SARAH BAKER
Charade

2019

PERFUMER
Andreas Wilhelm

tuberose
ylang-ylang
styrax
benzoin
leather accord
patchouli
tea
honey
sandalwood
amber
vetiver
moss

‘Cross and double-cross. It’s never easy to tell who’s fooling who when high stakes and artful chicanery are at play. A lingering vapour of classic silver screen sophistication. Impeccable taste with a few surprises. ‘ – Sarah Baker

I was intrigued by Charade because of the honey note and some of the reviews on it. As with most of the Sarah Baker fragrances that I’ve tried, it didn’t disappoint.

Straight away the sweetness is noticeable. Not just in a honeyed way, but an almost chewy, caramel as well. I think the styrax/benzoin is adding a significant chunk to the composition with its resinous qualities.

Aside from that, there’s a leather, but it’s on the fresher side. I was instantly reminded of Francesca Bianchi’s Tyger Tyger and while they do fit into the same category, Charade is a bit more easy going. Especially in that first hour, where Tyger Tyger can be quite animalic; Charade reminds me more of osmanthus with a leathery aspect, but also a peach-like quality. It sort of sits in between the heavier sweet leather from Tyger Tyger and the fruity fresher leather from for example Cartier La Panthere Parfum or Yanina Yakusheva Ravenna.

Charade screams ‘femme fatale’ to me. It’s a nice one and just playful enough to keep it versatile.