Review of Cacao Porcelana by Olga Steinfeld

I would genuinely love to love this fragrance, because it has such a touching story behind it. Véronique Le Bihan drew inspiration from childhood memories: baking chocolate cakes with her grandparents, the smell of her grandfather’s cigarettes, and her grandmother’s patchouli perfumes. And when I test this fragrance on a blotter or smell it on people I know, it really does smell cozy, warm and powdery, with notes of chocolate or cocoa and a slight bitterness of tobacco. But on my skin (which is cold and dry), it becomes damp and earthy, and smells like "warm manure"... I have tested it at different times of the year and in different weather conditions, but the effect is always the same. At the same time, I have never had any problems with indolic notes, so I still haven’t figured out which particular note creates this effect. Meanwhile, the tobacco becomes far too bitter and overpowering on my skin, especially in cold weather. Unfortunately, this fragrance is not for me. 😔 So if you also have cold skin, approach this fragrance with caution and make sure to test it several times before buying. It is charming, but it is not for everyone.