Holy moley!!! This is simply awesome beautifully woody and gourmand exactly the right combination to keep you nose interested. The ingredients are all natural and give such a real edible chocolaty quality without becoming too sweet or over the top with it. Beautiful milky buttercream and white chocolate give way to a more mature woody heart that sits gorgeously just above the skin and doesn't become too vanilla feminine. I love gourmand fragrances but sometimes think to myself ..."would I want to smell like that?" and in this instance the answer is a resounding YES! It's one for wearing in bed with your lover...yummy! It's a must have for either a man or a woman.
Woah!!!! This is not for that faint hearted...a MASSIVE incense fragrance that is dominant, pungent and just insane! It completely overwhelmed the other sample vials I got and the bag they came in all smell of this fragrance. Honestly, I understand the appeal of these ancient, opulent spiced frankincense & myrrh perfumes but this is frankly unbearable when first applied, no wonder they recommend 24 hours (yes!! 24 hours!!!!) to let it dry down!! Well I applied the tiniest amount and I do mean tiny and I can't believe how potent it is...I really understand the comparisons to some of the Amouage fragrances as they are very heavy with things like incense, myyrrh and ambergris too. At first it seemed clumsy and harsh despite the fact this one (and sexmagic) was the one I really couldn't wait to try. I love this kind of scent but without the complexity of other juxtaposing notes you get from the likes of Amouage Interlude for example, it's just a bit to linear. The dry down is special and plain epic...but unfortunately not that much evolution you get the same thing throughout but it definitely gets better as it ages on your skin. You can't help but marvel at devotion, it definitely achieves what it sets out to do, a blend of classic notes to create something that would've been revered throughout history.
This one is very green indeed and has that lovely watery subtle cucumber which is a achievement in what is quite a strong scent over all. Reminds me a bit of TF Neroli Portofino but with more spice...which is a huge plus for me. This one is one of my favourites having tried (but not yet reviewed) all 8. I think this is one I would wear along with Sexmagic because this one has depth and truly complementary ingredients which make for a beautiful journey. Again this has unisex appeal as the neroli will shine on a woman's skin and the woods and spice will be maximised on mans. I like it.
Well, this was the one I figured would be the most feminine of this collection and it is. At this point I think I should mention I was drawn to this collection for a few reasons but non more so than the artwork on the bottles which is fantastic. I have a love of symmetry and geometric artworks so this was right up my street. The litterature described this as a 'floriental' As a mans man who doesn't know a lot about florals and blends of floral notes, I have to say that although I wouldn't wear it myself its borderline for me because it is pleasant and definitely just within the realms of unisex. This is probably due to the wood in the base which would probably be excentuated on a man and generally grounds it a little and stops it getting too, overly flowery. The only thing I can detect for sure is jasmine in the top. Tuberose is interesting to me as I seem to like many fragrances which contain it. For me it creates a realistic flower accord, almost like a lily nice at first then goes a little sour. All in all a good outing for this house and an interesting fragrance but I shall give the sample to my girlfriend.
Right, so I'm starting with this one from the Achtung range because I knew I'd love it judging by the notes listed on frgrantica...and boy was I not dissappointed! In fact it was the publicity and features on this site that even made me aware of the house of matriarch in the first place. So, Sexmagic...what a cool name for starters any fragrance thats named after half of a RHCP album is alright by me! This fragrance is sexy, smouldering even and you can detect the different wood notes which exists in a kind of creamy oud spectrum. To be honest I'm not familiar with Buddah wood, Ghandi root and damiana...they're obviously great ingredients. What I do know is that this is a deliciously well concieved scent and a great start to my sampler from this collection and this house. It's smokey, dark and strong things I'm not usually mad on but this gets it right by striking a good balance. This will be one I'll be getting a bottle of for certain.
