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Zanzibar
by Van Cleef & Arpels
Zanzibar by Van Cleef & Arpels is a fresh, spicy woody fragrance with a zesty citrus and aromatic opening, featuring cardamom, citron, and coriander, which transitions into warm clove, ginger, and pepper notes, settling into a dry, smooth base of sandalwood, vetiver, and ambrette musk. The scent evokes a sense of African wind — light, airy, and exotic — with a delicate balance of warmth and brightness. It performs best as a subtle, skin-scent that lingers close to the body and lasts for a moderate duration, rarely projecting beyond moderate sillage. Its most distinctive quality is its evocative power, frequently associated with imagery of African landscapes and desert wind, leading many to describe it as elegant, sophisticated, and unique.
Pros
- +An elegant, light, and fresh woody-spicy fragrance with an invigorating citrus and aromatic opening
- +Imagery and mental associations of African wind, heat, and spice are consistently strong among users
- +The scent is rare and distinctive, remembered fondly by those who have experienced it, despite its fleeting nature
Cons
- −Very short longevity, typically fading within 4 hours
- −Extremely low sillage, making it feel nearly invisible to others
- −Incomplete performance on skin — requires multiple applications to achieve noticeable presence