Haunted Mirror

Haunted Mirror is a dark gothic perfume with several layers. The maker describes aged frankincense and rich woods, a scent both elusive and fresh as well as punchy and deep. She compares it to Victorian attics, with musty yet sharp florals reflected in aged woods, and calls it the most spooky perfume she has smelled. The opening is bright and strange. White grapefruit, petitgrain, citronella, tea tree, gardenia and neroli make a fresh, slightly medicinal lift. The heart adds plum, juniper, violet leaf, jasmine, cardamom and ylang ylang. The base is a long list of woods and resins: frankincense, cedarwood, oakwood, birch, sandalwood, patchouli, amber, white oud and musk. The seller says the dry-down is unsettling but beautiful and a sharpness that haunts as it softens. Wearer evidence is slim. One buyer finds it unique but oddly comforting, because the incense reminds her of her mother's incense and wax melts. She says it is quite a strong smell at first, then calms down, and that a little goes a long way. The one independent rating found is a very low one, with no words, so this is a scent that will divide people. It suits autumn and winter evenings and fans of dark, resinous, woody indie perfume more than anyone after something sweet or clean. It is a bold statement rather than an office scent. It is made by hand by Juliet Rose in the UK.