The original Aramis is not really to my taste anymore as I found out when I purchased it again after more than 10 years. Too dated and harsh in the opening and doesn't change in the drydown to redeem it. This however (to my nose anyway) Aramis Gentlemen is definitely evocative of the original but also quite different in it's own right. To me this is not much more than a cooler and more paletable version of the original, which is manly yet not overtly so, cool but still spicy, and quite muted instead of brash...so apropiately named Gentlemen then! Not the sort of thing I'd wear myself, nor does it really capture my imagination but a nice mature smell for a proper man.
This is a re-review as I have changed my position slightly on the first. I'm not quite sure what others are smelling here judging by the reviews but I think Gentleman is a good, solid fragrance. Yes it's more appealing to a younger crowd than it's predecessor but that's not a negative because to my my nose it carries enough of that classic, masculine vibe to work. Opens with a lemony sharp citrus, pepper and ginger then dries down to a hinted at original Aramis, moss, suede and a touch of patchouli. This is just a backdrop for the ginger & spices which are present but not invasive. The problem with a scent like this is that folks who like a good strong masculine fougere or aromatic fragrance will find it toothless and weak. Whereas those of us into more modern fare might find this not inspiring or different enough...so Aramis Gentleman can't really win either way. The reason I enjoyed Gentleman so much was because I fell out with Aramis some years ago, finding it to be a clumsy sledgehammer of a fragrance and some of this flankers just seem more focused and this one is no exception. When I put it in perspective I think I prefer it to the likes of Dior Homme Sport which has similar notes but couldn't be more different in delivery. Good news for this one then, smell wise. Unfortunately the longevity isn't there and it stays close to the skin but I still want a bottle.
Well to me this fragrance is the epitome of old Skool, super strong, masculine to the point of butch and not really to my taste. However, I understand the appeal because this fragrance takes one back to an era between the 60's and 90's where all masculine scents were...well frankly exactly like this. I remember trying this years ago and feeling it was dated even then but after clearing out some of my dads old stuff I found a bottle of this juice and when I tried it again to my suprise enjoyed the dry down but the opening is still too harsh.....I don't hate it though. Seeing as its sort after and hard to get hold of now (by all accounts) I have a bottle I'm probably rarely going to use so get if touch if you're interested. Update: The drydown of this fragrance is sublime you get lots more than you expect it's really very nice. I still have more than 3/4 of a 100ml bottle if anybody wants it let me know.
Wore it for a while so I think I've got the gist of it now. I think the review below is spot on describing it as a Lime version of Terre d'Hermes. It has the same signature mojito accord as the other L'Homme's which I love, so fresh and uplifting but with the woodiness that I love and crave...its more piced and peppery which is great. It has a slightly more longevity too compared with L'homme Intense for example probably due to the woodier base. I actually got it for my friend for his birthday as I figured it would be suitable for him as he likes woody scents and mojitos so it's a match made in heaven.
A lovely fragrance beautifully warm yet its light and refreshing at the same time. Theres a really unique feeling to the composition and its quite a different amber fragrance and a great alternative option to the usual high street designer fragrances for men.
It's truly knocked me for six how shockingly good this fragrance and the new comer Interlude really are. They're so complex it's thought provoking trying to pinpoint the notes and ultimately a fruitless and demanding task. The usual suspects in Amouage, sandalwood & incense, rich resins... frankincense are obvious as well as Oud in this one. The rest are an apparent mixture that is ever changing and gives you little bits like a revolving fragrant curry sampler...it's remarkable stuff. This too has more than a touch of nobility about it and makes you feel a sense of importance when wearing it. It's king juice really. My only regret is that I never gave this a proper trial or I'd probably be as in love with this one as I am with interlude. Interlude is just madness and a bolder than this effort which is marginally more refined.
