15ml
PARAPHRASE
GILDED TRAVEL SIZE
Eau De Parfum
Unisex
Sizes
Starting
$71
Description
Gilded by Paraphrase is a captivating fragrance that opens with a vibrant burst of warm spices, notably cardamom and cinnamon, creating an inviting and slightly mysterious introduction. As it develops, a rich sweetness emerges, blending brown sugar with the delicate floralcy of orange blossom and the unique, hay-like warmth of immortelle. The scent then settles into a deeply resinous and woody base, where frankincense and opoponax intertwine with pale woods, evoking the serene atmosphere of ancient tea houses and sacred spaces. This is a scent that feels both comforting and intriguing, perfect for those who appreciate a complex interplay of spice, sweetness, and incense. Perfumer: Joshua Smith
Scent Profile
Woody
Spicy
Resinous
Sweet
Warm
Notes
Top Notes
Cardamom
Cinnamon
GingerMiddle Notes
Orange Blossom
ImmortelleBrown Sugar
Base Notes
Olibanum
OpoponaxPale Woods
About PARAPHRASE
Paraphrase Perfume is an independent North American fragrance house founded in 2014 by Joshua Smith, an ex-forester turned designer who creates handcrafted perfumes in Canada. The brand philosophy centers on using scent as a means of retelling stories and exploring the subtle beauty of nature, with a focus on slowness, mindfulness, and sensory exploration. Paraphrase rebranded from its former name Libertine Fragrance in 2025, shifting from a rebellious aesthetic to one emphasizing creation, community, and the transformative power of fragrance in connecting people to natural landscapes and their inner selves.
Perfumer
Joshua Smith
Joshua Smith is a self-taught perfumer from the Canadian prairies, formerly a forester and industrial designer, who founded Libertine Fragrance in late 2014 while studying design and later rebranded it to Paraphrase. He hand-blends immersive unisex perfumes using high-quality natural and synthetic ingredients, with notable creations including Sex & Jasmine—an animalic jasmine ode—Gilded, a spice-laden incense scent, and Fin de Siecle, a modernized rosy chypre. His work emphasizes sensory exploration, slowing down to connect with one's emotions, and reinterpreting personal stories through scent.
Reviews
4.9
Excellent19 reviews
PARAPHRASE
4.9/5 • 19 reviews
Community Insights
Reviewers often describe Gilded as a deeply warm and comforting incense fragrance, with a prominent spicy sweetness that feels both unique and inviting. Many appreciate its evolving nature, starting with a strong spice presence and settling into a resinous, woody skin scent. It's frequently noted for its ability to evoke a sense of ritual and earthy pleasure.
Pros
Unique Spice Blend: The masterful balance of warm incense against bright cardamom and cinnamon is frequently praised, creating a distinctive and non-gourmand spicy experience.
Comforting and Evocative: Many find the scent deeply comforting and sensual, inspiring feelings of warmth, intimacy, and happy memories, especially in colder weather.
Quality Composition: Reviewers highlight how the fragrance smells like 'real things from the real world,' with a natural and well-blended quality that interacts beautifully with skin.
Cons
Moderate Projection: While some note good longevity as a skin scent, the projection is often described as moderate, becoming more intimate after a few hours.
Masculine Leaning on Some Skin: A few reviewers mention that the woody and incense notes can lean more masculine on their skin, suggesting it might benefit from layering for those preferring a sweeter profile.
Comparisons
Reminiscent of Kerosene's style: One reviewer noted a similarity in how it layers real-world scents, but with a more nature-inspired focus.
Vibe & Emotions
Mysterious and Ritualistic: The blend of incense and spices often evokes a sense of sacredness and ritual, like whispered prayers or ancient tea houses.
Warm and Sensual: Many experience a feeling of warmth, intimacy, and sensual pleasure, making it ideal for cozy moments or close encounters.
Comforting and Grounding: The deep, resinous, and woody base provides a comforting and grounding sensation, perfect for personal enjoyment and reflection.
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