Perfume Review: Estee Lauder Youth Dew Amber Nude

The description of Youth Dew Amber Nude (“warm, sensual, intimate”) sounded like music to my ears. The notes (magnolia, ginger, tea, grapefruit, bare skin accord, black rose, red carnations, jasmine, ylang ylang, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, dark chocolate and amber) whispered in my ear promises of a beautiful friendship. Imagine my disappointment when, instead of being enveloped by a balmy, sweet, rich fragrance, comforting like the softest cashmere wrap, I was coldly greeted by a rather dry, harsh scent with an unpleasant, rubbery note in the drydown. However, so high were my expectations that I refused to believe that Youth Dew Amber Nude and I were not to be. I decided it was only a skin chemistry mishap and tried again. And I was right, it must have been a skin chemistry mishap. From then on, Youth Dew Amber Nude worked like a charm and is now a proud member on the list of my comfort scents. It starts on my skin with the scent of amber and apples (perhaps this is the combination of magnolia and ginger, who knows…), not unlike a lighter, less sweet version of Ambre Narguile. Youth Dew Amber Nude has the same, albeit much drier, honeyed and smoky feel that I adore in my favorite Hermessence. Although leather is not among the list of notes, I definitely smell a leathery accord, it adds elegance and, when joined by carnation, exquisite spiciness. Amber, leather and carnation are the three notes most prominent to my nose; rose, patchouli and chocolate are a no-show. When sandalwood comes into play in the drydown, Youth Dew Amber Nude becomes that cashmere-wrap scent I wanted it to be. It manages to be warm and dry at the same time, it stays rather close to the skin, but is nevertheless sensual and comforting. As far as I am concerned, Youth Dew Amber Nude is a great success on Tom Ford’s part and I am very curious to see what else he will come up with fragrance-wise for the good old Estee Lauder. Youth Dew Amber Nude is available at Nordsrom, $65.00 for 2.5oz.