Very brief second review now I've had a bit more time to get to know Epic. It's stunning! Heady and easily the most masculine of the Amouage I've tried so far it has a real gentlemanly dignity about it. The opening is great once more, complex lots & lots going on...pepper, Oud, spices. It's a very dark smoky outing too which continues to get smokier on my skin, also with a slight petrol/diesel vibe to it as well which when subtle is actually really enjoyable. It's developing really nicely now and I have a real appreciation for this instead of comparing it to interlude...which for me was the benchmark due to being the first Amouage I tried. If I had the money this would be on my list...it's definitely short listed for the future. Update: Wow!!! Just when i thought it had given up all its secrets, Deep into the Drydown the smoke completely clears then you're left with a really sweet, woody scent, the real heart with no smoke wonderful.
Awesome fragrance! A very classy, gorgeously woody, musky, heady Oud scent. For me I couldn't justify the purchase as I wouldn't wear it often enough. I can't claim to be an authority or anything but you can't go far wrong with Creed I'm so impressed with their range on the whole.
Here's a re-review for me and I'm just going to comment briefly on how refreshing and bright the citrus is in the top of this fragrance, it really is gorgeous and long lasting. This fragrance should not be compared with other Oud's because although the oud is present, it's not what makes this scent great that dries down beautifully. For me it's a fresh, woody fragrance that is not a priority for the collection as it's so expensive but I'm sure I'll get it one day.
Citrus, fruit, some greens & pepper wonderful stuff again from Creed highly wearable and very nice...these guys know what they're doing. Not my favourite Creed but I fail to see how you couldn't like it.
I'd wear this. It depends what is surrounding vetiver to make a good composition...and this is just that. I think having vetiver in the name makes people expect a lot of that note but it all depends how it comes across, for me there's more vetiver heavy fragrances out there that really showcase and compliment that element. However, that doesn't stop it being a clean and green (they got that bit right!) fragrance that is as balanced and enjoyable as any other in the Creed line...just not one of my personal favourites.
Oh my word!!! This is a splendid fresh fruity/musk scent...one of my favourite combo's. Every time I think there's good alternatives to Creed fragrances out there I realise that they pale in comparison. I tried MI a while ago and loved it. Then during the summer I managed to get hold of Love & Luck by Ed Hardy which from memory I thought was a very good cheap version. I love the Ed Hardy fragrance but when I've tried MI recently I instantly smelled the difference. There's certain similarities sure but MI is another triumph from Creed in my opinion and I will definitely add to my collection at some point.
I really hate this...very very boozy and awful strong beeswax aroma...and the intense is even worse...which I didn't think was possible! Don't understand why you'd want to smell like this? Each to their own I suppose but this is the sort of scent that repels me in the extreme. No disrespect to Kurkdjian.
I'm a big fan of Jo Malone and this one is a another great combination. I find some of the unisex ones a little feminine more so than this but hey! I'm going to get it for my sister for her birthday as I think it's exactly the kind of thing she would enjoy.
I adore this from Jo Malone! In my opinion the only fragrance in the cologne intense collection that is suited to a man as it really has a wonderful woody quality balanced perfectly with the citrus. Again I am a fan of Oud fragrances but this one is not particularly Oud centric. It is a lovely blend of fruitiness and the Oud to create was is quite simply a very nice scent and something I want to smell like. Hats off to Jo Malone on this one and on the vast majority of her fragrances, even the few I don't particularly like are okay and have a lovely natural feel to them. Update: Just to say it again! This fragrance is amazing I really do love it smells amazing. I don't know why but somehow it conjures up the colour red. It puts me in mind of a really soft luxurious fabric like silk or velvet that's a very deep red or burgundy...If that makes sense? The fruity bergamot is so nice and creates its own beautiful accord when mixed with the creaminess of the Oud it's fantastic and although it stays pretty close to the skin after the first hour or so it has good longevity.
