Casma Caswell Massey for women

You know that nostalgic feeling you get when watching old movies or listening to moody jazz records? That sensation of lost time -- it's poignancy and wistfulness? There's something moody and cozy in "Casma" that reminds me of "classic" in every sense of the word. While fresh and modern, there is still a kind of unique depth and richness to it, that's not for the faint of sensibility - those who always need "shower clean" or bland, fruit punches - or those prone to bouts of sentimental melancholy.

The opening is a spicy, ginger-ale and cream soda, that quickly moves into a sheer, sweet musk balanced by a dry-oil magnolia note. As the magnolia deepens, a dash of "makeup powder" adds a pinch of surprise and I'm vaguely reminded of the original "Cornsilk" face powder by Coty.

But the powder doesn't last long because it's quickly taken over by a dense, "polished" ebony wood and creamy amber, with a hint of smoky incense wafting overhead, making "Casma" surprisingly unisex. The smokiness is subtle but dreamy and hints at old cafes and slightly seedy 1920's "artistic" venues, with their fancy cigar smoke and blinking signs. Despite this jolie-laide sense of "streetwise" grittiness, there's a brisk coolness to "Casma" that reminds me of fresh, night air and thanks to the absolutely perfect bottle (THIS is how a parfum/cologne bottle is supposed to look) I imagine an expanse of starry skies and moonlit nights whenever I catch its breeze.

"Casma" is a big personality but this update feels accessible and clean and I imagine the original was more like "Arpege" in its dense, oily-woodiness. But despite any "thoroughly modern" updates, "Casma" still remains totally distinctive and one of a kind; a ginger-spicy, creamy, sheer little number. "Play it again, Cas, we want another tune..."

Want to add that this can really last. I work in a coffee shop, so if a scent can last there its a keeper. That surprised me considering its an eau de cologne.

Nice but i need to test it more. The vanilla is prominent to me, but sometimes thats what youre in the mood for!

I just had to have Casma. First, the bottle and the box. The Art Deco packaging is fabulous! But mostly I wanted the cachet of the woman with whom this fragrance will forever be associtated: the exquisite actress Carole Lombard. Casma was reportedly her favorite perfume, the only one she ever wore. Casma is a surprize. Did the vibrant, oh so contemporary Lombard really wear such an old fashioned scent? The soft, rosy opening flows seamlessly into a heart of jasmine and lily of the valley with just enough pepper to keep it from being bland. The drydown is a velvety blend of sandalwood and vanilla. Casma is a freindly, lazy perfume. It is warm, sunny, and cheerful. If you could bottle Indian summer, this is what it would smell like. Casma may be a surprize but it is not a disappointment. Why this scent isn't better known is a mystery. Get it while you can: it joins the legions of great perfumes that have been discontinued.

Cozy, luscious and exciting, "Casma" opens on a rich, creamy rose, before melting into lush, white florals mixed with vanilla bean (not too sweet or sticky--just right, with an earthy, sophisticated hint more like dried vanilla beans vs. melted ice cream or cookie dough)and spicy wood against smooth, sandalwood powder and the tiniest hint of salt--think: Flappers, champagne, balmy summer nights under the stars, sailboats, "The Great Gatsby"...or distant carols on a peaceful, snowy night--you're looking out a window after a good scrub with classic, Swedish soap and the creamy-clean scent still lingers on your skin. Despite being a distinctly romantic, oriental-style fragrance, there's something so fresh and smooth about "Casma", that it never falls into sneeze-inducing territory. It also feels dreamily nostalgic--warm, hazy and comforting, in a way you can't quite put your finger on--without smelling "old", stale or dated. It's a unique, high-quality fragrance with spunk and character, one to set a lifetime of romantic memories to. The bland, fruity washes that flood stores now, don't live-up to the feeling of quality and distinction still evident in "Caswell-Massey" blends. They can't hold their ground against grand contenders with personality and gravity, like "Casma".