MAGMA

The brand says Magma was born during a volcanic eruption near its Icelandic studio, drawing on the image of heat rising from volcanic stone.

For MAGMA, the brand names rose and suede as its central raw materials. A fresh petal and the soft nap of brushed leather are very different materials, and the whole composition is built around the two of them. The top opens with the sourness of lemon, then the dry bite of pepper and a thread of incense smoke join it, so shadow enters early even in the brightest part. In the heart, rose is paired with the resinous bitterness of myrrh and the warmth of saffron. Rather than spreading the flower out sweetly, they pull it toward a dusky, deeper shade. The base settles into the earthiness of patchouli, the rounded sweetness of tonka bean and the smooth texture of suede. The perfumer is Dominique Ropion. The heat and darkness suggested by the name MAGMA come through as a contrast between bright citrus and spice and the weight of resin and leather. It suits days when you want rose without too much sweetness, worn alongside a dry, tactile texture.