Scent predilections are often governed by more than our senses. Our cultures, for one, influence what we consider likable — from something as simple as geographical location (whether we live by the sea in a Caribbean island or atop a café in Paris ) to our choice of cuisines (whether our palates are accustomed to spicy Indian food or hearty Italian pasta dishes). Ask most perfumers, and they'll tell you that, based on theri extensive research, American women tend to prefer floral scents (some might add that white floral bouquets are particularly big over here). And perhaps because our culture is so driven by capitalism and the desire for "more," U.S. women tend to also prefer stronger, more voluptuous, cleaner-smelling fragrances — to varying degrees, of course, as we're such a diverse, multicultural nation. When I first experienced Prada's new L'Eau Ambrée EDP, then, I had to remind myself of these facts and consider how they had perhaps influences my own olfactory preferences. Simply put: initially, I did not like this fragrance one bit. I was shocked by my adverse reaction – especially given how much I adore Prada's Infusion d'Iris, not to mention how much I expect from any Prada scent. Unlike the prior Prada fragrances, however, this one smelled a bit too masculine for me, like a bourbon-soaked cigar bar the day after a particularly busy night.
Fortunately, the woody oriental scent softens a bit after some time has elapsed — and, once it does, its sensual, more carnal side comes to light, and you start seeing the more demure femininity in the fragrance. But I'll be honest: it takes a few hours before the scent really reaches its full potential — and once it does, you might consider it too light and understated, depending on your predilection. If you want to spritz on a fragrance that makes you feel sexy and girlish right away, this might not be your first choice. But if you're the type to believe good things come to those who wait, then your patient attitude could be a great payoff in the end.
Prada's L'Eau Ambrée features top notes of cedrat (a Sicilian citrus), a heart of rose de mai, and base notes of patchouli, vanilla and oppoponax that evoke an amber-like scent. The floral notes are barely detectable, so what you're mainly smelling are the spicy, woodier, muskier notes. Personally, I'm not too thrilled with the scent and I can pretty much guarantee I'll continue being devoted to my Infusion d'Iris, but L'Eau Ambrée has definitely has grown on me.
Prada L'Eau Ambrée, $76 for 1.7 oz. and $104 for 2.7 oz. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
