FRAGRANCE | Cuirs EDP by Carner Barcelona: A leather-based fragrance that's easy on the nose

Cuirs EDP is my first from Carner Barcelona. Yeah, you could say it's yet another leather-based fragrance but there are just so many ways on how to approach this note that I don't really mind having another one in my arsenal. It can be fruity-sweet like Arab Tradition by Nabeel, mixed with rose like in French Leather by Memo Paris, given the green treatment like Irish Leather (also by Memo Paris), or uncompromisingly dry like Gucci Guilty Absolute.

Carner Barcelona's Cuirs is on the sweet and woody side of things. It starts off a little sharp and spicy but with a sweet leather accord already bubbling under. After only a couple of minutes, the spiciness lifts off and the sweet leather immediately comes to the forefront, smooth and supple. I don't know what it is but there's something plasticky here that reminds me of Bentley for Men Intense. While I don't bemoan it, it disappears after an hour or two, though.

Underscoring this sweet and soft leather scent is a woody accord, moist from the sweetness and almost creamy in texture. It's a smooth and elegant blend that projects moderately for the most part. Close to an hour later the sharpness returns although not as strong as it was in the opening. Somehow it lends the fragrance a certain degree of brightness. From hereon it practically comes and goes throughout the life of the fragrance, which, by the way, can go from morning till late in the afternoon. I also get a faint trace of musk at some point although it sits close to the skin and is not as perceptible.

Cuirs may not be the most unique or groundbreaking leather-based fragrance out there but for me it's nice enough to have. I find it easy on the nose, classy, and versatile. The simple but elegant presentation doesn't hurt either. But if any at all, I think the clincher for most people would be the price (around USD 180 for a 100ml bottle). Still, it's well worth a try.