Question:
I just received my big sample order of Ava Luxe and Madini perfumes. So far, these are just plain awesome. I'll give my extended reviews on each as I wear them. Every day I'll wear one (or two) of them and give my impressions. I'm starting with Ava Luxe, and I might do reviews of the Madini oils as well.
What I got from Ava Luxe:
Fig Wood
Kretek
Oude
Kashmir Spice
Cafe Noir
Tokion
Black Tea
Opoponax
Nag Champa
Incense Rose
Fire Wood
I feel like a kid in a candy store.

Answer:
I can't wait. I have been thinking of ordering samples as well. Let us know what happens.

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Such good names too. I want to try Kretek and Tokion because they're such un-perfume names. I'm also attracted to Fire Wood because it's Fire Wood and not firewood.
Glad you'll be telling us about the tests, Maxwell.
--Chris

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Madini? I don't know Madini, tell me more!

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Please do tell us!
I specially want to know about Kretek,Kashmir Spice,Tokion and Nag Champa!

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Ava Luxe Fig Wood:
The notes are cardamom, coriander, ripe fig, Mexican lime, sandalwood, Himalayan cedarwood (interesting note, slightly different from Atlas cedar), and Bulgarian tobacco.
The top notes are a beautiful smokey, mildly spicey and sweet fig accord, followed by a rush of cedar about a half an hour later on my skin. It wasn't too much like a hampster cage, because the other notes smoothed it out nicely, and within an hour of application the cedar spirited away into the other notes and wasn't prominent. The tobacco is noticeable throughout the drydown, but it's done in such a tasteful way. I love tobacco when it's done right, and it's done right here.
At first I thought this wasn't going to have longevity because the main notes started to recede quickly. But the sillage surprised me, and the scent is very different at a distance, compared to sniffing my wrist. Even hours after application I'm still getting fragrant whiffs of it. Just don't expect the perfume to retain the same character throughout; this loses the fig sweetness and boils down to a smooth, comforting and somewhat smokey base. It would have been nice if it could retain it's original character a little bit longer.
Tomorrow: Kashmir Spice!

Answer:
Quote: Originally Posted by Joe_Frances Madini? I don't know Madini, tell me more! IAs far as I know Madini is a Marrocan firm who sell oil based perfumes, and I have heard that their Sandalwood is out of this world !

Answer:
Quote: Originally Posted by david IAs far as I know Madini is a Marrocan firm who sell oil based perfumes, and I have heard that their Sandalwood is out of this world ! http://madini.com/
Haven't ordered but they're not expensive and many members swear by them. Try a forum search.

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Wow, you really are taking the Ava Luxe week (starting next week) pretty seriously, aren't you? Great - hoping more of you guys/gals will be participating. Check out their website and order samples (they're only like $2 each) and you can get them Priority Shipped to get here by next weekend.
I tried Fig Wood, and I liked the Fig Note but at the drydown I got a surprising (and annoying) cold cream note that I didn't like.
If anyone is gonna order samples you gotta try Absinthe. Alien green color, strong gulf blasts of eucalyptus/menthol and really strong spearmint. I have smelled NOTHING like this in my life. And, as one BN suggested, I plan on trying this out on a hot summer day - should be the olfactory experience of having an Altoid and then swallowing a glass of cold water (!)

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Mikeperez23: Well, I figure if I'm going to order a box full of samples I might as well have fun with it and pass some info around.
KASHMIR SPICE: This smells very nice. But like a very nice holiday potpourri. Or a spice sachet, only with a little more oomph and a hint of powder. Lots of cinnamon.
I like it, but it's too remniscent of those familiar holiday smells to really wear. I'd wear it around the holidays for the novelty, probably at party or a family get together.
Longevity and sillage are good.
PALISANDER: (Ava Luxe included a free sample of this (and a few others) in my box, which I didn't notice before. Very generous!)
Rosewood is the main note here, along with Japanese Hiba wood (which I'm not familiar with. The rosewood overpowers a little a first, but quickly subdues. The drydown is musky, smokey incense with amber, and while nice, I'm not sure about it's longevity. This one goes through a lot of changes before settling.
NAG CHAMPA: This one is delicious. Just like high quality nag champa incense, but with an ambery base. Smokey, long-lasting, and nice sillage; this is a winner.