December is a rich conifer (pine and balsam fir) and incense fragrance with warm spices and hints of citrus. For the perfumer, it evokes many of the very best “smells” of the season: pomanders, gingerbread, the long walk in the woods to find the perfect Christmas tree and traditional incense made of frankincense and myrrh. It features notes of Atlas cedarwood, balsam fir, Bulgarian rose absolute, clove bud, conifer, fir needle, frankincense, galbanum, ginger, oakmoss, incense, myrrh gum, pinecone accord, spice, spice notes, sweet orange, Tolu balsam and vanilla absolute. It is a voile de parfum.
DAWN SPENCER HURWITZ (DSH) DECEMBER REVIEWS
Fragrantica: To me this is spring, hope, childhood, white clover fields, and fresh laundry. Love it.
Fragrantica: December is a *perfect* name for this perfume--at least for Americans! It evokes memories of everything for which December is famous: fir trees, baking spices, candles, frankincense and myrrh, dried fruits... basically it's all here! Christmastime in a frosty clime! The fir tree is dominant but everything else mingles with it so harmonically--in some ways difficult to believe, and yet this composition smells splendid! I noticed that my good friend GypsyParfumista loves this perfume, too, and it also reminds him of childhood. I grew up in Colorado (where DSH is based, by the way), and this creation beautifully captures the spirit of Yuletide carols, even eliciting images of the houses where I lived, and my family gathered around the tree to open presents on Christmas eve! My dad always brewed up a batch of hot spiced wine. Ah, sweet memories.
Fragrantica: Every once in a while, you come across some perfume that not only makes you adore it...but "echoes" across many levels for you. December is one of "those" for me. I am a big fan of natural perfumes (in general) but I must say, here, that Dawn Spencer Hurwitz is a true olfactive genius. The way she seamlessly blends a myriad of natural accords and ingredients is nothing short of true alchemy. First sniff impression: Christmas in a bottle! NOT just pine, spices and incense resins (myrrh and frankincense) but the weather, the loving "feeling" and the whole "warmth" and festivity of it all. Pine, fir and sticky resins carried on a crisp cold wind greet the nose on first application. "...I remember YOU put a chill across my face-like the air of December...". Like coming into a warm bustling home after a snowy evening of cutting your own Christmas tree in the forest to a warm burning wood fire and spices floating through the air from cooking mulled cider and the laughter of small children, December is a true delight. Warm citrus, fresh spices and a deep green pervade throughout this perfume. Despite the number of notes listed in this lovely potion, it is not overpowering or too much. Hints of warm sweetness (tonka, vanilla, etc.) remind me of Christmas cookies baking and mesh with the overall theme to create something truly yummy, but not at all gourmand. Rose, not readily detectable, lends a feeling of love and tenderness to what would otherwise be a rather sharp and spicy scent. Wisps of incense smoke and woody sweet balms remind me of the choo-choo train incense burner my dad would set out every year and laugh with much mirth (like he was seeing it for the first time, like a little kid) as the smoldering cone sent little puffs of smoke out the top. A very dry cedar and just a sprig of oak moss are delightful, like mistletoe or holly. "...the tree limbs crackled and sunshine climbs up the sky..." If Thomas Kincaid paintings could have an aroma...THIS would be it!! December warms the heart, delights the nose and is (in my opinion) the perfect holiday scent. It opens rather full and grand, then stays closer to my skin and is more of a personal pleasure. "...your breeze moved the curtains and lifted my perfume into the air..." All in all, from the cool, yet spicy beginning to the piney green soft heart to the warm, yet smoky, elegant finish; this is something that (above and beyond the commercial trappings of the modern day) what the "Season" means to me. Like a perfumed hug from a much missed and loved relative, Dawn has given us something more than the glitz and glamour of the season-she has given us something timeless and eternal; taking things from and of Nature and crafting them (with her hands AND her heart) into a gift that means so much more than a mass-produced one...something lovingly created, personal and charming. Sillage: good then closer. Longevity: quite good. Overall: 4.5/5. As I get older, I often balk at the whole "Christmas" thing. Do not get me wrong now, I LOVE the Yule log and presents and a big meal and seeing family from far away and a big warm mug of egg nog; but for the most part, commercialism has "killed" what joy there was (for me) in the season. DSH Perfumes has (in one sniff) made me feel like a kid again and this year I am actually looking forward to Christmas again. Under all the shiny paper, tinsel and plastic ornaments there is a feeling of love, warmth and peace.
