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Ralph Lauren Polo Supreme Cashmere
Polo Supreme Cashmere
Ralph Lauren
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

I've still not seen this in stores in the UK (not that I've looked very thoroughly) but considering it came out last year you'd think it would be. I've been pleasantly surprised by the Polo lines 'Luxury' output, the leather one was pretty good and the Oud one was excellent. It's not often I post a comment here unless it's a review but when the notes or concept of a fragrance grabs me, it compels me to comment without having sampled yet. I think cashmerean is a great modern ingredient, warm, cozy slightly powdered and ethereal and the notes of myrrh, cardamom and orris surrounding it in here sound like Supreme Cashmere is going to be a winner. I will update this with a review when I've tried it...can't wait.

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8 years ago
Olfactive Studio Woody Mood
Woody Mood
Olfactive Studio
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

Great name, great perfumer, this won an award I seem to recall (or it was shortlisted?) I actually love the Olfactive Studios brand, and I got the sample (along with a box of others) for free! This was lining up to be an absolute corker. A bit of background is needed to set the scene for this review. I had reviewed Lumiere Blanche on my Instagram feed and stated that like many Olfactive Studios fragrances, they are magnificent concepts and great openers but lack lustre drydown and fleeting in terms of performance. (Woody Mood ironically is anything but) On balance I don't put that much weight on the performance aspect as many reviewers do, some fragrances are supposed to be like that. However, when you get something deep, rich and complex you kinda hope it will last and stay that way. Selfish and unrealistic perhaps but it's more out of disappointment than anything because I really like the smell. So I sort of slated OS for this and received some comments from Celine below my post. I can hardly blame her really, if someone even hinted at slagging off my baby, I'd claw their eyes out!!! Anyway, she was very lovely and gracious about it and gave her justifications for the concentration of Lumiere Blanche. Needless to say I felt bad as I was clearly a fan of the house regardless of my minor gripes. She suggested that I try her newer release Woody Mood and proceeded to send me some samples which was incredibly kind of of her. So it's terrible that I have to say.... I really don't like it at all. I appreciate that it is innovative and frankly brilliant perfumery, mixing a warm, dense woody, oriental with the modernity that Duchaufour seems to bring to everything he does. Elements in here I definitely like and as I said above the quality, performance and concentration of Woody mood are all off the charts, and I'm not surprised it's received critical acclaim, but there's no accounting for taste though and it's just not to mine. The opening is typical of the house very unique but right away I'm confronted by a smokey, rubbery, unusual woods, typically challenging and typical of BD. I get the tea note and the cacao and there's a conspiracy of clary sage and a kinda leathery smell, which make it more serious and dark. It's a bit like the new Dior Santal noire (If I had to back compare) but this has far more notes and maybe the sequoia is what's bothering me? I really don't know? I loved santal noire and I don't love this. It takes several hours for WM's more troubling notes to subside however and I'm left with elements I think are pretty gorgeous. The point is I don't like it, but I absolutely respect it. Facts are if it was just another spicy sandalwood or oriental with oud or leather sure it would be nice but wouldn't be breaking any new ground. I love the fact that I don't like it, because other people do and Woody Mood is truly unique stuff.

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8 years ago
Davidoff Zino Davidoff
Zino Davidoff
Davidoff
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

Zino is one of those fragrances, I’ve never owned it until now because I fall In and out of love with patchouli heavy scents and this was one I was never really fussed about. I’ve recently bought it and I got the new reformulation which clearly doesn’t have the strength and depth quality of the original but what reformulation does? Zino however has gotten off pretty lightly compared to some, especially men’s classics from this era. This modern bottle captures the spirit, pretty well, lasts okay, retreating to a skin scent but a really nice one, so yeah I wouldn’t give it too much of a hard time. The scent itself to me is reminiscent of heritage, and Givenchy gentlemen but has a totally different take on the patchouli and sandalwood macho vibe. The opening is bright, musky, dirty, citrus/lavender opening out to geranium and into the clary sage/patchouli rosewood/Santal accord. It smells, grubby manly but smooth and refined at the same time. If the chief of the company and wants a perfume named after him you can bet it’s gonna be pretty special and it is.

