Kilian - Moonlight in Heaven

Moonlight In Heaven (“Moonlight”) is described as an aromatic although in my opinion it has strong similarities with fruity florals.  It was released in 2016. 

What is moonlight in heaven?  I ask as the answer to this question would be different for different people and, being the backdrop for this fragrance story, the answers bear relevance to the wearer’s expectations.  Of course here we know the fragrance inspiration since the brand tells us: “A dazzling beam of pearlized light dances on the oceans belly, witnessed by two lovers who watch from a balcony draped in floating white opaque gauze that seems alive, responding to a warm wind that blows. The lovers, high above the world to almost touch the stars, with full hearts and bodies light as air.”  This would not be my answer to the question but then, the fragrance is not my story to tell.

So before we even begin our wear, we know that this fragrance will hint of ocean and warmth and perhaps a tropical breeze.  I discover at first whiff, that this tropical romantic evening is the story Moonlight intends to tell.

Moonlight opens with a sparkling, strong citrus note.  I find mango to be prominent although a somewhat citric grapefruit can be detected.  The mango is ripe and heavy.  There is a light spice to the citrus that is dosed with restraint.  Just beyond the mango I get a light caress of coconut and delicate florals.  The feel is very tropical as if inhaling a fruity drink on a warm day with a flower tucked in your hair.

As Moonlight wears it takes on a creaminess that softens the fruit and floral.  Tonka bean and vetiver change the direction of Moonlight in the drydown.  They add a counter balance to what has worn as a fragrance that wears as a feminine or unisex and adds a more traditional masculine finish.

Moonlight in Heaven wears on me for roughly 7-8 hours with moderate moving to soft projection.

Notes:  lemon, grapefruit, pink pepper berry, coconut milk and rice, mango, jasmine sambac, tonka bean, vetiver

Perfumer: Calice Becker

Photo credit: Nordstrom