James Heeley Cardinal Eau de Parfum is a unisex fragrance that masterfully captures the essence of traditional incense, enveloped in an aura of purity and elegance. This scent offers a harmonious blend of classic incense notes with modern nuances, creating a timeless and contemplative aroma.
- Fragrance Type: Eau de Parfum
- Gender: Unisex
- Fragrance Family: Oriental
- Longevity: Approximately 6–8 hours
- Sillage: Moderate
- Projection: Moderate
James Heeley Cardinal Eau de Parfum Notes
- Top Notes: White Linen, Baie Rose (Pink Pepper), Black Pepper
- Middle Notes: Labdanum, Frankincense (Olibanum), Myrrh
- Base Notes: Vetiver, Grey Amber, Patchouli
What Does James Heeley Cardinal Eau de Parfum Smell Like?
Cardinal opens with a fresh and clean note reminiscent of crisp white linen, accented by the subtle spiciness of pink and black pepper. The heart of the fragrance reveals a rich blend of labdanum, frankincense, and myrrh, evoking the solemnity and mystique of ancient rituals. As the scent matures, it settles into a warm and earthy base of vetiver, grey amber, and patchouli, imparting depth and a contemporary elegance. This composition creates an atmosphere that is both meditative and uplifting, suitable for various occasions.
Performance Details
- Longevity: 7/10 – Offers moderate wear, typically lasting around 6–8 hours.
- Sillage: 6/10 – Leaves a noticeable yet subtle trail, ideal for intimate settings.
- Projection: 6/10 – Radiates moderately, making it appropriate for both personal and professional environments.
Perfumer Behind Cardinal
James Heeley, a British designer and perfumer, is renowned for his minimalist and refined approach to fragrance creation. His compositions often draw inspiration from nature and classical themes, resulting in scents that are both modern and timeless. “Cardinal” exemplifies Heeley’s ability to reinterpret traditional notes in a contemporary context.
The Story Behind Cardinal
“Cardinal” captures the serene and contemplative atmosphere of sacred spaces. The scent of incense, traditionally used in religious ceremonies, is wrapped in the freshness of white linen, symbolizing purity and devotion. This juxtaposition creates a fragrance that is both spiritual and wearable, suitable for moments of reflection as well as everyday elegance.
Bottle Design
The fragrance is housed in a sleek, transparent glass bottle that reflects Heeley’s minimalist aesthetic. The simplicity of the design allows the purity of the scent to take center stage, embodying the clean and timeless nature of “Cardinal.”
Longevity and Sillage:
“Cardinal” offers moderate longevity and sillage, making it suitable for various occasions without overwhelming the senses. Its balanced composition ensures a lasting presence that remains close to the skin, providing a personal and intimate fragrance experience.
Similar Fragrances:
If you appreciate the refined incense character of “Cardinal,” you might also enjoy:
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Comme des Garçons Series 3: Incense – Avignon: A fragrance that evokes the atmosphere of an old French cathedral, featuring rich incense and woody notes.
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Montale Full Incense: A straightforward and intense incense fragrance with a deep, resinous profile.
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Dior New Look 1947: A sophisticated blend that combines floral and incense notes for a modern yet classic scent.
Experience the serene sophistication of James Heeley Cardinal—a fragrance that seamlessly blends the sacred with the contemporary, offering a scent that is both reflective and refined.
Note: All products are 100% authentic.
virginie cenciai (verified owner) –
a captivating and delightfull fragrance. unfortunately, it does not last long enough on my skin and my clothes. this is the only bad point
Christon Greenish (verified owner) –
Beautiful fragrance. Longevity isn’t the best, but it’s worth every penny! I always use Armani Prive Bois D’encens but it’s very expensive but Cardinal is another great old church fragrance at half the price. Bargain. Excellent customer service and quick delivery
Filipe (verified owner) –
James Heeley’s Cardinal is the scent of a Catholic mass—if the incense burners had been polished with aldehydes and the pews arranged by a minimalist architect.
The sacred smoke is there, undeniably, but elevated into something subtle and airy, a hushed reverence that only the niche perfumer’s touch could capture. It’s as if someone wanted to cleanse the soul but couldn’t quite bear to stain the air. A genius, indeed, though perhaps too delicate to ruffle the robes of tradition.
Longevity: I usually go ham with the atomizer, but I still felt it strong after 8 hours.
Sillage: good, not obnoxious.
Wendy (verified owner) –
My fave scent! And wow! The quick delivery is great!
AmarettoAmara (verified owner) –
Steamed white cotton, sweet myrrh, warm labdanum, salty amber and scalding frankincense.
The perfect scent for those who enjoy the combination of incense, cleanliness and light animalic notes .