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8 years ago
Frederic Malle Bigarade Concentree
Bigarade Concentree
Frederic Malle
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

The review below is one way of looking at it, some could gush about the subtlety of these perfume, neither position is right or wrong, meaning I shall remain firmly perched on the fence about Bigarade Concentree. It has the romantic simplicity of Ellena's compositions and his typical style is written all over this. Opens really lovely, with a wonderful orange note, juicy, zesty and green. It proceeds to get slightly more of a bitter orange feel it, then a very faint hint of cumin. Cedar is about the only other note I get, maybe some of that hay is what is creating the grassy/dry/spice of cumin? and coupled with the bitterness of the orange it's a really good combination. I love the smell of this perfume, however is it worth the pricetag and with poor lasting power? Not for me, but if you want the exclusivity of a JCE creation on FM's imprint rather than Hermes or similar then I get why you might want it. UPDATE: How bloody interesting hey? Look what I said above only in 2018? I own this now and I would say that Malle creations are something which stay with you, and make an impression even if it seems as though they didn't at first. I'm not sure why? Is it the careful curation and contrary to my closing comment (above) the fact that Malle gets the best out of his perfumers? I mean JCE has made plenty of citruses but this really is Iconic. I think my description above is pretty bloody spot on, If I do say so myself. I'd maybe say that the listed 'hay' note really comes into play in this and works so well. I love it.

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8 years ago
Ferrari Bright Neroli
Bright Neroli
Ferrari
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

As much as this new ferrari line are impressively presented and superficially good quality, I'm not that taken with them, however this is one of the better ones for me. It's not just because I'm not a fan of Neroli in particular because in the right context it's very enjoyable, in fact in this context it's very enjoyable but one factor to me stifled hopes I had of adding this to my wardrobe, and that is... performance. Indeed it smells similar to niche, fresh citrus neroli's like TF Portofino but that lasts well and has somewhat of a base to speak of, after the initial excitement of bright Neroli's opening, (to use a boxing term) it gasses in the later rounds. Don't get me wrong, the sharp opening is as bright as it's namesake and the white florals in here smell of decent enough quality, however it's a slightly clumsy approach, not much finesse or surprises, just full on citrus and full on neroli. Considering the hype it's received and the powerful opening, I was extremely surprised by the lack of longevity. Some might say I'm being harsh for 20 odd £'s for 100ml and they might have a point, I've never been one to fixate about performance but here (maybe unfairly?) it bothered me slightly. I got a few hours out of it so if you want a decent, but throwaway, affordable neroli this is perfect. In spite of everything I've said I would still buy this and wear it beacause the price is so agreeable, Maybe it needs a few wears and just spray loads. Thumbs up ferrari.

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8 years ago
Ramon Monegal Cuirelle
Cuirelle
Ramon Monegal
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

A really interesting fragrance in that it progresses nicely with three distinct phases. Firstly it's a heavy, tobacco and honey/beeswax of something like Chergui or Back to Black. Then it becomes a almost powder like slightly floral version of that honey thing, finally retreating completely to a totally soft leather incense smell. I didn't find it very mind blowing, I do like the way it transitions and as someone who isn't a fan of honey or beeswax this has just the right balance. I wasn't convinced by it, longevity and sillage weren't there for the price point. The concept and quality are clearly there but it doesn't deliver performance and that is critical here. Chergui doesn't change as much as this one and has that hay note and arguably a stronger honey note however that lasts. Shame, I'm beeen meaning to sample Ramon's work but perhaps this wasn't the best one to start with.

