Description
Scent is a subtle mix of charm and discretion, created by the translucent white mother-of-pearl hibiscus flower, expresses the strong and absolute femininity. It is announced as the fragrance of an elegant, determined and self-confident woman willing to highlight her presence with a radiant and unique olfactory trail.
“Peculiar and structured, Scent Eau de Parfum is a harmony of mother-of-pearl hibiscus flower, jasmine and amber. Light and fresh in the top notes, it gradually evolves into a rich and radiant elixir of mother-of-pearl hibiscus, enchanting for its elegance. It is the fragrance of a woman who appreciates woody and dry notes and still looks for a sophisticated and extremely feminine olfactory trail.”
The bottle is Ennio Capasa’s sculpture reproduced in glass. The box is pearly beige, cracked by the unmistakable black strip.
Available as a 30, 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum.
Scent was launched in 2002. The nose behind this fragrance is Laurent Bruyere.
Germans – :
Strip Scent Intense from its dirtiness/aggressiveness and you are left with the basic Scent DNA. Calm, Soothing, Peaceful, Classy, Floral, Warm, Refreshing are words that come to mind. Versatile, sensual and androgynous as hell, this could easily become signature scent. Big Love
coffevarka – :
So are Costume National being ironic, or nihilistic, or are they just playing bossy by giving this scent the name Scent?
Honestly i don’t care. Both scents – this and the intense one – are hilariously amazing. This Scent is more floral and lighter, but it does not mean it’s not as good.
The amber is warm and welcoming, but it is the jasmine that gives it the decadent aura of dirt that i just can’t resist. Perverse and animalic in a floral way with a quality sandalwood base.
Yep, this is how a Scent should scent.
*****
Jarkoza – :
ottima sintesi, molto astratta come il nome, di note floreali e ambra. e infatti il gelsomino e l’ibiscus non sono distinguibili, tantomeno il tè, ma nel loro insieme danno una connotazione fresca al fondo ambrato, che non sprofonda mai in sensazioni resinose ma rimane leggero e gradevole. si tratta di un profumo assolutamente minimale, quasi chimico, tanto che ricorda l’odore di alcoli altobollenti, ma che restituisce una freschezza verde, come di cocktail ghiacciato. somiglia molto alla versione intense (che io preferisco, perchè è più nera, gotica) ma qui predomina l’aspetto luminoso. ottimo.
elcid – :
Hmm…I get lots of pepper in the opening of this one! So much so that it reminds me of L’Artisan Parfumeur’s pepper scent Poivre Piquant! Certainly it’s more floral, and fruit-sweet rather than honey-sweet as in the case of the L’Artisan, but the pepper is really pronounced. I’ve had a cold recently so I know my sense of smell hasn’t been quite up to scratch but I could have sworn there was honest-to-goodness black or white pepper (none of this polite pink pepper stuff) in the top notes. Perhaps that’s the ‘pencil shavings’ note some reviewers have mentioned?
I like the scent – the floral notes are well-balanced, the dry wood is perfect for a crisp fall day, and I’m enjoying the somewhat sharp amber that emerges during the drydown, but if I’m going to be smelling pepper (real or not), I’d probably rather go for the milky, licorice version of Poivre Piquant.
LOLO66 – :
I’ve been sitting with Scent for several hours now, getting to know it’s idiosyncrasies. I find it quite light for a woody Oriental; it’s got to be the hibiscus/tea accord that brightens it up. This is not a heavy amber, though it’s soft and comforting and blooms the longer it’s on the skin. If it’s subtlety you’re looking for in an amber, this is it. Make no mistake, this is no understated scent. There is something reminiscent of CK Euphoria – I just can’t put my finger on it. The wood is dry and clean and I’m just not going to go there with the pencil-shavings analogy. It leans feminine in the beginning but absolutely can be worn by all!
boots456 – :
Gorgeous! nothing else can best describe this beauty,calming and soothing with white florals and amber ( I do detect a lil musk), tea adds an additional sensual effect to this already adorable composition.
Absolutely compelling and irresistible. I will sure love if my partner wears this.
fesfen – :
Very soft and linear fragrance. Not very feminine but rather on the feminine side. On me the amber is very present mixed with a beautiful combination of jasmine and tea. However, the hibiscus is there to give a little sweet touch to this perfume. Soft but good longevity.
Reshad – :
My oh my is this a sweet floral! Not as sweet as it’s ‘Intense’ version but pretty damn sweet.
The automatic response this triggers is feminine just because it’s so sweet and floaty but rest assured I would wear it no problem.
The jasmine is stunning and mixed with exotic, fruity notes of hibiscus. The Tea is minimal giving a slightly dry but lovely quality and a really light amber base. for me this fragrance is all about the beautiful wafting floral top notes. This one has more of the tea and ‘pencil shavings’ quality than the Intense version which is more of the top note but turbo charged!
