BYREDO GYPSY WATER & MIXED EMOTIONS

Bergamot, Juniper Berries, Lemon, Pepper

Incense, Orris, Pine Needle

Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla

Gypsy Water is an ode to the beauty of Romani culture, its unique customs, intimate beliefs, and distinguished way of living. The scent wakens a dream of a colorful lifestyle made of innate nomadism. Woody notes of pine needle and sandalwood associated with intense amber and fresh citrus evoke the fever of gypsy nights spent in the forest. 

A brief lemony opening that's difficult to appreciate and get to know because of how quickly it dissipates. Creamy, warm, vanilla, light pine, light sandalwood, outdoorsy/earthy, smokey, and slightly oriental. The vanilla stands out the most. The vanilla is shrouded in a thin veil of smoke from burning incense or the campfire. (Reminiscent of how New York smelled when the Canadian wildfire smog covered the city.)

Those that enjoy vanilla fragrances might enjoy this fragrance. Those who find Jazz Club by Margiela too aggressive and want something lighter might also like this. 

Despite its warm vanilla and smokey woods, it's not heavy. There is a fun, lifted quality. Definitely evocative of nights out in the forest that aren't too cold or stiflingly hot. 

Imagine being wrapped in a thin blanket with your loved one near the fire. Drinking tea made from fallen pine needles while gazing at the stars. Telling stories about the past and feeling cathartic after expressing your honest thoughts and feelings. Learning and understanding your partner's vulnerabilities. 

Unisex. Lovely, comforting fragrance for year-round, but best suited for Autumn and Spring evenings. Weak/intimate sillage. On the one hand, the sillage works for the narrative I've/the brand created. But on the other hand, you want a little more for how much you're shelling out. Because it's already so soft and intimate when you apply, the longevity also isn't great. 

The ephemeral nights in the forest. Quite romantic and vulnerable.

Blackcurrant, Mate

Violet Leaves, Ceylon Black Tea

Birch Woods, Papyrus

Mixed Emotions, an epicene scent designed to reflect the tumultuous nature of our times.

Drawing on the Byredo philosophy of translating fragmented memories and abstract ideas into scent, Mixed Emotions presents an olfactive sketch of our current, collective state of mind. Comforting notes of maté and the sharp sweetness of cassis sit within a wooden framework; the reassuring scent of black tea disturbed by violet leaf synthetics.

It's almost there, but not quite. Love the mix of refreshing tea and sweet berries. However, the smokey and medicinal quality reminiscent of Trumpet Brand Seirogan Herbal Dietary Supplements (it helps with bowel movements) is off-putting. At first, I thought this quality came from the Birch and Papyrus base; I didn't attribute it to violet leaves. 

After a while, the dietary supplement wears off, and a papyrus/papery smell expresses itself with the berry tea.

Byredo achieves its goal of capturing the "tumultuous nature of our times." I've grown to appreciate Byredo more for its story-telling and artistry. While this isn't a fragrance I would wear, its artistic message is commendable. 

This fragrance doesn't conjure the same beautiful and poetic imagery as Gypsy Water.

You're having high tea (on a budget) with friends. There is milk tea, scones with currant jam and clotted cream, and finger sandwiches with savory fillings. Sadly, either the milk has gone rancid, or you're lactose intolerant (choose your own adventure.) You're trying to have a fun day after a long week of work, and this is how you end up...  

"This is why I stay home. Why didn't I stay home?"

Sure, it's nice to meet up and reconnect with friends, but do I need to clench my buttcheek all the way home on the subway? 

By the way, this whole scenario is made up; this never happened to me. I just have an overactive imagination and a potty sense of humor. 

It's advertised as unisex, but its sweetness leans slightly more feminine. That's just my [wrong] opinion. The longevity seems better than Gypsy Water but with comparable awful sillage. 

Byredo Ranked (from what I've tried):

1. ROSE OF NO MAN'S LAND, which I have been considering purchasing.
2. BAL D'AFRIQUE, sweeter than expected.
3. GYPSY WATER
4. MIXED EMOTIONS
5. BLANCHE, too clean and aldehydic
6. BIBLIOTHÈQUE and FLOWERHEAD tied for last place. The former is too gourmand and artificial. The latter is an aggressive and oppressive white floral. Authoritarian White Floral Regime.