Our take
What does Patchouli Intense smell like?
Molinard is one of the oldest houses in Grasse, best known for Habanita. Patchouli Intense belongs to its Les Prestiges collection. The formula sold today dates from 2015, and the perfumer isn't named. The opening is surprisingly soft: a sugary praline brightened by neroli and jasmine. Patchouli arrives next with cashmeran and tonka bean. It loses its damp cellar side and turns almost chocolatey. The base picks it up again in a drier register, with sandalwood and a white musk that cleans everything up. This is modern patchouli, softened and made friendly. Fans of raw, camphorous patchouli will feel short-changed. Compared with Mugler's Angel, which also pairs patchouli with sweets, Patchouli Intense is lighter and much less sugary. The brand lists it as unisex, and it genuinely works on anyone. It comes as a 75 ml spray and a small roll-on.
When to wear it
A between-seasons patchouli that works fine at the office. On dry skin it does better sprayed on clothes.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Woody family. Patchouli Intense is one of 8 creations by Molinard in our encyclopedia.
