L'Eau d'Ambre

It opens with coriander, cardamom and black pepper, which give it a dry, spicy edge. In the heart, Indonesian patchouli, labdanum and geranium build an earthy, resinous base. Musk, tonka bean, vanilla and benzoin follow in the base, adding a gourmand sweetness that softens everything.

Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick autumn and winter, with spring third, and it suits evenings, leisure time and nights out. Most read it as feminine, though a fair number find it masculine. Histoires de Parfums Ambre 114 and Roja Parfums Amber have a close profile.