First Impression(s)-Invasion Barbare

I'm not sure there is a demand for first impressions of Invasion Barbare, since it's a pretty hyped, and equally expensive fragrance. Nonetheless, I offer you my first impressions. I've sprayed this on about 30 minutes ago and let it settle (I added my 12mL sample to an atomizer), so this is very initial impressions:

Upon application (if I may steal from Dollars&Scents), the first thing I get is a tea note, which is not listed in the note breakdown. I think it may be the cardamom, but it is not a "kitchen spice" smell like some often identify with cardamom. It is backed by some sparking citrus, mostly bergamot (lemony) with some grapefruit that I only barely smell when thinking about it hard, so I don't think you would smell it idlely.

Some florals open up pretty quickly, which consists of mainly lavender that is very prominent, but also soft enough to interplay well with the citrus/cardamom combo. I get a little bit of ginger in there, which adds a nice depth and compliment to the citrus especially.

That's all I can detect immediately. Naturally the fragrance will develop over time and perhaps I'll get some of the vanilla in the dry down.
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As for initial impressions, I really like it so far. It's sophisticated in a way I've never smelled (being relatively new to the hobby), and the lavender blends so perfectly with the citrus notes on the top, which offers a very unique take on classic perfumery. I think the cardamom will take some time to understand, since it is a little strange to smell on skin, but it's not really a bad thing.

It's going to take some time to truly appreciate, and I'm not one to jump to any conclusions, so you're not going to read anything like "this is definitely full bottle worthy" or "this is a masterpiece" outside of those two instances. So far though, it's giving off a great first impression.

What do you think of Invasion Barbare?

I don't think it is unique as in never done before, I think it is a unique take on something so simple and old (I had that in the initial review, but cut it out since it sounded awkward..I'll add it back by saying "classic perfumery"). And, regardless of whether it isn't actually tea, it still smells like it. I've smelled pure bergamot, and it doesn't smell like tea to my nose.

Lol. I actually already have 24mL of it to go through first, so probably not a month :P. Still, it is getting better and better the more it settles down. The lavender quiets down a bit which is interesting.

The way to go is to get the sample pack. The $112 you spend gets you 24ml of invasion and 3 more 12ml samples, and it is completely refunded when you purchase a bottle. So, effectively, you get 120 ml of fragrance for the $250 price tag of a non bust bottle.

No worries. It seems a lot of people don't know, and Claude (the owner of the company) is a really nice guy and deals with everything personally, and will make special requests or suggestions if you want them.

I think by its nature, IB is one of those scents that reminds you of many things, but clearly resembles none of them. It's got that old school fougre thing going on, but for me it's not an exact replica of anything. And, in my mind, the quality is simply unmatched. Hype or no hype, it's worth everyone checking out at least once.