By Kilian- Sweet Redemption

Sweet Redemption, the tenth (and last) perfume in the Temptation series from By Kilian, is probably my favorite among them. It makes me wish Rene Gruau was alive and well to create an iconic image or two for this fragrance. An image as devastatingly romantic as the thing I smell on my skin. And also very French.



Before applying, all I smelled was sweet orange blossom. I had to raise an eyebrow. Do we really need another orange flower perfume? And from Kilian? But on my skin the creamy blend of delicate blossoms and vanilla becomes a delicious gourmand with a chocolaty overtone. This is not the only perfume that performs this transformation (more about this in a few days or early next week), but there's still enough going on here not to surrender completely into a gluttony oblivion (though at times it's quite close).



I actually wish the incense and myrrh were better pronounced on me and I could smell a little more highbrow in Sweet Redemption; but I'm not complaining. This sweet veil of romance, lust, acceptance, forgiveness and sheer happiness suits me quite well.



Notes (from Luckyscent): orange blossom, vanilla, myrrh, opopanax, benzoin, incense.



By Kilian Sweet Redemption ($225, 50ml EDP) is already available from MiN NY and shipping within 24 hours (free shipping on orders over $100). Luckyscent and the rest of the usual suspects will probably have it by next week. I purchased my samples from Luckyscent.



Photo of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg circa 1969 from the Swinging Sixties on Tumblr.