Today we’re exploring two collections at once with the fragrances Xanadu, Valhalla, and Anela: the Awakening Sensations and the Golden Sensations. Here, too, everything revolves around specific feelings and moods, though with a slightly different focus than in the previously introduced Universal Sensations and Forbidden Sensations collections, which feature Felicity, Utopia, Seven Heaven, Divina, and Nirvana.
The Awakening Sensations represent clarity, energy, and a fresh start, while the Golden Sensations offer a warmer and more opulent experience. Paradis Des Sens describes the latter as a particularly rich and luxurious part of its portfolio. Today, with Xanadu, Valhalla, and Anela, we’re introduced to the last three of the eight fragrances you can currently discover at Aus Liebe zum Duft.
Have you read this yet?
• New at Aus Liebe zum Duft: Paradis Des Sens
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Xanadu – Welcome to Paradise
When you hear Xanadu, some of you probably immediately think of Olivia Newton-John’s song. But the name goes back much further: Xanadu is the Western name for Shangdu, the former summer residence of the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan, which later became a symbol of a magnificent, almost paradisiacal place. As such, the name actually fits perfectly into the fragrance universe of Paradis Des Sens. The perfumer behind this Eau de Parfum is Philippine Courtière, who translated the keywords softness, purity, and luxurious comfort into a scent.
Top notes: Mandarin, bergamot, peach
Middle notes: Rose, lily of the valley, orange blossom, jasmine
Base notes: Musk, ambergris, vanilla, vetiver
On first application, Xanadu reveals itself as lively, refreshing, and tart thanks to its citrus notes; it then becomes velvety with peachy undertones, before a beguilingly light floral bouquet eventually unfolds throughout the composition. Airy-fresh rose, aquatic lily of the valley, and the creamy notes of orange blossom and jasmine now set the tone, yet remain close to the skin, soft, and rather understated. Fluffy musk joins in as the scent develops, while the fragrance slowly settles into a cozy, cuddly base.
Xanadu by Paradis Des Sens is a gentle, clean floral fragrance that opens with a citrusy, tart note and then quickly evolves into a silky-soft bouquet. Very elegant, very modern, and wonderfully feminine, this eau de parfum is ideal for anyone who loves light floral scents but prefers to avoid overly lush or heavy floral notes.
Valhalla – Between Valhalla and Tropical Fruit
Valhalla first takes us far to the north. In Norse mythology, Odin’s hall—where fallen warriors are welcomed after their deaths – is called Valhalla. Instinctively, one would probably associate this place more with the rugged Scandinavian landscape than with a tropical atmosphere. Yet the new Eau de Parfum takes the exact opposite direction with ingredients like mango. As a result, Paradis Des Sens Valhalla is likely to be interpreted as anything but cool and Nordic—rather, it is sunny, fruity, and exotic. Perfumer Pierre Guéros is responsible for the olfactory interpretation of this unusual concept.
Top notes: mandarin, pear, bergamot, mango
Middle notes: cedarwood, cashmere wood, jasmine
Base notes: vanilla, amber, tonka bean
Valhalla opens with an intensely fruity and sweet scent – lush, tropical, and vibrant. The mango is wonderfully noticeable, while light, soft woody notes gradually weave their way into the composition, making the fruity, exotic mood more transparent and lighter. Jasmine adds delicately creamy accents before the eau de parfum fades into a base note that is delicately spicy and sweetly warm.
I can’t deny that there’s a certain similarity to a well-known fragrance from Xerjoff. However, Valhalla is nowhere near as shrill, loud, and boisterous as Erba Pura; instead, it comes across as much more subdued overall. I’d rate its presence as moderate: after a decidedly powerful opening, the fragrance quickly becomes lighter and more subdued. Its longevity is very good. A fruity, tropical fragrance that I see as particularly suited for spring and summer—and especially for leisure time.
Anela – Fragrant Veil
The Hawaiian word “ānela“ means “angel“. While it is not known whether Paradis Des Sens actually drew on this meaning when naming its latest Eau de Parfum, it would fit the concept of the fragrance perfectly. The brand describes Anela using terms such as sunlight, a protective veil, and golden warmth. At the same time, the composition created by perfumer Suzy Le Helley is the only fragrance to date in the Golden Sensations Collection – the line that embodies the particularly warm and luxurious side of Paradis Des Sens.
Top notes: Saffron, black currant, pink pepper
Middle notes: Iris, incense, lily of the valley
Base notes: Bourbon vanilla, musk, ambrette
In the opening notes of Anela, dry, subtly spicy pepper meets a powdery, molecular-crystalline sweetness and the dark, subtly leathery notes of saffron. I perceive the currant, if at all, as nothing more than a fruity hint. Amber-vanilla, musky nuances blend with delicately smoky incense and powdery iris.
Anela by Paradis Des Sens combines all these facets into a very transparent, almost futuristic-seeming composition that feels airy and light, yet incredibly cozy, comforting, and enveloping. For me, Anela is more of a creation for the cooler months and perfect for anyone who loves soft, spicy, warm, powdery fragrances with a molecular character.
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