Tempted by the promise of apricot and florals, I decided to give it a chance. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm died within seconds. The opening is distinctly spicy, instead of juicy apricot, I mainly get cardamom and nutmeg. There’s no fruity softness; it’s dry and sharp, like opening a kitchen cupboard full of spices. After a while, a floral blend appears, generously drenched in honey. These aren’t fresh, radiant blooms, though, but rather dried bouquets forgotten in the attic, with a waft of tobacco lingering in the background. The whole thing reminds me of an old herbal apothecary or a heavy, dusty curtain in a vintage theatre. In the base, I pick up cypriol and, unfortunately, even more of the tobacco I personally struggle with. I can hardly detect any saffron, musk or vanilla. Longevity is very good, projection moderate, and the composition is undoubtedly complex and well crafted. I can appreciate the artistry, but it’s simply not my sort of thing.
it’s s a unisex composition with a floral powdery character, resting on a woody suede base. The fragrance is undeniably elegant, although in my opinion the name feels slightly overstated, as the scent it’s far from true lust.
The opening is a soapy violet, with a touch of rum and a hint of ginger. It then develops into a creamy, softly powdery floral heart, before settling into a smooth blend of sandalwood and suede. Elegant, soft and without any sharp edges. From the name, I expected something more in the vein of high heels and daring lingerie, but what I received was more like an innocent girl in a nightdress buttoned right up to the collar.
Beautiful balance between a dry green oakmossy Chypre, and a fresh spicy/woody Eau de Cologne.
Chienoir opens fresh spicy/woody, with dry pepper and a slightly sweet/bitter orange and green juniper berry. I get a woody green neroli in the mid with opoponax carrying the spiciness into the mid. There is a bone-dry, almost mineralic oakmoss/patchouli accord running through from top to base. A dry tobacco and ambroxan-like musk join in the base to finish the perfume. Simply magnificent. Feels like an Ellena at his peak. Top marks to Breadle for this masterpiece!
A friendly, versatile fragrance that’s simply liked by most. A safe choice that rarely offends and often earns compliments. The opening is sweet and almost creamy, like ripe mango puree softened with a touch of fresh, uplifting bergamot. At the heart, jasmine adds a feminine softness and lightness, while the composition rests on a vanilla woody base that gives it warmth and smoothness. It reminds me of a summer afternoon and a light, floaty dress, pleasant, easy going and uncomplicated. Longevity is around three hours, with rather subtle projection. I do enjoy wearing it because it’s effortless, but honestly, the most memorable thing about it is the bottle itself.
It’s a fragrance designed to attract attention and radiate an air of elegance, and it does so surprisingly well, especially for a budget friendly high street offering. The opening is fresh, with a lightly sparkling note of blood orange and a subtly herbal touch of coriander. This initial brightness quickly gives way to warmer, richer tones. At the heart of the composition, saffron is clearly noticeable, enhanced by woody notes and amber, which lend the scent depth and an elegant edge. It isn’t a heavy, but it definitely carries a distinct evening vibe. It brings to mind a carefully put together outfit, gold jewellery, soft lighting, and a time when you want your perfume to be noticed. Longevity is quite good, with moderate projection, noticeable for the first few hours before settling closer to the skin and creating a pleasant aura.
I grabbed Liquid Brun and honestly, while most people hype it as a close clone of Parfums de Marly Althair, I found it way more similar to the classic Hugo Boss Bottled. It has that same fresh apple-cinnamon spicy kick right at the start, with a clean, woody vanilla dry-down that just screams Boss energy to me. Sure, it’s got some warmer, creamier bourbon vanilla and praline vibes that pull it a bit toward gourmand territory, but overall the DNA feels much closer to Bottled than to Althair for my nose.
Performance is solid, projects nicely for a few hours and hangs around well. If you’re a fan of Boss Bottled and want something affordable with a similar versatile, everyday feel (maybe a touch sweeter), this is a great grab for the price. Definitely recommend trying it out!
It’s s a fragrance that smells like sweet temptation with a playful wink. A gourmand with a floral twist, delicious, feminine and little flirtatious.It opens with juicy raspberry and soft neroli, bringing freshness and lightness to the composition. The heart unfolds into creamy tuberose and orange blossom, white-floral and sensual, yet without any suffocating heaviness. A touch of iris adds a subtle powdery nuance. The base blends caramel, vanilla, musk and soft woods, wrapping everything in warm comfort. It’s sweet, but not sugary, sensual, yet still girlish. Perfect for those moments when you want to smell mmm…, the kind that makes someone lean in and ask what you’re wearing. Longevity is around six hours with moderate projection, noticeable and alluring, but never overwhelming.
Eau Duelle rustles like a susurrus of sighs stirring through the reeds from that exact territory Algernon Blackwood describes in his short story/novella, "The Willows." Dry vanilla, grassy and herbaceous, maybe even rhizomatic, swaying, shifting, and restless. A humming of place, a hollow wind. Silvered marsh lights, bizarre fancies. Soft moonlight on myriad murmuring leaves. Vanilla as the uncanny antagonist of the nature trail, the weird tale the willows tell.
