Perfume Review: Armani Prive Cuir Amethyste

Cuir Améthyste is the newest addition to the Armani Privé collection of fragrances, which also includes Ambre Soie, Bois d’Encens, Eau de Jade and Pierre de Lune. It is a warm, velvety blend that smells somewhat like a cross between Bois de Violette and Daim Blond, only more understated, less distinct, and less interesting than either. After the initial sumptuous and spicy accord of coriander and citrus subsides, the fragrance does not undergo much development on my skin. The predominant note is violet, accompanied by soft, sweet woods and amber, with a discreet (much too discreet for my taste) hint of suede. I realize that this is going to be one of my shortest reviews yet, but I find myself unable to find much more to comment on. If the leather note here were more prominent and the “silver birch” note more distinct, if there were less vanilla, this fragrance might have had more character, more life in it. As it is, Cuir Améthyste is a fairly sweet, rather powdery scent, which stays close to the skin, is smooth, well blended and tasteful. It also lacks any sort of “oomph”, does not have much depth, and, although pleasant and elegant, is rather boring. If someone was kind enough to give it to me as I gift, I would have undoubtedly worn it with pleasure. I will not however be buying Cuir Améthyste myself. According to Bois de Jasmin, Cuir Améthyste will be released in the US in April-May. I assume it would cost $185.00 for 50ml like the rest of Armani Privé scents. *The image is from Osmoz.com.