This one is very clean, smooth, and slinky. I recognize this shea butter from several of NCD's more girly or my-skin-but-better blends, but here it's much more unisex. The sandalwood, balsam, and suede provide a polished, supple, ever-so-slightly-woody base, with the shea butter for added silkiness, and hints of fruity fig and earthy, slightly peppery (but very light!) patchouli for extra interest. It's a different interpretation of "snakes" than I expected - this is a gentle, smooth, peaceful garter snake, not a strong and vicious python.

When I first got this, I felt it was too similar to Bibliophilia which I already owned. I put it away for awhile, and when I took it out, was pleasantly surprised. It is a cousin to Bibliophilia but I’m reaching for it more and more this winter. It has almost a white chocolate resinous vibe to it. Maybe it’s the shea butter. It’s not gourmand by any means but Nui Cobalt has a way of making yummy lux perfumes that aren’t gourmand.