Ylang-YlangOpens with
CarnationHeart
oak mossDries down toWill you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Santa Maria Novella · Sold as feminine
Calicantus
The quiet intimacy of an afternoon spent in a cozy library, where the scent of old books and powdery florals blend with warm spices and vanilla.
Full bottle: Premium tier, typically $100–250. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
CalicantusPremium · $100–250
45%Similar accords, often for lessMillion Gold for Her Pure Diamonds · RabanneMid-range tier, $40–100 · shares 4 of its 6 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Notes Pyramid
TopOpening
HeartThe Soul
BaseFoundation
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
The story behind the bottle.
Launched in 1999 by Santa Maria Novella, Calicantus is a chypre floral fragrance that balances the warmth of powdery notes and spicy accords with earthy mossiness and rich florals. The composition opens with bright ylang-ylang and bergamot, which give way to a heart of carnation, narcissus, and jasmine. These florals are grounded by oak moss and woody notes, creating an interplay between freshness and depth. The base of peach, amber, and vanilla adds a sensual warmth that lingers throughout the day.
Calicantus is best applied sparingly to pulse points. The base notes take about an hour to fully bloom, so you may want to reapply after the initial top notes fade. It pairs well with light layering for a more complex scent profile.
Fig. 01 — Calicantus, Santa Maria Novella
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
Live prices aren't shown yet. Each link opens that seller's own search; we may earn a commission.
Not sure it's you?
Five questions, about a minute, no account. You get a shortlist that fits how you actually wear fragrance.
Designer Santa Maria Novella
More from the house · Italy
You Might Also Like
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 originalCalicantusSanta Maria Novella · Premium · $100–250Rabanne · 2026Million Gold for Her Pure DiamondsShares 4 of its 6 notes$40–100★ 3.79 (232)47%Match
Donna Karan · 2009Cashmere Mist LuxeShares 6 of its 9 notes$40–100★ 4.01 (77)
With Santa Maria Novella Acqua di Sicilia
Adds citrus, fresh spicy and green; shares bergamot.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Warmly received so far: loved by 38%, disliked or hated by 11%.