Les Nombres D'Or - Ambre by Mona di Orio, 2010

Ambre starts off with the trademark di Orio house scent that is kind of a pleasant amber/musk scent. This kind of reminded me of the same opening Oud had when I smelled it recently. That said, after the opening notes, Ambre diverges into a very enjoyable cedar heart (although very different from the Virginia cedar used in her Vetyver) with hints of a semi-dry vanilla accord. The end result is a semi-fresh scent after the dark opening that really is enticing and very uni-sex to my nose while also not being too sweet. Longevity is well above average, and Ambre has better sillage than many of the other di Orio scents. Superb and full bottle worthy, IMO. This is my new reference amber. 4.5 stars out of 5.

This Mona fragrance was unimpressive. It starts with a strong powder smell that is reminiscent of the old "Loves Baby Soft" preteens used to wear. I inhaled deeply and could detect ceder, but I wish I didn't need to try so hard. Amber began to appear at dry-down, but too little too late for me. I don't dislike it, BUT it isn't a Unisex. I gave it to my wife. The Late Mona di Orio has better fragrances out there.

A  golden balmy amber that reminds me the great Costume National Scent Intense, but with a more stressed womanly trait, a more restrained animal dirtiness, the exotic sophistication from ylang-ylang, spices and tonka beans and just a minimal touch of incensey smoke and leather. The ylang-ylang is an olfactory star in Mona di Orio Ambre being itself more spicy-floral than laundry-soapy. While in Scent Intense i detect the masculine  crispiness from the hibiscus tea and the darkness coming from the animal notes, the cisteine, smoke and syrupy patchouli in this fragrance i smell a dense, vanillic and exotic floral amber whose the dirtiness is moderated while the floral luxuriousness, the golden oriental influence from the balsams and the creaminess are more pronounced. The dry down is an oriental cloud of powder which features powdery woods, balsams and floral nuances. Uncompromissingly feminine to me. Another homage from the sadly departed Mona di Orio to the women all over the world.

After my run in with Cuir, I appoached with caution . However, silly me- there is nothnig to be afraid of and everything to embrace. On top is cedar - lightly fresh wood- giving way to blended notes of vanilla, tolu ,benzoin and a touch of ylang . Spiced earth and drama concoction ,unisex and darkly sweet. Smooth , some powder. Not over the top - just right. Lovely amber.