Sweet Anthem Anastasia Solid Perfume and Perfume Oil

While ordering a perfume oil in Cordelia to layer over the solid perfume I reviewed here, I also ordered another few samples. The fragrance I'm reviewing today is Anastasia, in the solid perfume and perfume oil, which I ordered as it sounded lovely for winter. I like to layer both solid and oil for maximum longevity on my dry skin, but it isn't strictly speaking necessary with the perfume oil, which has good sillage and longevity on its own. Both samples cost $5 each, and are enough for many applications.

In the pot and vial, and when first applied on my skin, there is a sharpness to Anastasia which I think comes from the champa and white patchouli. It's not unpleasant; it reminds me of the smell of the air after snowfall; a clean, sharp, crystalline smell.

I then get an apple note; although there is no apple listed, I think it might be the combination of the honeysuckle and green tea that tricks my nose into thinking it smells a freshly peeled green apple.

Finally, the fragrance settles into a clean, floral musk. On my skin the honeysuckle comes through, like the ghost or a dream of summer in winter. It's definitely a feminine smell, but it's not girly/sweet; it's the smell of a Snow Queen, cool and elegant.

Sweet Anthem is closed for the holidays until 01 January 2011. There is a wait for turnaround - typically 14-21 days until an order is shipped, although this can be longer in busy periods. I don't mind the wait, which is balanced (and I think at least in part caused) by the fact that the perfumes are priced very modestly for the quality of them (the accountant in me suspects too modestly!)

There is an Etsy shop, I've always ordered from the Sweet Anthem website though, which is at www.sweetanthem.com.