Yazhini ManimudiPrada began their Infusion line of perfumes in 2007 with Infusion d’Iris. Each perfume in the collection is centered around a single ingredient. Fig, vanilla, rhubarb, almond, vetiver, etc. This time is a little different with the primary focus on sandalwood and a substantial role for chai (spiced milk tea).
They’re something of an underdog in the world of perfumes. Well,a s much of an underdog as designer perfumes can be. They’re sophisticated, mild, and add to an understated elegance. The last in this collection was in 2024- Infusion de Rhubarbe, a fresh rhubarb with mild fruity sweetness and a soapy drydown.
For 2026, when most designer brands are going the fruity gourmand route, Prada is going for something milky. It isn’t an unpopular kind of fragrance, no. As we’re slowly drifting from the sweetest gourmands, milk perfumes offer something creamy and indulgent without much loud sweetness.
Notes
It’s sandalwood perfume through and through with a rather important role for the masala chai. You get the sandalwood from the beginning. It emerges along with the cardamom and is somewhat dry, but gets creamier as the masala chai comes through. There’s a fear with sandalwood fragrances of it getting pickle-y or briny on the skin. But the milky facets save the sandalwood from that fate.
Masala chai is a synthetic note (of course) that aims to recreate the warm, comforting scent of the drink in perfumes. The drink itself is a blend of black tea, milk, and a blend of spices. The blend is typically a powder including cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, black pepper, clove, star anise, and fennel seeds. The masala chai note is quite loved in Bvlgari Omnia from 2003. While clearly nothing new to perfumery, it is still not the most ubiquitous.
The masala chai is quite realistic here. The warmth of the spices in the milk tea lulls you into a peaceful existence, turning the most chaotic days comfortable. It does wonders catching a hint of it in the air on a busy work day, grounding you and helping you slow down.
If you love the luxury and elegance of sandalwood, you can’t skip this perfume. Though I talk extensively of the chai, the star of the show is sandalwood. The perfume is sandalwood through and through, staying till the end. Soft, creamy, smooth, and everything you hope for from sandalwood.
When I say sandalwood stays till the end, I mean 5 hours maximum. As a lighter fragrance, it’s designed to fade away quickly. What a shame since it’s so beautiful. The projection is low, something only you can smell on yourself. Someone giving you a hug would get a gentle waft of it. Keep that in mind if you’re intending to buy a full bottle of this perfume.
Prada Infusion de Santal Chai is just right for this season as it brings you the warmth of a cup of masala chai. While most fall-winter perfumes are deeper, Santal Chai is a milder alternative for those who prefer something understated.
Read more about the newest perfumes on Perfume Mag.
Sowmya Gibish
