Christine NagelThe nose · 168 fragrances · also made Terre d'Hermès Eau Givree Hermès (2022)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Hermès · Sold as unisex
Hermessence Cardamusc
The cozy embrace of a well-worn leather armchair in a dimly lit study, where the scent of cardamom and spices lingers from an afternoon tea.
Full bottle: Premium tier, typically $100–250. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
Hermessence CardamuscPremium · $100–250
71%Similar accords, often for lessAt Dawn · ZaraBudget tier, under $40 · shares cardamom and musk8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
The story behind the bottle.
Christine Nagel's Hermessence Cardamusc, launched in 2018, is a musky and warm spicy fragrance that embodies the brand’s commitment to sophistication and elegance. The aromatic opening of cardamom creates an immediate sense of warmth and intrigue before giving way to a powdery heart that adds a subtle sweetness. The animalic base notes anchor the composition with depth and complexity, making it both intimate and enduring.
This fragrance is best applied sparingly — one or two sprays are sufficient as it blooms beautifully on skin over time. It reads better close to the body rather than across a room, so layering with a light musk-based lotion can enhance its warmth.
Fig. 01 — Hermessence Cardamusc, Hermès
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
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Christine Nagel
The poet of HermèsChristine Nagel is the in-house perfumer at Hermès, succeeding the legendary Jean-Claude Ellena in 2016. A graduate of ISIPCA and trained at Charabot in Grasse, she brings decades of experience to one of perfumery's most prestigious creative positions.
“I accentuate lines, force the materials. My fragrances are never linear.”
Christine Nagel · Contributor Magazine ('The Physicality of Perfume', by Philippe Pourhashemi), c. 2021
Designer Hermès
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the $100–250 price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalHermessence CardamuscHermès · Premium · $100–250Zara · 2021At DawnShares Cardamom and Muskunder $40★ 3.83 (46)57%Match
Zara · 2017TivedenShares Cardamom and Muskunder $40★ 4.21 (106)70%Match
Zara · 2020Steel GreyShares Cardamom and Muskunder $40★ 3.75 (16)
With Hermès Terre d'Hermès Eau Givree
Adds citrus, woody and fresh spicy; shares one accord.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Warmly received so far: loved by 48%, disliked or hated by 10%.