Dazzling Gold by Estee Lauder

Apple, Rosewood, Passionflower, Fig, Red Berries, Raspberries, Cassia.
Muguet, Freesia, Rose, Jasmine, Orchid, White Lilly, Exotic Flowers.
Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, Exotic Wood, Vanilla, Litchi.

There sure is an army of notes in this brew from the house of Lauder, circa 1998. By glancing at the list of notes alone, this looks like a garden variety, fruity floral. Dazzling Gold turns out to be a fruity floriental that elevates itself over the mundane. This isn't spectacular by any means, but it does manage to lean innocuous while maintaining a well done quality. Let's just say this is good, non offensive and a rather enjoyable wear. That's more to the point.

Dazzling Gold opens with an array of aroma. It's substantial and transparent at the same time. There's floral and fruit tones accented by a mild, spicy quality. There's also a greenish wood aspect to the opening accord that gives Dazzling Gold dimension. The more I try and analyze this, the more interesting I find it.

This is one of those overlooked releases that was probably dismissed as " another fruity floral from the house of Lauder". I say that because this is an above average scent and the little I've heard about it sounds contrived. The heart accord is lively, feminine, lucid and long lasting. Floral accords in more expensive perfumes should smell this good. The drydown was another pleasant surprise consisting of subtle woods, ambery musk, vanilla and earth tones. All in all, Dazzling Gold is a nice wear with acceptable sillage and 5 hour longevity on my skin. Thumbs up from Aromi for Lauder's fruity floriental and as always, a sample wear is recommended before purchase.

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