Reviews of Firewood / Feu de Bois
by Ava Luxe

I get a strong aromatic resinousness immediately in the opening – perhaps this is the plastic note that others refer to. My nose doesn’t interpret it as plastic or synthetic, but I can see where it could easily be what the others are referring to. I am sure that I don’t like it. It probably has something to do with the birch note – it wouldn’t be the first time I reacted to a birch note this negative way. I don’t find it sweet, just strongly aromatic, bitter, and resinous, and getting way too close to being disgusting. To my nose, the birch note overwhelms the smoke and incense until the fragrance settles down to its heart notes, at which point Fire Wood becomes an enjoyable scent to me. I don’t think the enjoyment I get out of the middle and base notes are worth the unpleasantness of the birch tar opening. I also don’t find this fragrance very similar to a crackling winter fire. It wears very beautifully with a quietly rich, woody, close to the skin drydown, but I’d like a more pleasant journey to get there.

This is after only 1 testing from a sample vial. I do have to say I wonder what could have been, because I do agree with the sythetic smelling note. I have the same problem with the Absolute version of CB Burning Leaves. On paper, this should be right up my alley. In reality, I wish it were a bit more natural smelling.

Another of the "Luxe Editions," Firewood is incredibly woody - again, lots of cedar, there's a smokey sweetness that might be birch tar, and a touch of incense adding depth. I like these Luxe Editions much more than the standard editions. They seem deeper, richer, more complex. They're not going to be considered classics of perfumery (but then again, how many new releases even from designers and niche companies will be?). For the price, they're worth checking out.

There's one thing, however, that I consistently don't like about these artisanal fragrances: there is something in the oil or alcohol they are dissolved in - it smells a little synthetic and plastic-y to me, but I can't put my finger on exactly what it is that is causing this smell. In Firewood, it's strongest in the top, and then fades considerably to be non-intrusive. Still, it taints the overall experience for me.

If you like cedar, smoke, and incense, give this one a try...maybe the plastic note I am getting is skin chemistry related.