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8 years ago
Burberry London for Men
London for Men
Burberry
Avatar for user "scotchegg"
scotchegg

Burberry London is a really interesting scent. It gallops through the top notes and when I use it on me, I get a strong lavender and a fair lump of cinnamon right up front, fairly sweet and a nostalgic 80s sort of vibe. After a few minutes, it tones down and the lavender drops into the middle a bit more opening up to a very strong note that smells a lot like pine, then comes a really spicey note. I actually agree with the below review that at this stage I get a spicey sweat vibe, but gross as it sounds, it isn't unpleasant for me. It passes as quickly as it comes however and as it fades after just a few more minutes cherries come out along with mimosa and a little smoke, which seem ever present from this point on, giving it an incense sort of vibe. Here I feel like it finally settles down and rounds out into a soft, lightly powdery, smokey, heavily woodsy and lightly floral scent with small hints of moss, pine, spice and a little cherry tobacco and leather. I don't get the upfront tobacco note as others do so much, but it is there. Overall I think it's a beautiful scent and in the cold months, the real depths of winter, this is surely a nailed on "go to" scent for a gentleman. It's quite mature I would say, not sure I'd call it sexy per-se, but it's the sort of scent that is going to make people smile. Whilst quite narrow in that it's really a winter scent only, maybe autumn, I feel like it's versatile in terms of occasions and it would work equally well as a dressed down, casual or for a classy, sophisticated evening since it sits quite close and isn't oppressive in any way. I really rate it. Beautiful scent and for the cheap price, almost criminally high quality.

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8 years ago
Rabanne 1 Million
1 Million
Rabanne
Avatar for user "scotchegg"
scotchegg

There's a lot going on but I absolutely cannot stand it. Way too heavy for me, it's as subtle as a brick wall, just oppressive and nauseating. I feel like if I could just water this down to about half the strength, I could get my nose in and there might be something interesting here, but as it is, if I try it's just headache inducing. Total scrubber for me, but to be fair, I really just can't do these heavy, sweet scents. Just not for me.

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0
8 years ago
Monotheme Venezia Leather
Leather
Monotheme Venezia
Avatar for user "scotchegg"
scotchegg

When I first smelt this, I thought the smoke note was a little bit challenging, it opens strong and bold and the smokiness tested me, but I loved the leather and fruit. It definitely grew on me though and over a couple of wears, I started really coming around to it and eventually found the smokiness that I originally struggled with to be pleasing. I'd say it drys down a little on the feminine side as the florals and fruit come out a little more, but it does maintain a quite rough masculinity at the same time. I really like it and think it's a great scent, a little difficult to wear at times and I wouldn't call it a crowd pleaser but it's unique and interesting and has a lovely, gentle, warmth and darkness to it. I appreciate that it's quite a heavy scent but never gets cloying or oppressive and at £20 for 100ml, it smells significantly more expensive than it is. I have no idea about TL, so can't say anything about that. I bought this because I wanted to try out a leather and see how it suited me but it has made me curious to try TL next.

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8 years ago
Hermès Terre d'Hermes Parfum
Terre d'Hermes Parfum
Hermès
Avatar for user "scotchegg"
scotchegg

I bought Terre D'Hermes for work when I started a new job. I'm generally quite close to people for prolonged periods but it's a fairly fashion-forward industry so you can't just call it in. I'd heard TD'H was versatile and inoffensive but still interesting. I thought I'd give it a test, feeling hopeful. Not much else to say, it ticked all three boxes and then some. Others have waxed about it so I'll just back them up and say that I think it's an absolute masterclass in perfumery. The very opening upon spraying is a bit harsh for a few minutes as the orange settles down, that's the only criticism I have and it's a push to even bring it up. The harshness fades quickly to just an absolute beauty of an orange, rough scent that just grows softer and more comfortable throughout the wear. It's undeniably masculine, fresh enough to pull off the dirty undertones and drys down with just a hint of darkness to keep you guessing. Glorious. I've had so many compliments on the smell and yet with its high ratings, it always seems to remain unique. Notes: Dirty, earthy orange, a little bitter and not sweet. There is wood and some spice in there and some mossy, patchouli with the tiniest hint of some kind of smoke in the late dry-down, which I don't think is listed, rather an amalgamation of other notes. When: Any occasion any season IMO, very versatile. It's definitely got a class and sophistication but can be dressed down too. The only time I wouldn't wear this would be the high heat of mid-summer. I think you could pull it off, but there are probably better choices at that point.

