Cashmere Mist
Donna Karan (1994)

Cashmere Mist reminds me of that commercial from the 80s for Nestlé Alpine White with Almonds that was based on Maxfield Parrish paintings: "Sweet Dreams you can't resist, N-E-S-T-L-E-S." While it doesn't smell at all like white chocolate or cocoa solids or almonds or anything of the sort, it feels "creamy white, dreamy white." A warm musky, powdery brume that reminds me of fresh laundry and simpler times.

I will agree with another reviewer (rogalal on Basenotes) that this is reminiscent of the way Thomas Pink boutiques would smell—I had a penchant for their baroque-patterned ties—and yes, there was a time when I wore ties to work! This is also my favorite use of Cashmeran besides the dazzling Dans Tes Bras from Maurice Roucel. It just makes me want to hunker down swaddled in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate, simple as that.

This one is for those who love soapy fragrances. Lily of the Valley and Jasmine will surely give this effect. This seems more suited for the ladies. Has that old school vibe. The longevity is above average in this one though. Just not my style.

I have this in the EDP and EDT. There is a difference. I prefer the EDT because it takes me back to the 1990s when my daughter was a toddler and I'd get this for Christmas. The suede note I love is either missing or toned down in the EDP, and it wears off sooner on me than the EDT. I tried them separately on my arms. This is the first time I've experienced a stronger long lasting scent with the EDT. The sales associate told me that the EDT is the original 1999 formula. The EDP is produced by a different company that altered the formula. If you are nostalgic like me, go for the EDT.

A bunch of flowers and musks mixed together to create a more-perfect-than-perfect clean laundry illusion.

I smell mostly fabric softener musk and a shot of bleach to really drive home that laundry illusion. If I try to sniff my way through the notes list, I can detect lily, suede, and the other listed notes, but they all melt together into a smell that simultaneously calls to mind fresh linens and some sort of fantasy detergent.

I'm dating myself here, but I always loved the smell of a Thomas Pink boutique, and this is almost exactly that, so I'm voting a hearty thumbs up for both the complex laundry illusion and the happy memories of shopping for crisp, British dress shirts.

I have a sample and I'm enjoying this on me. I'm happy to think this is a success and not a disaster where I am quickly using an oil cleanser to get it I off.
This has lasted for several hours so far which is lovely. I can actually say that it got better with the warmth of my skin. This is going on my wish list.

Creamy. Floral sweet. Safe. Slight suede note, like new suede leather. The flowers are well-blended. They maintain a fuzzy sweetness for a long time.

The base notes are also well-mixed. They aren't overly dark or deeply mystifyingly oriental in the traditional sense. The cashmere wood overrides any "darkness" that could have been intended. This frag stays "safe" throughout its wear. It would make a good workday scent - not much more.