Jasmin XXX

Jasmin XXX is the Altra perfume for people who want jasmine without the apology. The brand calls it unapologetic hedonism, a white floral with a dark undertone, and the perfumer says it came from a memory of youth: setting out into the night with shimmering neon and endless possibilities. The composition is short and pointed. Effervescent Italian bergamot opens it, illuminating an overdose of jasmine sambac, and smoky Buddha wood sits underneath. The notes are given as one list rather than a pyramid, so it reads more as a single idea than a journey. Wearers praise a truthful, not at all indolic jasmine with a cool, fresh lift, and some find the citrus a little too strong. A few catch a soapy, clean-cupboard side, and one reviewer felt the woods gave little evolution. Longevity and projection are moderate, and wearers disagree about strength, from light and cool to very strong. It is at its best in spring and summer, easy for leisure and daily wear, and bold enough for an evening out. Winter is the weakest season. It is made by hand in small batches in the UK from natural materials, with no synthetic fragrance ingredients, in a refillable bottle. The votes lean feminine, but it is sold as unisex. A 25 ml bottle costs 112 pounds, so a sample first is a sensible step.