I wasn't sure I'd like this one, as I tend to like drier, darker scents, and Champaca is a green scent with a bit of warmth and sweetness to my nose.
Champaca opens on my skin with a breeze of green notes; I smell the bamboo and get a hit of the green tea, and then it quite quickly blossoms into warmth and sweetness with the basmati, champaca and neroli. If the mention of sweetness makes you recoil (and I don't like sweet scents either) this is a natural, fresh and subtle sweetness that is more fresh mango than candyfloss.
The dry down after an hour or two reveals the signature Ormonde Jayne accord; which I'm afraid I can't describe any better than it smells to me like expensive, old clothes that have been well cared for; a musky, slightly dusty, but not sweaty or dirty smell. I love this note in Ormonde Woman, Orris Noir and Ta'if, so I'm happy to greet it in Champaca.
Champaca has been a massive hit with Mr London, who loves the smell of it on me - it's like catnip for him. (I'm not sure whether this makes me want to buy a full bottle or not.) It's not the sort of scent I typically am drawn to, but it has surprised me with how much I've enjoyed its happy, sunny nature.
Summary - I wouldn't choose it before Ormonde Woman personally, but if you like lighter scents that aren't just a blast of citrus or sickly sweet, Champaca is a beautiful one to try. I might buy a full bottle for my summer fragrance this year.
Disclosure: this sample was provided without charge, for consideration for review.
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