Arabesque

Arabesque by Ormonde Jayne is an unisex eau de parfum in the niche price tier. It opens with blackcurrant, bergamot, black pepper and saffron, moves into jasmine and rose and dries down to musk, oakmoss, patchouli and oud. Expect around 8 hours of wear, and it projects at a moderate level.

Notes, explained

Opening

Blackcurrant Tart, dark and slightly catty. Adds bite to florals.
Bergamot Sharp citrus with a faint bitter edge. The opening of about half of all men's fragrances.
Black Pepper Dry and prickly. Gives a fragrance grip and a bit of bite.
Saffron Leathery, medicinal and slightly metallic. The signature of modern niche.

Heart

Jasmine Heady, sweet and slightly animal underneath. Rarely subtle.
Rose Can be jammy, green, peppery or soapy depending on the type. Not one smell.

Dry-down

Musk Warm, skin-like and slightly sweet. Makes a fragrance feel like you.
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.
Oud Resinous, medicinal, barnyard-adjacent wood. The most expensive note in perfumery.

Smells like this

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