Norma Kamali Incense
by Norma Kamali

For those expecting a highly potent incense scent in Norma Kamali Incense, let me warn you now that you’ll be sorely disappointed. If anything, this is more of an ambery-type scent with spices.

During the opening, the first thing I noticed was an almost menthol note, in the same vein as Montale’s Patchouli Leaves. Maybe it’s eucalyptus? At first, I wasn’t quite sure but trizydlux’s review has certainly hit the nail on the head – it’s labdanum that I was smelling (which is also listed as one of the official notes in Patchouli leaves).

Throughout its development, I am unable to detect much incense or copal, and there is definitely no burning accord (much to my disappointment) – it merely comes across as a distant relation to Patchouli Leaves, with spices and subtle incense notes playing supporting roles.

As for longevity, this seems to be another myth – I roughly get about six hours from this perfume extrait (albeit with reasonable sillage). In addition, it doesn’t smell old-fashioned, as originally feared, and comes across as quite contemporary. Based on this, one is left wondering if this was re-formulated at some point (and the chances of that are reasonably high).

Norma Kamali Incense is, ultimately, quite an exotic scent to wear but it miserably fails to deliver upon its promises (and what promises they are). However, if I had to rename it, I would simply call it Spicy Labdanum.

I absolutely adore this scent and find it unspeakably beautiful. Even so, I recognize that it has a certain acrid quality - especially prominent in the opening - that even I find a little challenging. In contrast to other reviewers, I do not smell "burning", but I can see why people might say that. I don't find it spicy or animalic either. The most prominent note to my nose is labdanum, present in huge amounts (and oddly not mentioned by others here). I don't doubt the copal, but I don't know that scent in isolation, so I'm unqualified to comment on it. Incense is perhaps the most tenacious scent in my collection, and possibly also the strongest. I'm not quite sure how to put this into words, but it is a little EVIL - a perfume for malicious spirits. However, the late late late drydown (say 24h. or so after application) is one of the most sublime scents I have ever smelled. This juxtaposition of heaven and hell may be what inspires my sincere LOVE for this fragrance.

High quality burning copal. Exceedingly dry. Though it has many good qualities (raw materials, development, drydown), it fails to get me off. It's also fairly annoying for some reason. Same can be said to some extent for Avignon which wears a little flat compared to the phenomenal smell coming out of the bottle. I often prefer it as an ambient scent. You could try Messe de Minuit which has enough cinnamon for three fragrances, or Passsage d'Enfer which is a bit limp like most L'Artisans.

Avignon with its deep, rich frankincense and light oriental features remains the paragon of incense based creations.

Happy hunting.

I love dry fragrances, but this is too dry even for me, or perhaps dry in the wrong way: harsh and sour. Spices like cinnamon and clove do that to me, and I'd say this is a spice scent rather than an incense scent. Sure, I can feel the incense too, but it doesn't really remind me of a church or temple like some other incense scents do. It's more like smelling a sack of woodchips with cloves mixed in. Only, that would smell good, but on my skin scents like that turn sour, like the woodchips and cloves were wet.

Exceedingly powerful. This is a BURNING incense. Any more than 3 squirts will have people more than 100 feet away asking if something is on fire. Haunting. Used with the right amount of application this is a very nice blend.

I just tried it on and this is real incense. I'm talking about the high masses performed inside a Catholic church. Initially, the burst of cloves seemed very evident almost reminding me of the dentist but the overall composition follows immediately. There is nothing complex about this fragrance, it doesn't reveal anything else other than the incense. I love it. I also own the Norma Kamali perfume and layered it on my other arm. The florals of the NK perfume balances well with the intensity of the "Incense". Again, if individuality is paramount to you, I highly recommend this duo. It may well be the Holy Grail I'm looking for. A thumbs up!