I like this a lot…I would wear it as I mentioned but I would prefer it on a woman…I’d be pretty smitten with her too!
homa87 – :
Received a sample of this tucked into a shipment from Nordstrom yesterday. Clever of them!! I’m wearing Scent right now, and it’s filling this room with an ambery floral fragrance that is heavenly. Guess where I’m going to order this perfume? Lovely scent–can’t comment on the longevity yet, but I’m guessing it’s going to get better as my day progresses…
vac827Bessinepome – :
Jasmine and tea are the main notes. Close to Yang for men. Both having great sillage but this projects better. Also aamber but not in the traditional way. It’s more balanced and refined. Not cloying and never gets too sweet. Can be worn year round by gents and ladies.
SPILLERHIM – :
I like the pencil shavings note, and it’s definitely present in Scent.
On my skin this fragrance is predominately a sweet amber with some nuances of smoked tea, a soft jasmine and yes, pencil shavings.
I enjoy it and find it a very easy fragrance to wear, though hard to pin down. It’s not really sexy, but it’s not really casual. It seems to work at all times of day, and though one might assume it’s more of a fall/winter scent, I actually really like it in warm weather.
ANICK_B – :
The opening is a musky jasmine, like a a very humid summer night on a garden.
The it settles but the floral stays, then amber steps forward and overshadows all the notes.
Then it remains calm, like the glow of a fire that is about to die.
It’s a nice, elegant fragrance.
I think this is a unisex fragrance but a little more on the feminine side (at least the first 10-15 minutes).
Do I like it? Yes.
Would I buy a bottle? Probably not.
Ed_50 – :
Exactly the same feeling than Explorer01. Bleh… I expected a beautiful smell, cause I heard so good things about Costume National… But this one… No. Just… No.
gabenja – :
I appreciate CN’s Scent perfume after the head note evaporates. The remainder of the formula spurs positive reactions as amber skin fragrance. For a guy, as with other uni fragrances, the floral head note of Scent causes a small liability.
After I received CN Scent by blind, online purchase for little money, maybe a tea note caused me to curiously associate crayon or pencil. …a plus in my book.
I capitalize on the value of Scent perfume by by applying at morning. When I leave the house by noon, a little of the hibiscus remains. Then CN’s Scent of amber gives a warm and positive aura for the rest of the day.
Meyzu379bedyWelty – :
I get iris root, lavender, and spice, particularly anise. Rather rich on me. I do get the pencil shavings, but it is subtle.
steven55555 – :
I needed time to understand thin perfume. My boyfriend used to wear it and I didn’t really like it. Then, he put it on without telling me and I fell in love with it. Smells great on a man. It is really ambery and woody (almost spicy) on him and not too floral. It’s heady at the beginning, but it becomes warm and round.
kinole – :
Doesn’t appeal to me, just tried a sample – tester. Smells to me like a liquid medicine. Not for me. Similarities to pencil shavings is quite a good description to me as previously said.
палартура – :
i like it,it is a little masculen maybe a bit aftershave style,but if you like strong and unique amber notes you must have.tea and hibiscus softens the burned notes and gives elegance feeling.sillage is perfect and very longlasting.
aristarhlavrov – :
Smells very much like Prada Prada –but better!
loq306JeomiWogkig – :
A sexy warm stranger. Fantastic.
krash1999 – :
a very strong, long lasting scent. its really great an if you spray it on your clothes it lasts for days. very well done and not such a lollypop barbie fragrance. probably not for teens but for confindent women. great!
michael_14 – :
I can’t tell which of the 4 notes listed here for Costume National Scent is opening this so-called Oriental Woody. This is a strange one- not complex enough to really qualify as an oriental IMO and too loud to be called a light scent. I get no tea or pencil shavings either. Others have described “strange opening notes”,and I agree. Plus on my skin I get a screaming “plastic container” topnote. After about 20 minutes it calmed down enough to sniff the synthetic amber and it becomes more wearable, but not more desirable. Maybe this was something special in 2002 when it was released but as I sample this, I think there’s so many better scents in the price range. Definately unisex, for what it’s worth.
koliqn123 – :
i got this at a discount store, it was cheap so i bought it! after trying it at home, I LOVE IT! i think it smells special, love the drydown, jasmine and hibiscus note. and besides, you won’t find too many people sharing the same fragrance as yours! it’s unisex, but actually more of the feminine side i must say. well, as a guy, i don’t have to be too hard on having to be too masculine, it’s playful, it’s fun, just smile and enjoy the SCENT. LOVE IT!
-Mr. Almond-
raxekeethag – :
Scent is a basic name, and basic is what this composition is. However, despite its simplicity, it’s pretty, interesting and likable. Scent is a fragrance that could easily appeal to anyone.
I find it a toned down, more floral version of Agent Provocateur’s Strip. The jasmine and frangipani blooms are soft and slightly creamy, which are further complimented by rich notes of tea and amber. There’s perhaps other spices also in this blend.
