I find this fragrance indicative of christmas anyway...they should've made the bottle a bauble instead. :)
So I tested this at the weekend and my expectations were met, in full! I mean, I anticipated what this fragrance would be like and in reality that's what I got. Tom Ford is keen on patchouli in many other fragrances and I enjoy the way it's handled, Patchouli absolu is no exception. Very linear and stays simple throughout, It's a smooth, classy patchouli scent with an unmistakable earthy nature but well balanced and never too dirty. This is maybe a disappointment for some and if you really love patchouli have no doubt there's much better ones out there. I'm not the biggest fan of patchouli but this just about stays of the right side for me it's kinda thick a bit chocolatey, subtly resinous and has that truffle, tuber thing of Men Extreme and noir about it. Not strong or dirty enough to offend me but perhaps not bold enough for some either. Performance was good on me but not spectacular as I mentioned I've tried some patch fragrances that don't wash of for a day or two.
Surprising that I'd never tired this one until now because it's not that I have anything against this house. Bvlgari scents are usually well put together, however not one appeals to me, except for black perhaps and maybe some like this, that I haven't tried yet. I actually saw it in my friends bathroom and when I had a spray was pleasantly surprised. Pour Homme is instantly a very pleasing fresh musky citrus and aldehydes, then a growing tea which is the theme of the perfume. Nothing not to like here infact I think it's excellent in many ways a sweet yet ever so slightly dry, woody composition which many will enjoy. There is something slightly floral in there too which keeps it upbeat. Average longevity and projection and not once does this feel cheap. I'm a fan truly a great fragrance.
Coca-cola (specifically?) and Macarons? Wow...odd but not unappealing. Can't wait to try this.
I was trying desperately to find the new Dior Homme Parfum to no avail. I did however find this, the latest flanker in the line and after the sport and cologne versions which seemed to diversify into citrus/aquatic territory Eau seems in much more familiar territory. As a stand alone perfume and forgetting it's a flanker for a moment, Homme Eau is really not bad at all. A softer, lighter powdered effect of iris which is simply a nod to the original rather than capturing that 'full on' vibe and if I've understood the concept correctly, that's exactly what Dior were going for and I can't complain about it. Homme Eau smells really nice it's as simple as that and there's actually not that many fragrances of this type, at least in the designer game. It possesses the warmth of the original with fresh sharp citrus top notes. It's a laid back interpretation of Dior Homme, which I think only time will tell if it becomes as revered as the original, sport and Intense...I doubt it will though. I don't blame Dior for trading off a very popular line but I do question if there's any need for this flanker? Is there really any need for the parfum? (I won't know till I try it.) How many more stories can be told by Dior Homme? Well where theirs money to be made quite a few I suspect. The bottom line is the quality and definition are there to set this one apart and I would wear it quite happily but I'm not going to seek it out. I class Dior Homme as a dressy scent and this is the everyday equivalent, fresher, more subdued and wearable. Worth a sniff for sure but don't expect to be blown away.
The 25th Anniversary edition rekindled my interest in this fragrance and I have to say it's well worth revisiting. Eternity by name, Eternity by nature it would seem. Calvin Klein fragrances usually stand the test of time which evidently this one has and with good reason. A refreshing but fairly deep aromatic fougere type scent which defines itself clearly against others in this family. It's masculine but not overly mossy or musky Eternity opens with juniper/bergamot vibes and lavender the heart is herby, floral and complex with a base of vetiver, musk and sandalwood nothing overpowering anything else. It's a calming fragrance when it dries down and becomes quite subtle. I imagine it works nicely for that classic gent rocking a smart/casual, white shirt and khaki's CK look. Seems dated now to some perhaps(?) but I welcome these olfactory memories and a break from the god awful stuff coming out in the designer realm at the moment. I had a tiny bottle of this in the 90's which my dad gave me. It was in the days he used travel a lot and would get awesome free gifts especially when he flew on Emirates or whatever? They'd give you a full shave kit and no plastic rubbish real quality gear, really nice washbags balms, shower gels and loads of mini's of top fragrances.
I was expecting to fall madly for this fragrance as I remember smelling it several years ago on a girl I was seeing and thought it was nice. Quick word on the packaging and presentation, I found them to be particularly inviting, The bottle looks great really classy. Tried it the otherday and liked it, very pleasant fresh citrus opening then delicate florals not over sweet peony and jasmine. The base is a warm vanilla/almond which is evident throughout but dries down very nicely. Nothing unpleasant here and as a man I don't have much credibility when commenting on 'feminine' perfumes but I just found this a little average. I suspect that was only due to the fact my expectations were so high. It's an interesting and understated scent which is warm and pleasant and in actual fact I could probably pull off wearing it. I saw that it was in the sale but still wasn't reasonably priced enough for me to buy it even for my girlfriend who was of the same opinion as me...that cinema is nothing special, though it's very wearable, good quality and lasts well.
