Al Contrario is a sweet, gourmand, woody scent created for Men and Women in 2015 by perfumer Paolo Terenzi.
Review
This scent is elegant, romantic, and soft. It’s chocolatey, vanilla essences keep it fun and light, while Ebony Woods add depth and maturity. It goes back and forth between feeling intimate and close to the skin, and projecting itself out into the world. It will work well for any time, place, or occasion, and will work well in any season, but has just enough warmth that Fall and Winter will work best. It has been compared to Thierry Mugler’s Angel Muse and By Kilian’s Black Phantom, as well as real sweets like Ferrero Rocher and Nutella.
Inspiration
Al Contrario is dedicated to the essence of travel and life. It encompasses the idea of slowing down and enjoying the sweetness of our lives.
Notes
The Chocolatey essence of Cacao Powder can be felt blending with Malt in the first sniffs of this scent. Ebony Woods and Stone Powder add a darker, earthy element that keeps this scent warm from the start. Vanilla and Tonka Bean add a sweetness that adds a candy-like element to the Chocolate note, and Orchid adds a softness. Vanilla-like Benzoin is then added, blending with the sweet spiciness of Hazelnut and even sweeter Cane Sugar, reinvigorating the Cacao and Malt in the beginning. A final note of creamy Sandalwood adds depth, keeping the darker notes in the top thriving, but never overpowering the sweetness.
Top Notes: Malt, Ebony Wood, Cacao Pods, Stone Powder
Heart Notes: Vanilla, Orchid, Tonka Bean
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Cane Sugar, Benzoin, Hazelnut