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8 years ago
Hugo Boss Hugo XY
Hugo XY
Hugo Boss
Avatar for user "scotchegg"
scotchegg

Simple, linear, possibly safe and dull to some, but I think people are surely missing a trick with this one. It looks like it's been voted as a spring/summer scent here on Fragrantica, but stick with me a second here for a bit of a leftfield suggestion that can really make XY shine. Try it on those cold, winter (and maybe early spring) days, when the sky is blue and the air is cold, crisp, and fresh. The pear leaf and mint are definitely the notes than ring through and rather than fight against the cool winter air, it embraces and harmonises with it. Just below it all, you get the peppery basil which is subtle and fresh but just adds enough herby spice to give it a touch of warmth along with the mustiness of the patchouli. I absolutely love this fragrance for those rare days that are already so invigorating and this scent just adds to what nature is already giving us. I only ever wear this during those rare days which means it's lasted me a lifetime but every time I do get it out, I find it so pleasing. You can pick this up really cheap now so I say give it a go if you see one for a steal. It's no great shakes at being a summer freshie for sure, but for that handful of days in the depths of winter or in early spring, it's an absolute winner in my eyes. It's not going to blow anyone away on a test strip, I get that. Wear it this way however and it can be a bit of a surprise special. Notes: Pear leaf, mint and basil stick out to me far above anything else with a subtle, soft underlying musty patchouli. When: Winter winter winter! When the sun is out, but it's still 0 degrees out and the air is crisp, sharp and fresh. It would suit any occasion due to it's soft, somewhat safe vibe.

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8 years ago
Houbigant Fougere Royale (2010)
Fougere Royale (2010)
Houbigant
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

I'm so glad I finally made this mine. I tried it in about 2013 I think? (I'm sure I penned a review... obviously not) managing to score a few samples and I was very impressed, with a classic and brilliantly executed fougere. However, other fragrances took priority and it's taken me until now to make it mine. Seemingly simple at first but has loads of layers and depth to it. The opening is fresh bergamot but only for a split second before waves of green, lushness and aromatic lavender and camomile embrace the senses. This truly evokes the natural, fern smell of the fougere name perfectly. The settled fragrance fritz between this lightwieght, upbeat, perfumery and a darker more earthy and masculine heart. This juxtaposition of contradictory, Schrodinger's cat-esque, super states is what true art can do for you. It has two main constituents which I love and that's geranium and carnation and they come on strong in the drydown. There's also an element of something a bit hand cream like and waxy even, slightly unpleasant (clary sage I reckon) peeking through only at times making the intrigue build even more. As we go right into the drydown the patchouli in the base kicks more and more giving it more substance and dirt. For a fougere with such green credentials so strange that it has shades of oriental warmth about it too. It starts to get a bit like Opium pour Homme, or even Bois 1920 Sushi Imperiale all that hazy carnation and spice. Almost faultless perfumery, I'm charmed by Fougere Royale it's superb. Guys you need to get this stuff. It's not the strongest fragrance in the world but the quality is there and if you over spray it like I did, it performs very satisfactorily indeed.

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8 years ago
Acqua di Parma Colonia Sandalo Concentrée
Colonia Sandalo Concentrée
Acqua di Parma
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

Wow! So this was an exclusive at Harrods yet it’s taken two years to get a wider release? My opinion is that it was worth the wait. Seriously this is awesome stuff! Smells very classic and very masculine but you are paying a premium for it. I’d feared, with a name like Sandalo that it would be a very slight, sandalwood but it’s more of a classic, I detect oak moss and patchouli, and a dirty lavender with a kind of eathiness reminding me of Tom Ford for men maybe or RL Safari, VC&A Tsar or classic eighties fragrances with sandalwood. It’s an aromatic Fougere type scent, citrus top notes, herbal and woody, the soft, clean woods left at the end are like a oud and sandalwood combo. I think it’s fantastic and another classic masculine idea in the same way Quercia from this line was too. I hope it’s not wildly expensive because I want it.