Stop the presses! I'm stunned by this fragrance it is nothing short of magnificent! I have never smelled anything like it before, very sweet but with a creamy, woody understated edge. The way Atelier Cologne's Santal Carmin comes on is very much like other quality sandalwood fragrances, it seems to creep up. Very minimal in the beginning and so reminiscent of other fragrances I've tried with sandalwood and papyrus (except for the occasional unpleasantness) this has sweet notes and a hint of citrus in the opening which elevate it so something else entirely. As it develops the sandalwood becomes both spicier and creamier combining with a gorgeous vanilla note which comes on stronger too. What is evident is one of my favourite, complex notes saffron which gives any fragrance a classy edge. The overriding scent I get however is a sweet berry, like strawberry or raspberry in this scent it's kinda the heart of the whole thing and I just can't see how that's bergamot and lime? Whatever it is, it's wonderful and contributes to a perfect storm, which combines many elements I love. The drydown is dense guaic wood and creamy sandalwood with sweet long lasting vanilla. It's strangely reminiscent of a few things Scent story 24 Gold just in style terms... maybe it's the sweetness, vanilla, and woods then Le Labo Santal 33 and Decennial Santal Sacre for papyrus and how tranluscent the Sandalwood is at first but then builds. Also reminds me a touch of Xerjoff Ivory Route but with gorgeous sweet and inviting gourmand touches of fruit added in making it totally different. It has what I've termed 'secret sillage' because hours after application and despite never being a powerhouse you get glorious wafts of it every now and again. My girlfriend thought it was 'very ordinary' and was surprised I was raving about wearing it so much but she said that about Ivory Route which I thought was amazing, maybe she doesn't like sandalwood? Santal Carmin is fantastic, great longevity, not the longest lasting but several hours puts it right up there and it does project softly. It just as innovative as Gold leather which is a brave boozy scent and these two alone make me rate Atelier Cologne as a house. If you don't like sweet, or gourmand fragrances it may not be for you but I can't even say that for sure as the sandalwood might just hypnotize you. I adore this fragrance and want a bottle pretty bad.
This entire line from YSL is of the most amazing quality but most (like me) are somewhat repelled by the price. I think these flacons are 80ml? If they are the same size as the Oud Absolu etc... (which from memory I think they are) then the value is not that bad compared to say 50ml of Clive Christian or Xerjoff, MDCI or By Killian etc...etc...because the quality is up there. I really loved this one anyway, Supreme Bouquet is distinctly feminine and elegant not usually my thing but I've not smelled a great deal of fragrances like it. This unique combination of gorgeous white florals, tuberose and Jasmine with lots of ylang ylang in the opening and sweet candied fruit and musk, it's heavenly. It's dries down even better to a musky/amber but still with a powerful tuberose which is one of the best I've smelled. Despite the gushing praise I could never wear this and not because I wouldn't wear of don't appreciate female focused fragrance but this is simply too feminine for me. I wish I could afford to get this for my girlfriend, she might have to wait until christmas because I would love to smell this all the time. Sillage and longevity were huge on my skin but never cloying or overpowering despite the sweet elements the floral balance is perfect...ladies this is a wonderful scent.
I enjoyed this fragrance, it has lots of elements I like and are complimentary when applied in this composition. The opening is a fresh citrus but dominated by that juniper note which I love and just like ADP it's super luscious and thirst quenching. There's a dry peppery edge too which perfectly compliments the gin & tonic feel, nutmeg and sage also works well. I didn't really detect allspice but I did only try it once and am awaiting samples to give it a better review. I know what to expect from this line and a great deal of spice was never going to materialize but would've been welcome. After that bright, peppered juniper dies down it becomes a familar cedar base. No better or worse than the rest of the Blu line and a welcome addition in my opinion. Longevity is not the best but acceptable, I got a few hours from it.
This fragrance is lovely. I just don't think of AdP's established lines like Blu as having new editions, I just look at a swathe of blue bottles and think...I've tried all of those, when this one popped out and I thought....wow I haven't actually. So this stuff starts out with a fresh dry GnT like juniper, settling to something much more recognisable as blue, and Mediterranean. It's herbal, slightly powdery and with a cedar, cypress base, I can definitely smell a hint of all spice and nutmeg in there too. I love a cypress based scent. Love one. This is nice but didn't excite me exactly but you know what you're going to get with Acqua di Parma, decent quality and good concepts all around. Thumbs up from me.
Oh dear Guerlain what have you done here? This is so far off the mark it's unbelievable, very disappointing. L'Homme Ideal takes generic to the next level but even that statement makes it sound too exciting...it really isn't. As soon as I got my nose on the top notes I knew it was a tiresome tonka bean and super sweet almond which goes too far and makes the whole thing a creamy, powdered mess. That's not the whole story though because it does have some interesting notes poking through that main accord like orange blossom. I say 'interesting' but entirely ill conceived in my opinion, it's like curdiling fizzy soda and milk...doesn't work. I think what they're trying to achieve is the delicate suede like feel of something like VC&A Midnight in Paris but fails miserably and becomes more like Burberry Brit Rhythm or some other bland Tonka release of late. It's got a strength to it though I'll give it that but it's that synthetic, aroma chemical strength not due to high quality ingredients just unrelenting innovation meaning longevity was good. Anyone would think I didn't like tonka bean but that's not the case at all, just rare to find a truly good one with complimentary notes. Yeah so it's not a good outing from Guerlain in my opinion, which is a shame because I was anticipating this one.
