The Confidential line is a wonderful collection and is, as I've said a few times on here recently, underrated and a bit slept-on by the community. This is a shame in some ways, but also good for the likes of me because I have a few of them and I really enjoy them. Nightfall Patchouli is arguably my favourite, or certainly one of them. It isn't a huge, spicy statement maker in the way Stallion Leather, Sandal Ruby and Saffron Lazuli are, but is equally fine and equally lovely. The opening is labdanum and patchouli right from the off. It sets its stall out early, as befitting its name. It is quite a bright opening but darkens as it dries down which is where the name is derived from. The cinnamon and benzoin make things very tender against the iris and the ever-present patchouli. It is a fairly linear drydown which retains the same profile, but just gets darker and spicier as the florals and the rather short-lived bergamot accords die down. What you're left with is a sweet, rich and extremely attractive scent that takes about four hours to settle into the skin. It isnt a huge performer, but I actually don't mind that. The nice thing is that when it settles into the skin it does stay there for a long time. This quiet confidence screams date night fragrance to me. There is no bitterness to the patchouli and the accord is in its really alluring, quite regal style and not the medicinal, herby type we see sometimes. This scent typifies the term "unisex" and does not lean one way or another. Ive layered it in the past with Lord Of Misrule by Lush to add some more greeny texture to Nightfall Patchouli and it does work nicely, if you want it a bit fresher. You can layer it over Oud Wood by Tom Ford as well to darken things down a little if you need it. Honestly though I think it doesn't need it most of the time. I love how the patchouli sticks with the fragrance across the opening and drydown and into the skin scent phase but is never very powerful. This isn't a dominating powerhouse in the way others in this line are, but it is extremely attractive. As with so many things in modern perfumery, not everything is about power and performance and this is a wonderful example of that view. For me, wearability and profile are more important and that is why I love this fragrance. I don't agree with the idea of a signature scent but if I had one, this would be on a short list. It goes without saying that this would be a superlative office wearer but it does flourish in casual situations too in a way the others in this line do not always manage. I think Nightfall Patchouli is about as wearable as a high end fragrance gets. It is so unisex, so attractive, so rich and refined but also universal. Anyone can wear this, at any point, for any occasion and would always very much enjoy it. I'd even suggest the patchouli note here is subtle and sweet enough to appeal to those who do not like patchouli, whilst somehow managing to stay alluring for those that do. I am not sure Carolina Herrera set out to develop this fragrance as a universal crowd please par excellence, but that is what they have produced. I find myself wishing it was a bit stronger, but again, I think I can see why it isnt. Carrying a decant of this top up at lunchtime is not great hardship in my opinion. Three word summary: All Round Appeal Scent - 9/10 Drydown - 9/10 Sillage - 7/10 Bottle/packaging - 10/10 Performance - 5/10 40/50