I’ve been desperately trying to figure out what this reminded me of and it’s Mandate, albeit this is smoother, stronger and all around more appealing version than the current one. I love Sandalo. It’s masculine, complex and I think I stated in my last review that my favourite was Quercia which is still great but it’s been overtaken by this.

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8 years ago
Prada Prada L'Homme L'Eau
Prada L'Homme L'Eau
Prada
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

Now I make no secret of the fact I love Andrier’s work but this whole Homme line has been a really slow burner for me. The original left me a bit cold, sure it was good but didn’t feel it making a lasting impression, the intense version was nice too but still didn’t captivate me. The one that did it for me was Femme, delicate and lovely but in keeping with the whole theme of this line, and even though I liked L’eau...I think I like it more because I just get them all now! Not that there was much to get, soft milky iris and warm woods and amber. L’eau is a touch fresher though, and does have white florals in here but again handled expertly by the perfumer. This is another one that will gradually give up its powdery secrets over time and no doubt charm me even more. I really liked it.

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0
8 years ago
Swiss Arabian Jawad
Jawad
Swiss Arabian
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

A pretty standard opening for an oud/rose fragrance but boy is it luminous and upbeat eventually settling to something of a clean, bright musk and sweet roses. One of the major notes in this composition is geranium, powdery and floral but with green fresh, airy aldehydes. Fascinating progression and an absolutely winning formula from something I thought might’ve been a stuffy and not particularly inspiring oud. I actually love this fragrance it was a decent blind buy.

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8 years ago
Armaf Black Onyx
Black Onyx
Armaf
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

This was a blind buy and a 'like' that I suspect may turn into a 'love'. However, it's not all fun and games, this fragrance is a challenge and has that kinda stale smoke smell you get with something like Rasasi Tobacco blaze (not near as bad) It's a very very dry woody smell. The opening does have some spicy notes and hint of cinnamon but that is soon overwhelmed by the main accord or dirty woods. This gets warmer and softer and more appealing throughout. This is undoubtedly an oud fragrance, it's pretty glaring and soft but no slouch on projection or longevity sitting low but humming away. I was slightly thrown out of the 'Niche' vibe after opening the 'fancy' looking but ultimately cheap and tacky box when confronted with a bottle that when I removed the top half of it broke off and remained in situ. Ruining the 'Niche' illusion for me. Thankfully the fragrance itself stacked up and I'm not so bothered about such things. I can't wait to wear it properly as it keep me sniffing. Oh also I have really wanted to find an alternative to the discontinued Rive Gauche intense and for long periods I was wondering why this was even compared, but sure enough this does resemble it in the drydown somehow, but this is still a dirtier, stranger cousin. I liked it.

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8 years ago
Cartier Declaration L'Eau
Declaration L'Eau
Cartier
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

I'm only just coming to write my review as I've had this on my list for sometime without doing anything about it, saw it cheap and just had to buy it. Well, it's just as I remember, an excellent kind of freshie that evokes aquatic vibes but with a super simple composition which opens sharp, kinda bitter grapefruit, pink pepper and I could swear a kinda cumin/caraway sort of thing which is a direct nod to the original on a cedar base. Oh yeah I get a touch of ginger in L'eau too, although it might just be the extra sharpness of the citrus & pink pepper giving that effect. It's classic and does resemble Dior Homme Cologne to some extent but with loads of the original Declaration as well making it a unique prospect. I was a little disappointed with performance, considering I sprayed it in store when it was released a few years back and thought the longevity was superb for this kind of fragrance. Anyway I'm glad to have it in my collection for another option on hotter days. Oh and Cartier have some classy looking bottles, this is no exception. Update: After owning this one for a while now, I'm gonna say that my initial regard for it was scuppered after I purchased it thinking....this isn't quite how I recall it being. However, wearing it more it's brought to light the spicier facets and even the light, curry leaf, cumin notes of the original, politely and distantly being nodded at and evoked by what is a brilliant, throwaway version of the original Declaration. This having more brightness and gingery pep to it. I love it again.

