Knowing

Knowing by Estée Lauder is a feminine-leaning eau de parfum from 1988 in the designer price tier. It opens with mimosa, tuberose, coriander and plum, moves into rose, jasmine, orange blossom and cardamom and dries down to oakmoss, patchouli, sandalwood, amber, musk and vetiver. Expect around 11 hours of wear, and it projects strongly.

Notes, explained

Opening

Mimosa Soft, powdery, honeyed yellow flower. Gentle and comforting.
Tuberose Creamy, waxy and enormous. The loudest white flower.
Coriander Warm seed spice, slightly citrusy. A quiet workhorse.
Plum Dark, wine-like and slightly stewed. Autumnal.

Heart

Rose Can be jammy, green, peppery or soapy depending on the type. Not one smell.
Jasmine Heady, sweet and slightly animal underneath. Rarely subtle.
Orange Blossom Sweet, soapy and sunny. Neroli's warmer sibling.
Cardamom Cool, aromatic spice with a eucalyptus lift. Smells expensive.

Dry-down

Oakmoss Damp forest floor. Bitter, green and the backbone of every chypre.
Patchouli Damp earth and dark chocolate. Either you love it or it's your least favourite note.
Sandalwood Creamy, milky wood. Soft and almost edible.
Amber Warm, golden and resinous. Not a real material — a blend that glows.
Musk Warm, skin-like and slightly sweet. Makes a fragrance feel like you.
Vetiver Dry, earthy, smoky grass root. Smells like soil and citrus peel.

Smells like this

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