed down now and taken a back seat, although I am still very aware of it. Thankfully the sneezing element has disappeared and I can actually smell this without messing up my screen!
I didn't get any of the sharpness or green/bitter notes that others have experienced, for which I am really thankful as this is such a gorgeous scent, it would be a pity to have it tainted in any way!
It's a definite keeper!