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8 years ago
Kenzo Kenzo Jungle Homme
Kenzo Jungle Homme
Kenzo
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

I remember this fragrance being released, but I always like the smell of Jungle Homme but felt it was a bit lightweight. I don't know if it's nostalgia but when I smell it now I get the subtle nuance, Oliver Cresp is wanting to convey. Relaxed, lime opening which is gently spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom, melting into a soft sandalwood musk. It smells exotic and is quietly projecting and lasting well too. Truly stunning. Kinda reminds me of lots of things but is unique at the same time. Maybe Gucci Envy a fragrance from a similar time period, maybe a touch of Lalique Homme and Equis? Something about this is just so 90's. I effectively blind bought as I genuinely couldn't remember what Jungle Homme smelled like and I'm over the moon with it. I really like Kenzo as a brand, even the clothes are cool (despite the hefty pricetag) and the playful and let's face it slightly ridiculous design of the flacon needs a place in my wardrobe. I haven't had a Kenzo fragrance since Homme and that was going way back.

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8 years ago
Jacques Bogart One Man Show Gold Edition
One Man Show Gold Edition
Jacques Bogart
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

This fragrance is absolute filth! In a really good way though. The opening is chaotic, headbangingly strong and conflicted, floral, animalic, musky, a bit metallic, sickly sweet with heavy spicing. When it’s settles it’s a brutal musk, surrounded by indistinct florals and a fruity note, tinged with bubblegum. As it dries down though it becomes really interesting and a cuddly warm, spiced amber scent develops, deeply, deeply resinous. To be honest I was really in two minds about that opening but when settled, even though it still smells of musky and sweet even skanky notes I love it. The complexity is something to behold, becoming exceptionally woody, balmy even a touch smokey. This is not a typical powerhouse in the way the other one man shows are, this has eastern almost oud like vibes about it. The projection in the first 20 mins of applying is nothing short of nuclear, but does die down respectably, performance is good and im a big fan of how ridiculous this is already. Blind bought it as well so it’s extra impressive, a stonking good romp of a fragrance, probably not for everyone though.

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8 years ago
La Perla Grigioperla Uomo
Grigioperla Uomo
La Perla
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

A soft, woody fragrance in terms of impact it's not much to write home about from a brand I'd not come across. Having said this, you just don't smell many (newish) fragrances like this, it's classy and understated. The opening is watery and fig like with a very subtle anise like to my nose, developing into a kind of buttery floral but with something inherently woody and masculine about it. The drydown and wearing of this was slightly inconclusive because it was a hot day and even the best fragrance wouldn't of lasted on me but the card I additionally sprayed it on, still has a soft and rounded vanilla/heliotrope/violet smell about it. The main thing that makes me like this is the price. The price is really reasonable and if I see it (I won't go out of my way) I might add uomo to the collection for a bit of obscure (in a brand sense, not smell wise) fun.

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8 years ago
Vince Camuto Vince Camuto Solare
Vince Camuto Solare
Vince Camuto
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

As this stuff wore on, I really started to warm to it. Vince Camuto is not a brand I'm familiar with and having tried a few of the mens line I'd say they don't have anything particularly original or standout. I liked the warm, slightly powdered, musky, woods in the base underneath a happy, light hearted citrus and mandarin orange note. Clean and warm creating a lovely soft skin scent but it is just that a not very good performer. I liked the drydown the best though and if I saw this cheap I might buy as an inoffensive clean and functional scent.

