Reading the press release for Midnight Promise, The Makeup Examiner was really excited to review this first-time offering by perfumer Sarah Horowitz and Karen Dubin of Sniffapalooza. Karen Dublin is not only the creator of Sniffapalooza, she’s the recipient of the 2013 CEW Great Idea Awardfor Fragrance Innovation … impressive résumé right?
With a tagline of “The Magical Hour When Anything is Possible … the Promise of Midnight,” and touted as a perfume for “A woman who knows who she is and what she wants out of life,” TME felt confident that this scent would be nothing less then spectacular. Unfortunately, the $95 fragrance could not be further from what it promises to be.
Top Notes: Red Mandarin and Cinnamon
Heart Notes: Moroccan Red Rose
Base Notes: Amber, Incense, Oak Moss, Soft Patchouli, Fresh Vetiver, Vanilla Musk, and Sandalwood
While cinnamon is immediately obvious, so too are incense and sandalwood, which can be equated to an olfaction smack in the face. Midnight Promise is beyond overwhelming and most certainly not a scent for the warmer months. After the initial shock, drydown brings thoughts of cheap cologne. Expanding upon cheap, the topper is “gold matte” in the shape of two inverted B’s forming a butterfly shape, which is “meant to signify the chrysalis of a woman”. The topper is reminiscent of costume jewelry that one would procure from a gumball machine. The only element of “Midnight Promise” that is of any interest is the amethyst hued Italian glass bottle.
“Midnight Promise” actually leaves The Makeup Examiner pissed off. If ever there were a case of throwing around CEW in order to generate interest, this would be it! The Makeup Examiner can’t print the press release for readers, but she can share this … CEW is referenced in relation to Karen Dublin’s award and to clarify the award was not for this perfume. Further reference of CEW was given regarding that the perfume was previewed at CEW’s Awards Luncheon. For anyone who’s unfamiliar with CEW, it is our industry’s equivalent of AMPAS.
I was genuinely excited to review this scent and so wanted to be able to share a magical experience with readers. There was no magical experience to be had. Of course I am but one and if you venture to sample this perfume, you can find it online at Bellegance Perfumes and select retail locations.
