The Michael Malul London Edits : Ktoret 173 Candy
Do you ever smell a fragrance and immediately think, “Wait… I KNOW this scent”? 🤔
That was me the second I smelled Ktoret 173 Candy by Michael Malul. I kept going back to it because it smelled SO familiar, but I couldn’t figure out what it was reminding me of. Then I posted a combo featuring it, and one of my mutuals commented, “Wait… doesn’t that smell like Golden Sand perfume oil?” 👀
So of course I had to do a little scent investigation… and why are the openings on these basically sisters? 😭
Both have that warm sugary vanilla-amber sweetness with a soft gourmand feel, but 173 Candy adds a brighter, more feminine twist with sparkling citrus, quince, jasmine, rose, and freesia layered on top. Golden Sand stays richer, deeper, and more linear with that caramelized vanilla-amber vibe from start to finish.
And listen… we all know fragrance houses love to “take inspiration” from certain scent profiles and put their own spin on them 👀 and this honestly isn’t the first time I’ve noticed it with Michael Malul specifically… but I’ll save THAT conversation for another post 😂
#michaelmalullondon #michaelmalul #fragrancereview #fragrancerecommendation #ktoret
As a fragrance enthusiast, I've always found it fascinating how certain perfumes can evoke such familiar feelings upon the very first sniff. Michael Malul's Ktoret 173 Candy truly does just that, offering a deliciously sweet vanilla-amber base that instantly captivates the senses. What’s interesting is how this scent shares striking similarities with the Golden Sand perfume oil, another fragrance beloved for its caramelized, gourmand appeal. From my experience wearing Ktoret 173 Candy, the fragrance opens with a bright burst of citrus and quince that adds an uplifting freshness—not something I typically expect from a vanilla-amber composition. The addition of soft floral notes like jasmine, rose, and freesia enhances its feminine charm and provides a delicate complexity that lingers beautifully throughout the day. In contrast, Golden Sand feels more linear and enveloping, focusing heavily on that deep, rich caramelized vanilla-amber heart without the bright floral overlays. It creates a slightly warmer and more intimate aura, perfect for cooler weather or evening wear. For those who appreciate gourmands but want a choice between vibrant femininity and classic richness, these two scents offer a wonderful comparison. Another point worth mentioning is how fragrance creators often draw inspiration from beloved scent profiles, tweaking and personalizing them to craft something uniquely their own. This explains why Ktoret 173 Candy feels familiar yet refreshingly distinct. If you’re curious about exploring Michael Malul’s collection, keep an eye out for these intriguing olfactory parallels. Sampling both side-by-side could give you a better sense of how subtle variations transform the entire fragrance experience. Plus, it’s a delightful reminder of how scent families can be both comforting and inspiring, inviting us to discover new favorites while walking a fragrant path shared by others.
