I have a true gourmand’s dream here to review today. I’m talking about the mouthwatering, chewy, and bakery-like fragrance that is Salt Caramel by Shay & Blue, released in 2014. I didn’t get it long ago, but only have a little left in my 30 ml bottle. It’s delish, and smells pretty much exactly like its name. For you, that might mean into salted caramel chews, Werther’s original toffee, caramel popcorn, or caramel syrup atop something bready. Here are the notes:
- caramel, sea salt, sandalwood, tonka bean
That is a short list, which makes sense (not sent s) because it is a simple concoction, after all. Nonetheless, I feel there may be more to it. I detect some underlying spices, possibly cinnamon, nutmeg, and even a pinch of cloves. And there is a rather bread-like bakery base to this perfume. It’s very warm, very sweet, very buttery, very comforting, very linear, and very literal. As such, it’s more of a scent that I personally wear just for myself and at home – maybe when I’m cutting calories and still want to indulge my senses.
However, much as I love gourmand fragrances, I don’t particularly fancy venturing out into public smelling literally like someone who has bathed in buttered popcorn and drips caramel sauce from her person at every step. Also, this is probably nauseating in the heat. Yes, I’d say avoid this in the heat as it will be polarizing for some. Thankfully, it’s more of a skin scent with moderate longevity, so you won’t be sickly for long if your stomach does pinch a little. In general, though, those who do get close to you will very likely be delighted. They might want to lick you, however, so be careful. Unless of course, you want to be devoured.
Some people have compared this to Jeux de Peau by Serge Lutens. Jeux de Peau is breadier, spicier, fruitier, and less salty – and not as gourmand, I think, and overall a more perfume-like perfume. I wish I could find that one. Salt Caramel is an edible treat in a bottle; it’s photorealistic. Others have mentioned Cheirosa ’71 by Sol de Janeiro, and though I’ve reviewed Sol de Janeiro’s first fragrance, I’ve not tried Cheirosa ’71. I can only imagine that is might be similar, but also lighter and more tropical.
Shay and Blue is a “clean” and “all gender” fragrance house from London that was founded in 2012 by Mr. Dom De Vetta.Their relatively affordable fragrances come in 100 ml, 30 ml, and 10 ml sizes. Their packaging is lovely – very neat and tidy in a Jo Malone sort of way. Julie Massé is the nose behind the entire line, which currently consists of well over 30 fragrances although not all of them might be still available. I have heard good things about their blood orange fragrance, which I’d love to get my nose on.
As for this one, if you just want to smell delicious and edible and love all things caramel, I’d say this is a go!