XERJOFF
FATAL CHARME

2012

PERFUMER
Chris Maurice

Powdery Notes
Aldehydes
Orris
Floral Notes
Ambergris
Spicy Notes

‘High fashion reigns supreme with Fatal Charme Xerjoff, a fascinating powdery and floral scent that mimics the luxurious world of couture. Artistic, effortlessly stylish and truly narcotic, this exquisite scent encapsulates all that is inspiring and indulgent about the world of fashion and beauty.’ – Xerjoff

Fatal Charme could be the most underrated or under the radar release in Xerjoff’s JTC line, which, in my opinion, contains some of their best fragrances.

Fatal Charme is a floral sweet scent that replicates the experience of marshmallows better than almost anything else that I’ve smelled

It’s a powdery iris, but it’s a smooth, creamy, fluffy texture underneath it, almost as if it’s powder dusted on top of a melting marshmallow. It’s light and delicate, but not transparent. Fatal Charme doesn’t come across ozonic or watery, but fluffy like the marshmallow.

In the opening however, it’s floral and aldehydic. There’s a subtle, but sharp acidic tinge, giving it a crisp edge, slightly reminiscent of what Xerjoff did with the unique Pikovaya Dama. It doesn’t take long for the sweetness to take over. I’m surprised that nothing like vanilla or tonka is listed in the notes, because it 100% smells like a vanilla-esque scent to me. It’s often compared to Bois D’Iris and Bois D’Argent, but I’d say Fatal Charme is even sweeter to me and it’s definitely more floral and aldehydic.

Perhaps the most surprising and most interesting element here is the use of ambergris. I’m not sure how it plays in the composition, but I get a tinge of a warm, maybe even slightly sweaty, skin (in the cleanest way imaginable though), which I attribute to the ambergris. I personally don’t pick up on much of the spices and tobacco that are listed. I can imagine them being there, but that’s about it; don’t expect this to be a spicy tobacco scent. Do expect it to be great.