It has a beautiful sensuality, one that is almost unisex. I’d actually like to smell this on a man. There’s a rich, ambery woodsiness about Scent which hints at masculinity. While Costume National Homme is the most masculine offering from the brand, I wouldn’t dismiss Scent altogether as a fragrance for men also.
The opening of tea, jasmine and frangipani was quite aromatic to my nose. It had a lovely, soothing quality which I really enjoyed. As the fragrance progresses, the amber note becomes more prominent, before settling into a rich, ambery and powdery incense accord.
It’s that smouldering sexiness which is conveyed through Scent that has gained this fragrance its fans. The longevity and the moderate to strong sillage has also won hearts. Scent may not be a modern classic and it may not be all that memorable, however this is one fragrance that manages to be quite captivating and a great success for the Costume National brand.
turqillaman – :
Another one that I gave to my husband and smells divine on him. I am so jealous about how beautifully dry this sits on his skin while the amber turns quite sweet on me.
Gorgeous fragrance though… I just have to appreciate it from a distance (sigh).
P.S. Am I the only one that finds a resemblance to CK’s Euphoria?
Fredor – :
I know what you mean with the pencil shavings…it has something of that in the top note and I also understand because of the top note why others call “scent” a bit dirty. By the way I kind of like this pencil shaving smell but it might not be for everyone.
The dry down takes a little while and while it continues “scent” becomes softer and softer, more warm and clean woody and slightly floral. Now scent reveals its heart’s and drydown’s beauty. I really love the nice mix of a hint of jasmine, a teaspoon of black tea and woods. In the base it gets also a bit sweeter which I like. It’s definitely not a sweet frag anyway, it’s rather dry. It reminds me of new wooden natural furniture (or nicely polished antiques) and an english summer garden.
This weirdly beautiful, slightly spicy, a bit contrary mixture makes it a very edgy and modern scent for casual and a bit hip, fast forward dressed women who would also wear Comme des Garcons scents. This is definitely not for girly girls, it’s somehow feminine but it’s not this pinkish in your face feminity. “Scent” is more for sophisticated modern women and tomboys.
PruskasEProck – :
Scent is essentailly a tropical infused tea scent sitting on a dirty amber base. It is awesome.
It begins with a fruity hibiscus/jasmine and delicious brusque loose leaf black tea and yes, it does have that pencil shaving-esque tone to it, this comes from a rather musty woods note (not listed).
The amber which comes out in the drydown is of the dirty, smeared ‘skid-mark’ kind, not the softly polished rounded ‘pearl’ type found in Prada EDP for example.
My husband, upon being accosted with Scent, said is smells just like aftershave. I interpreted this to mean he was volunteering himself for a unisex Scent experiment.
Results? It smells the same on his skin as mine although he is convinced it is butch and unsuitable for feminine wear. Ha! Little does he know…
jou – :
How can a scent feel so potent yet so gentle at the same time?
Like a beautiful woman practicing taichi with a sword – it seems effortless but nonetheless very powerful. For me, the beauty and gentle strength of Scent makes it a pleasure to wear.
I smell incense and faint flowers throughout. While dry woods seems to dominate at the opening this settles down balanced by notes of light tea and a drop of softening amber. On my skin it all has a light almost sparkly sillage, and very good longetivity without ever feeling heavy. Notes here might not be extraordinary, but I find the blend unique and difficult to describe by comparing with others.
A favourite of mine.
chiker1989 – :
I like it in a bottle,but on me it smells like…iiuuuu…..sweat =(
shekol – :
The last fragrance that threw me off my feet and made my love a very lasting and hardcore one was cdg-8 88.
this one is another one of those fragrances that you might love or hate: me defenitely love!
it is sensual, somewhat flowery/sweet, somewhat spicy/woody and it drives me crazy – it’s something i love to smell and i know the smell, but can’t place it… not only I but boyfriend and friends altogether stuck to my neck and hair when i wear it 😉
a keeper.
edit:12/17
I wear it often now that I was able to snag a bottle 😉
And defenite possibility of unisex! A friend of mine puts it on regularly when visiting, and it suits him well too!
ZooM – :
Hmmm, this one has surprised me. Not necessarily in a good way, but not exactly bad either. I’ve heard all these reviews about perfumes smelling like “pencil shavings”, but not until now have I experienced it for myself!
Strange opening notes I couldn’t decipher, and then this settled down into a unique woody scent of…yes, that’s right, pencil shavings. It made me feel like I was in shop class! I missed the jasmine entirely. Here and then I kept thinking I might have detected a tea note, but it was gone before it even really registered.
If I could detect the amber and jasmine, I think this might be really interesting…alas, ’tis a bit boring to my nose.
CagoRackCah – :
Oh, i Love Scent. It’s a very distinctive ambery floral (jasmine) bright and heady, but with a nice subtle radiance. Lovely Scent