Sisley Soir de Lune

RRP: from £48 for 30ml at www.forget-flowers.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--
"Exploding into an array of scents, Soir de Lune provokes you to indulge in midnight love & fantasy. It's delicately encased in a luxurious round vessel that glows so lustrously it reminds you of the magnificent full moon on a romantic starlit night. The crowing glory is a sculpture that represents a passionate kiss."

--Packaging--
The bottle is inspirational and original, encapsulating the modernity of scribbled handwriting with a more classical moon and sun stopper. A beautiful bottle that would look great on any dressing table. The little box my sample came in is also lovely, with pink and gold glittery dots decorating a white background.

--Application--
Spritz around your pulse points (wrists, behind ears) for a subtle impact.

--Scent--
Containing rose, chypre, and patchouli, this sounds inviting from the start. However, unless I'm missing something, it was a huge disappointment. It was cloying and thick, not subtle and light as I'd hoped. It was extremely difficult, if not impossible, to pick out the ingredients used individually, and the overall result was almost suffocating. It also seemed to have little or no development - normally fragrances change harmoniously over the course of a wear, having distinct base, heart, and end notes, but this remained impregnable and 'old'-smelling - completely unsuited, in my view, to younger wearers, despite the innovative and appealing bottle design.

--Longevity--
It has this in its favour, lasting very well on the skin (bit of a shame when you can't wait to take it off though).

--Value for money--
The older generation may find this reasonable, but for the younger and more cash-strapped, there are better, more age-appropriate fragrances out there that are also a little kinder to your bank balance (think Jeanne by Lanvin for the more feminine among you and Jean-Paul Gaultier's Madame for those after something a little funkier).

perfect partner
Sisley Soir de Lune Body Cream, £57