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8 years ago
Amouage Imitation Man
Imitation Man
Amouage
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

For me this is Amouage in a return to form, not that there was much of a slump to be fair because I liked Braken, Beach hut was hugely interesting, I think it's just Sunshine and that purple one that was a rare miss step in my opinion. The name of this is a little weird and I can only deduce it would have negative connotations when applied to perfume. Why would you want to be an Imitation? There's probably deeper meaning and a positive spin to be found in the marketing bumf...I've no doubt. Also I respect the reviews of Nick Zee but I don't agree with him on this one. I can say categorically that Imitation doesn't even smell remotely similar to Dior Homme parfum. Okay so the opening is very floral and fresh but clearly has masses of depth and an obvious orris root base right out of the gate. This milky, creamy, leathery powdered nature defies the adjectives I just used to describe it because I might say that about a designer fragrance with an orris/iris base but this is clearly a higher calibre and that's evident straight away. I love how soft and floral this scent is with violet and just the suggestion of roses. It has a classy base and I'm no doubt there's some myrrh in here to keep in with the Amouage, incense aesthetic. The point is, individual notes are blurred by a wonderful chypre type concept and masterful perfumery. I really didn't get patchouli from it but I have only sampled once and sprayed on a card which I kept for a week or so and it still smells fantastic if very faded now. This might be an Amouage I just can't be without, I thought the smell was majestic, and for the man who has no regard for M/F fragrance paradigms. The performance is good and perfectly acceptable at a high price (not sure what the price is but I'm sure it's not cheap!) I love it.

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8 years ago
Guerlain Les Absolus d'Orient Oud Essentiel
Les Absolus d'Orient Oud Essentiel
Guerlain
Avatar for user "houdini"
houdini

Exquisite! That one word could easily be the sum total of my review, but it wouldn’t be like me not to waffle on. The Santal royal in this collection has a very prominent, sharp and skanky, resinous oud note which is completely in contrast with this stuff, a pure tonepoem of luxury and perfumery excelllence. This is a purely indulgent smell with no one one note dominant, but a smoother resin, saffron and leathery oud smell of giant proportions but delicate and modest execution. I was told by the SA that sprayed me(with perfume;) at the Guerlain counter that it was made with access to ingredients other houses don’t (which I’m inclined to believe as it’s guerlain) and also he was big on the fact that I could keep it for years and years and it won’t spoil (again which is my experience of most perfumes ...kept correctly of course) Oh and also he was encouraging me to layer other scents on top of this, which I don’t do but I see how this emorphous, classy bed of woods and resin would enhance even the worst fragrance you sprayed on it. I love it. I think it’s incredible and an oud to get excited about, it’s not groundbreaking and I’ve smelled similar before but I think it’s a perfect storm this one, a perfect oud for ANYONE to wear and enjoy. It’s soft and retreats to a skin scent after hours of solid projection but then easy lasts 10+ hours and probably weeks on clothes. I want this.

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8 years ago
Atelier Cologne Camelia Intrepide
Camelia Intrepide
Atelier Cologne
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houdini

It’s not often these days I’m conpletely bowled over by a fragrance, especially one I definitely should’ve already tried. However, Camille Intrapide is utter magic from start to finish. It has a similar subtlety to something like Santal Carmine from this house, soft buttery, with classic perfume touches that elevate it to something beyond the average. Citrus opening then turning to a delicate floral smell, with a iris/orris smoothness. This is where the drydown becomes one of the nicest, softest, most realistic and well realised leather notes I’ve had the pleasure of sampling. It reminded me of cuir sacre from Ann Gerard but much more unisex and generally more appealing, certainly lasting longer too. I’m surprised not to see sandalwood listed in the notes, not that it’s prominent but it has a creamy woods to it. The leather smell is so good, I sprayed a card as well as myself and I can still smell the gorgeous, soft, buttery leather on there....this fragrance is quite something I definitely want a bottle for sure.

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8 years ago