by Masque Milano
Sleight of Fern is a refined, aromatic fougère with a softly sweet, green-woody character that evokes a shaded forest in autumn. It opens with bright bergamot, fig, and lavender, layered over thyme and geranium, creating a clear, powdery-camphoraceous top that feels both herbal and slightly medicinal. The heart balances plush floral notes—geranium and narcissus—within a layered patchouli and oakmoss base, making it more generous than some modern interpretations of classic fougères. The dry-down reveals a gentle, creamy tonka and birch-sandalwood warmth with subtle balsamic and leather elements, lending it a quiet, mature elegance. It’s often compared to Invasion Barbare in spirit but more accessible, with a lighter, fresher profile that avoids heavy vanilla or sweetness. The scent develops with depth and nuance, evolving from a crisp aromatic green to a warm, subtly animalic musk beneath, resembling cool stones and moss after rain.