by State of Mind
Secret of Success offers a complex interplay of warm spices, citrus, and herbal notes, creating a fragrance that shifts from fresh and aromatic to cozy and spicy. The initial burst of grapefruit, tea, and cinnamon gives way to a mid-layer of rosemary and ylang-ylang, which melds into a rich, velvety base of vanilla, cardamom, and agarwood. The overall impression is one of dry, spiced warmth, suitable for cooler months, with a unique metallic tang and soft oud presence that lingers subtly. It holds a generally moderate sillage and performs best during autumn and winter, with some wearers noting it becomes skin-scented after a few hours. While some find it innovative and deeply engaging, others describe it as lacking a strong personality or distinct identity, falling into a middle ground between intriguing and unremarkable.