The French niche fragrance brand Fascent has just arrived in our online store. Founded just a few years ago by Fanny Fortin Descamps and Edwina Réthoré, the pair wanted to breathe new life into the perfume world with Fascent. Too exclusive, too slick, too far removed from real life – this is exactly what the brand wanted to move away from. Instead of seeing perfume as a superficial luxury object that mainly sits on the shelf, Fascent brings fragrance back into our everyday experience: as something personal that can – and should – be used. Not heavy, not reverent, but spontaneous, free and natural. Perfume not for special moments, but for life itself.
The Fascent portfolio comprises six creations: Milky No Way, Crème Brûlante, Sel à Vie, Radical Softness, L’Eau d’Or Dort and I Fig You. There is also a Discovery Set that includes five of the six fragrances. I would like to introduce you to the first composition today. But first, let’s take a look at the fragrance layering, because Fascent pays particular attention to the many different ways of combining fragrances with one another.
Fascent relies on layering
Layering describes the deliberate combination of two fragrances in order to vary, personalize or refine the fragrance effect. It is not about spectacular effects or complex fragrance images, but about small changes and individual accents. Two fragrances are enough, ideally with a clearly distinguishable character.
The fragrance that has more presence or seems more familiar serves as the base. One or two sprays of this are applied to the skin or clothing. After a short pause, a single spray of the second fragrance follows, which acts as an accent. The fragrances should not be rubbed together, but should combine naturally. When layering, “less is more”: fewer sprays, more effect. This creates a unique, personal fragrance signature that changes slightly depending on the combination.
Milky No Way – Milky? But so much more!
In 2023, Fascent launched a total of five fragrances, including Milky No Way. The eau de parfum was created by perfumer Elise Pierre. Born in Normandy, nature and the coastal landscape sparked her interest in fragrances at an early age. After studying chemistry and training at the ISIPCA, her path led her to CPL Aromas France, where she held various positions within the company – even beyond pure creation.
The young perfumer created a total of two eaux de parfum for Fascent. Milky No Way is said to be a “festive, light-hearted and mysterious” fragrance, “like the trail left behind by a nocturnal creature embarking on a long cosmic journey. Everything seems slightly hazy, but the feeling is intoxicating. You feel free and uninhibited. Wear it during the day or in the evening and experience a bold, instinctive power, like a cat on the hunt for an indulgent feast.”
Top notes: Black pepper, hazelnut. Milk
Heart notes: cream, tonka bean
Base notes: sandalwood, ambergris, cashmere wood
Milky No Way from Fascent in the test
Milky, creamy, nutty and accentuated by a dry, gentle peppery spiciness – that’s how I perceive the opening of Milky No Way by Fascent. Can I actually smell the hazelnut? For me, the nutty nuances have sesame and almond-like hints, but this could also be due to the tonka bean. Creamy, light, soft notes characterize the creation, very gentle, cozy and comforting. The tonka bean picks up speed as the fragrance progresses, lending the scent wonderfully spicy coumarin facets that combine with the creamy accents to create an enchanting, creamy tonka milk.
Milky No Way by Fascent is modern, minimalist and milky. A finely balanced and very harmonious mix of light, minimalist fragrance notes that is clean and sometimes soapy, more spicy than gourmand. I like the fact that the eau de parfum does not have an intense sweetness, but is only subtly sweetened. Perfect for anyone who loves understated yet perceptibly clean fragrances with a very contemporary feel. The eau de parfum is perfect for the cooler months of the year, but is so pleasant, catchy and uncomplicated to wear that I would also wear it on warmer days. Suitable for any occasion, Milky No Way is not only a wonderful fragrance, but also a great introduction to the Fascent collection.
Layering suggestions from Fascent:
- Milky No Way x I Fig You
- Milky No Way x Crème Brûlante
- Milky No Way x Radical Softness
Be First to Comment