It’s a joyful, distinctly girlish fragrance, like a pastel dress on a sunny day. It opens with violet and a softly sweet hint of citrus, flowing smoothly into intoxicating visteria touched with rose. The composition unfolds gently and harmoniously, like a pastel bouquet arranged with care. In the base, tonka bean with vanilla and a subtle trace of patchouli lend warmth and softness, wrapping the floral heart like a light shawl draped over the shoulders. Longevity is around six hours, with moderate projection, noticeable, yet never trying to dominate the room. It’s a pleasant, well balanced scent that lifts the mood like your favourite cup of coffee, a little bottled pick me up. At the same time, it lacks edge and depth, everything feels pretty, polished and safe. Instead of a true perfumery spark, we get an aesthetic, well crafted creation that appeals to many… but rarely lingers in the memory.
It seems like it doesn’t last very long and not very powerful. Smells ok. But wouldn’t recommend to anyone.
today I’m testing Eau de Memo by Memo Paris, a sample I received with a recent purchase. The opening positively sparkles with bergamot, before green tea moves to the forefront. At this stage, it reminds me of Assam of India by Berdoues. I don’t detect any floral notes at all. There is, however, a leather accord that brings to mind the interior of a new car. The combination of leather, citrus and tea is very interesting. In the final stage, iris comes through. I’d say the longevity is around five hours, and the projection sits fairly close to the skin. It’s a pleasant composition, though I wouldn’t call it groundbreaking.
smells like rice paper
I’d read so much about this fragrance and finally managed to buy a partial bottle at a good price. Moonlit Eveningis a vintage leaning chypre composition, blending nostalgia with a subtle harmony of notes. The opening is spicy and citrusy, I can clearly detect pepper oil and nutmeg. After a while, a floral heart emerges, the fragrance is beautifully blended, making it difficult to pick out individual notes. The base is mossy and earthy, enriched with honey and a generous dose of patchouli. Unfortunately, it’s the patchouli that takes centre stage here, heavy and cellar like, and that’s a style I simply don’t enjoy in fragrance. Longevity is around eight hours, with subtle, moderate projection. I’ll be passing this bottle on, as I don’t think I’ll ever warm up to this interpretation of patchouli. And you, what are you
Don’t know what the original Dior was like, but this scent is fantastic and as a possible dupe. It’s beast mode in sillage and projection.
It is a true ode to vanilla, celebrating feminine warmth and elegance. The vanilla here is sweet, creamy and almost velvety, yet balanced by cool lavender and subtly lifted with a touch of ginger, giving the composition a hint of character and modern freshness. It reminds me of a soft cashmere jumper, hour just before sunset, and a quiet sense of confidence. Longevity and projection are both very good.
Nice biscuity spiced iris with great performance. Retail prices are high but deals abound
it’s a deeper, more refined interpretation of the original, which I adore, by the way. The composition opens with juicy, ripe mirabelle plum, golden and almost velvety in feel. For contrast, soft, aromatic oakmoss and davana emerge, adding a subtle earthiness and lending the scent its distinctive character. In the base, sandalwood and musk wrap the fragrance in a creamy, comforting warmth like a soft shawl. Longevity is around six hours. The projection is noticeable at first, though it gradually settles into something more intimate and close to the skin.
Deep dark coffee wrapped in dark smoke.
Saffron, tobacco, faint cherry and cocoa dance in the haze of the smoke accord to provide some lift and keeping this from going too dark, but make no mistake... This is not a summer freshie.
This is a regal experience best kept for the coldest of winter nights.
Der Duft war Wundervoll ich vermisse ihn sehr
Musc de Soie by Van Cleef & Arpels is a subtle fragrance with an exceptionally clean feel. The opening aldehydes give the impression of a freshly pressed, crisp white shirt. As it develops, sandalwood and powdery musk come to the fore, soft, creamy and enveloping, with no sharp edges. True to its name, the scent is silky and refined. Longevity is around six hours, while the projection creates a delicate, close to the skin aura.
This is one of my favourite creations by this perfumer. It’s a gourmand fragrance that draws attention with its sweet, caramel vanilla character, yet does so in a remarkably elegant way. The opening is sweet and alluring, with notes of cocoa butter, velvety chocolate, vanilla, nuts, dates and tonka bean. As it develops, the scent softens to reveal rich, milky caramel, sugar and a touch of rum. The overall impression is reminiscent of a creamy dessert served alongside a cup of your favourite cappuccino. The fragrance offers good longevity with moderate projection, gently enveloping the wearer and those nearby.
I tested White Jasmine & Gardenia by COCHINE. It’s a composition created for those who enjoy fresh, floral scents. The opening is green and crisp, with pronounced leafy notes and a mandarin accord, followed shortly by a rich floral bouquet. Jasmine, gardenia and tuberose are the most prominent, yet the fragrance remains light, green and fresh throughout.
The composition evokes the feeling of a walk through a freshly cut meadow, holding an armful of these flowers. The base is musky, warm and slightly balsamic. Unfortunately, the longevity is around three hours, and the scent becomes quite close to the skin relatively quickly. It’s a pleasant offering, although there are many similar fragrances available on the market at much more friendly price point.
This fragrance is beautiful. Perfectly unisex. This is LV’s best winter fragrance in my opinion. Ombré Nomad is just a little too harsh of oud for my liking. I think Les Sables Roses takes what ombré nomad is and makes it more wearable. I typically don’t enjoy rose scents, but this one is done perfectly.
I really loved this one, back in the day! I wished I could get some more. Definitely makes you think purple, when you smell it. Definitely is a unique scent. That violet flower definitely stands out.
