Best Santal Majuscule by Serge Lutens Alternatives & Similar Perfumes

Intoxicating and smooth, the Damascena rose radiates throughout. A twist of pink pepper brings a touch of freshness. The velvety touch of rose petals combined with vanilla creates a luxurious veil. 

Furthermore, there is a dark, green undertone from the davana herb which contrasts with the silkiness of the rose.

On a hot, dry terrain, through the cracks of rocks, enigmatic flowers flourish. Every now and then, great beauty requires great contrasts. The fragrance opens with a vibrant burst of orange (South Africa) and zesty ginger (Nigeria), followed by a complex floral heart of rich rose (Morocco), powdery iris (Ivory Coast) reminiscent of sand swirling below the flowers, and bright chamomile (Egypt). It finishes with a narcotic base of sensual sandalwood (Somalia) and creamy vanilla (Madagascar).

Réserve en Afrique eaux de parfum feature responsibly sourced naturals, and are free from parabens, phthalates, UV filters and colorants. Their natural alcohol base is derived from beetroots, and they are a PETA-listed vegan & cruelty-free brand.

Heaven on earth: Alamut.

If we were to believe Marco Polo’s story - Alamut was the fortress and headquarters of the order of assassins. In Alamut among other things, according to Marco, the new recruits could experience the demo version of heaven. An assassin to be would be inebriates by some potion (even though Marco never mention which drug it was, highly likely it was hashish). Then the recruit would be taken to a pleasure garden with drinks, food and beautiful maiden. Afterwards the head of the order would explain that absolute loyalty and fearless determination would guarantee an afterlife of this kind.

Lorenzo Villorezi’s Alamut is an intense sensual rose resting on a cloud of ambergris.

California is a land of abundance: sunshine, flowers and fruits. The fragrance is a sunny swirl of magnolia, apples and lemons, all of which flourish in this west coast wonderland. Sandalwood and musk bridges the flora to the skin, turning you into a delivery system for smiles.

I was inspired while visiting Kew Gardens in London in May. Every May there are hundreds of blooming magnolia trees in different sorts, sizes, scents and colours. Usually it is a very rainy season and my inspiration was to create a scent of the water and rain on magnolia trees.  

The symbol of this modern perfume is an American modern dance pioneer Ruth St. Denis. She is not only a very talented performer, but also very feminine. 

Divine Dancer is an ethereal, watercoloured, light, fresh, feminine floral perfume. It is modern and vivacious fruity floral scent .

The Divine Dancer perfume is dedicated to one of the first American modern dance and ballet performers Ruth St. Denis.

Her vibrant and spirited art of dance, influenced by the East and South Asia, her divine body move and incredible costumes made Ruth St. Denis a worldwide well known star. Her body projects as Temple of femininity. 

When the dancer emerged from the darkness of the stage, her presence was immediately captivating, the air suddenly fragrant with her appearance. Adorned in jewels from head to toe, radiant in a special gold sari, her hair crowned in jasmine, she is an embodiment of divine feminine, mirroring the images of goddesses of Lakshmi and Saraswati but with the talented Ruth St. Denis touch of modern dance and ballet movement.

“Shaan” is a Sanskrit name meaning greatness and majesty. The  perfumer intertwines the name with the legend of the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose, the conquering leader whose final battle was foretold by the oracles. Ember Shaan is a fragrance that shifts and evolves, reflecting the concept of victory intertwined with sorrow. With a variety of ouds and frankincenses, this extrait explores how a bright fire fades into a smouldering ember, while also deepening into something more profound. Coffee, rose and sandalwood combine their rich effects into an olfactory syrup that infuses the woods, while spicy opoponax and stony gunpowder add punctuation and surprise.

A wet and moody rose unfurls its dark petals, releasing the ancient aphrodisiac of saffron, along with bitter/fresh cassis. Javanol, an aromachemical summoning a rose-inflected sandalwood, creates the powerful sillage. Natural sandalwood and a warm tobacco ground the fragrance, adding depth and richness. Kashmir Fusion rounds out the velvety effect with its woody amber-musk.

A perfume formula originating in 1921 and still in production and demand. It has of course been adapted to modern tastes and industry rules.

It still features the materials and design that made it famous: a drop of French rose, a pinch of geranium, mixed with oakmoss and wrapped in smooth sandalwood. It’s an elegant sugar free rose perfume with musky, bitter woody background.
style.

Molinard has also developed several versions of this iconic blend: Habanita Edition Exclusive (less rose more amber), Habanita L'Esprit (a fresh floral with mimosa layered over the rose) and Habanita La Cologne (a crisp cologne with most focus on oakmoss and vetiver). 

Named after the supposedly richest ruler who ever lived, the African king Mansa Musa, the perfume is made with rich Indian oud (with a fermented leathery nuance), sandalwood, spices and a drop of rose.