Reminds me a little of a flat I used to live in...a kind of very 'new' smell maybe it's the leather (I don't find it very leathery BTW) & pine? The patchouli and florals in this are delicate and it makes for a really nice fragrance to be honest and although it's soft it's quite long lasting. I like it...just not sure about getting it incase it wouldn't be something I would wear. Update: I got masses of sample vials and have worn this a few times now and each time I like it a little more but it's still nothing special. The feel of it (not necessarily the smell or notes) remind me of ultra clean soapy fragrances like Tom Ford Grey Vetiver. I'd put this in the category of a fragrance which seems well conceived to be honest but a little anonymous, I mean it's never going to set the world alight.
Can't even begin to describe this fragrance...needless to say there's a hell of a lot going on. It has the most insane opening of any fragrance I've ever come across. The most fragrant incense and spices evoke an middle eastern mysterious vibe. It's quite simply amazing the most challenging thing I've ever smelled. Genius perfumery and I don't say that lightly. This thing is massive too! It has a lovely dry down which evolves for hours and hours but is not over powering, although I suspect it could be if you were a little careless with the trigger. This is a great achievement by Amouage and Interlude totally deserves my gushing praise. Spritzed a tiny bit on my arm over 18 hours ago and I can still smell it....unheard of longevity for me.
Hate to be a philistine because the other fragrances I tried from this brand absolutely blew me away and I consider them to be brilliant. This to me smells exactly like the smell when you walk into a carpet shop. Not that that's a bad smell...just a weird thing to want to smell like. I suspect the dry down is better and reveals more but I couldn't get past that opening.
Well the first time I tried this I promise you it smelled like a carpet shop I even had my girlfriend smell it and when asked what it reminded her of without prompting she said 'A carpet shop.' So I'd had my first review validated... to a degree. I have to say I've worn a healthy application of this juice a couple of times now...so a fair trial one would imagine. And I've concluded it doesn't smell like a carpet shop. Honour man is remarkably fresh, I get a floral pink peppery, mild incense nothing heavy or jarring in here and it's nice, and reasonably powerful. That is all though, I didn't get monstrous longevity or the power you get from the likes of the recent Interlude. This to me is a more palatable version of Fate, if you like the general middle eastern lite TM feel of Amouage scents but don't want a powerhouse of woods and density then this would be a good choice.
This is HEAVENLY!!! Fruity berries, with musk behind and you get the hint of tea too! Simply stunning, spellbinding freshness... Definitely evokes the fresh mountain stream. I was reluctant to blind buy as I'd read reviews that it was a disappointing effort from Creed... And similar to Himalaya (which it really isn't) My personal taste says this is my favourite from the house and I must have it! Just reaffirms in my mind that you should always try a fragrance (of course) and that there's no accounting for taste. One thing I've learned is that Creed is synonymous with quality.
Just to complete the recent U turns I've been making with regard to fragrances I either didn't like or was on the fence about. This was probably the latter as its very classic male scent with citrus & herbs in perfect measure but failed to inspire me. However having worn it and experienced the dry down I have to say I'm totally converted. It's another classic case of Dior making fragrances that have depth enough to challenge and conflict your senses. This isn't my favourite by any means and I'm not going to rush to add it to my collection but as my tastes change I might well do that? The point is...I get what the fuss is about now.
My oh my!!! This stuff may well be a classic and I've nothing against old Skool fragrances when men smelled like men...even the likes of Fabergé Brut ÜBER Butch! I genuinely couldn't stop choking though from one small spray to my wrist, awful and far too much! That being said I respect people who like it and it's status. Also it probably is very well put together just not my cup of tea something about it that doesn't sit right.
A really well executed alternate version of aqva. The original managed to evoke a lovely aquatic accord using cool citrus & fruity notes. This one is obviously similar to the original but cleverly delves deeper into the abyss with more saltiness and seaweed vibes. The watery notes are somehow evoke the feeling of deeper water which fulfils the brief and the name Marine. The Aqva Toniq I have is extremely salty and not quite as pleasant as these. I think the saltiness is just right on this one and I can't choose between Aqva and Aqva Marine as they are both great.
