by Papillon Artisan Perfumes
Spell 125 Papillon Artisan is a deeply atmospheric, woody-resinous fragrance centered on frankincense, pine, and ambergris. It evokes a solitary forest bath—green, smoky, with a mineralic, salty depth that feels both wild and meditative. The opening features a sharp, animalic, resinous intensity—pine and frankincense merge with a marine-salt ambergris that gives the scent its unique 'haunted forest' character. As it settles, a powdery, slightly medicinal undercurrent emerges, grounded in sandalwood and ylang-ylang, with a cool, smoldering drydown that maintains a quiet, incense-laden presence. The perfumer, Liz Moores, achieves a rare balance: it feels unbound, almost fluid, yet anchored by a deeply human, skin-like musk that makes it vividly personal. The fragrance performs with exceptional longevity and moderate-to-strong sillage, particularly in cooler months—ideal for fall and winter wear. Despite some early note challenges, the scent transcends expectations when approached with patience and an open mind. It doesn’t aim for sweetness or overt sensuality; instead, it delivers a quiet, cathartic beauty that lingers like a memory, where each wear reveals new nuances—green, musky, incense-tinged, and ever-changing. A scent for those who seek depth, atmosphere, and a tactile sensory journey.