John Richmond Unknown Pleasures Hidden Amber Review
A sweet, ambery oriental floral that charms with iris and olibanum
By Vivir·
In this review
In the realm of luxury fragrance, few things are as alluring as a scent that balances warmth and elegance. John Richmond’s Unknown Pleasures Hidden Amber, launched in 2022, is a unisex oriental floral that does exactly that. Part of the Unknown Pleasures collection—which also includes Lost Rose, Secret Woods, and Acid Bomb—this fragrance invites you into a world of sweet, ambery indulgence with a powdery heart and a woody foundation.
Crafted by perfumer Guillaume Flavigny, Hidden Amber is a composition that speaks to the modern romantic. It opens with a resinous olibanum note, brightened by bergamot and softened by ylang-ylang. As it unfolds, the heart reveals a delicate bouquet of iris and violet, with a touch of lotus adding a watery nuance. The base settles into a warm embrace of amber, cedar, and styrax, leaving a lasting impression of sophistication.
This is a fragrance that feels both timeless and contemporary—a reflection of today’s trend toward genderless, comfort-driven scents. Whether you’re dressing for a cozy fall evening or adding a touch of refinement to your office attire, Hidden Amber is a versatile companion that never overwhelms. Join us as we explore every facet of this hidden gem.
Longevity
3.0
Projection
3.0
Sillage
3.0
Not specified
SpringSummerFallWinter
Accords
AmberWoodyPowderyVioletIrisYellow Floral
Notes Pyramid
Top
OlibanumYlang-YlangBergamot
Heart
IrisVioletLotus
Base
AmberCedarStyrax
Scent Journey
1
Opening0-30 min
The first spray reveals a bright, resinous olibanum, tinged with the citrusy freshness of bergamot and the sweet, creamy floralcy of ylang-ylang. It’s an inviting start that hints at the warmth to come.
2
Heart1-2 hrs
Within 30 minutes, the heart emerges: a powdery, elegant blend of iris and violet, with a subtle aquatic touch from lotus. The composition feels smooth and refined, with the yellow floral nuance adding a soft glow.
3
Drydown4+ hrs
After 4 hours, the base takes center stage: warm amber and cedarwood create a cozy, woody-ambery cocoon, while styrax adds a faint smoky, leathery undertone. The drydown is close to the skin, leaving a subtle, comforting trail.
Performance Dashboard
Longevity3.0/5
Approximately 6-8 hours on skin; may last longer on clothing.
Projection3.0/5
Moderate initially, then close-to-skin after drydown.
Sillage3.0/5
Moderate; leaves a subtle trail without being overpowering.
When to Wear
SpringOK
SummerAvoid
FallBest
WinterBest
date nightevening outoffice (light application)
Pros & Cons
+Warm, inviting amber-violet composition
+Unisex appeal
+Moderate performance ideal for office or evening
−May be too powdery for some
−Projection is moderate, not a powerhouse
−Limited availability in some markets
Price & Value
Not specified
Value depends on retailer and size
“Check current pricing for best deals”
Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported.
Who It's For
Ideal For
Those who enjoy warm, ambery, and powdery fragrances
Unisex appeal for anyone seeking a comforting yet elegant scent
Romantic evenings and refined office wear
Not Recommended For
Those who prefer fresh, citrus, or aquatic scents
Individuals who dislike powdery or iris-heavy fragrances
Layer with a vanilla-based fragrance to enhance the gourmand aspect
Layer with a woody fragrance to boost the cedar base
Layer with a light floral to amplify the iris and violet
Final Verdict
John Richmond Unknown Pleasures Hidden Amber is a beautifully balanced unisex oriental floral that shines in cooler weather. Its sweet, ambery core and powdery iris heart make it a sophisticated choice for evening wear or a refined office scent. While its moderate performance may not satisfy those seeking a powerhouse, its elegant composition and affordable price point make it a worthy addition to any fragrance collection.