Gokhanburak53's comment needs to receive some balloons! I noticed when I was sampling this juice that it was indeed dreamy actor Kit Harrington on the campaign posters, I'm probably about 98% straight but even I go a bit gooey eyed for Jon Snow! Shame he's promoting this generic rubbish then isn't it! Nah that's a bit harsh actually but I do honestly think Jimmy should stick to shoes and not crowd an already heavily crowded market place unless it's a worthwhile release. The fleeting very top notes of exotic fruit in Jimmy Choo Man is very synthetic but plugs into a zone of my brain which appreciates that sort of thing. It's kinda like Eau de Lacoste Red and countless other fruity scents containing a pineapple (type) note but soon over. Then comes the killer, a slightly salty aquatic note (maybe calone) and that generic crowd pleasing and hard to define, mundane accord. Oh no I thought, here we go again with another vulgar aroma chemical cocktail but that's only some of the tale. It's a little like a weak, watery version of BdC, I can certainly see where comparison could be drawn. However, this is lacking in spice to give it further dimension and take it out of the realms of boredom. Now if I'm perfectly honest I quite like the drydown, yeah you heard me... I like it. It just becomes a soft pleasing affair with non of the annoying elements that jar with me. Additionally, I have to say I found the longevity to be very good for such a 'blah' scent. My girlfriend really liked it too as soon as I sprayed it in the store she was immediately drawn to it. I had made my appraisals pretty quickly and proceeded to tell her it was cheap and generic, on closer inspection and a further try I'd stick to that but it's by no means worthy of a 'dislike' vote here. I have about 4 sample vials of this which I will probably give to my friends. Just frustrating that I try all these new fragrances hoping for a surprise beauty like Valentino Uomo but alas no joy here.
I'd been anticipating trying a Huitieme Art and having it blow me away, Monsieur was the one to do it...Bravo! I don't think there's anything 'plain' about this scent at all it's a great mixture of notes. A distinctive, fresh, incense fragrance with a delicious backbone of woods, it's warm but without any of the heaviness of amber you tend to find coupled with incense. This contains unmistakable top notes of papyrus and that classic combo with sandalwood which I'll be honest I don't always think the balance is right (Le Labo Santal 33) but here it's superb. I get olibanum in the opening too then a hint of earthy patchouli and vetiver as it dries down. You could be mistaken for thinking that it doesn't contain enough light and shade, what with all these woody notes. However, spice comes from the sandalwood, fresh, clean natural notes from papyrus, vetiver and incense, heavier base tones of oak and oakmoss...this makes for anything but a dull affair. Stunning, Masculine and great quality, lasting power but subtle and well priced Huitieme art Monsieur is a wonderful perfume. I might just get myself a bottle.
Douro is an aromatic with a touch of the classic fougere about it. For me it's a pleasant fragrance and worthy (and expected) to be in the penhaligon's line but one of my least favourite. Nothing offensive about I just think it's not herbal enough, not spicy or mossy enough, put simply Douro is just not ballsy enough. The composition has the balance of other similar Penhaligon's scents which is usually a positive thing but dare I say it makes Douro a tad on the boring side. Opens, with fresh bergamot, citrus classic note of lavender, then becomes a slightly, floral mossy, musk. Nothing jumps out at me, but not offensive by any means.
This fragrance is a masterfully realized piece of work. I instantly remembered trying it a few years ago when I (semi) blind bought it recently. A thoroughly rewarding choice it was too, There's no doubt it's vastly better than anything Gucci have on the shelves currently. Pour Homme II has character, depth, and a charming class about it. Opens freshly, a brisk bergamot and tea and slight hint of violets which makes you think it's some fairly average fodder. However has it dries down the tea gets stronger, a bit drier and musk chimes in to offset any sweet or powdery notes with some bitterness. It's so interesting that the spicy element of cinnamon/hint of tobacco and pimento conjures up a subtle V&R spicebomb type aroma at the heart of this fragrance. PHII predates it obviously but maybe it could be great for those who like the concept of Spicebomb but not the sledgehammer execution. It also reminds me of Penhaligon's Opus 1870 which is a very beautiful scent, a peppery, rose, cedar affair that has a similar feel to this also. But then this has the violet, tea and woody notes that I enjoy too, it's masterpiece of a fragrance and more enjoyable the more you wear it. It's not obtrusive and lasts longer than I'd anticipated on my skin, with mild projection...I'd say average in both departments. The trick here is that PHII is so subdued it could never be annoying or cloying due to a great balance of spicy/sweet/fresh/dry/warm...everything really. My girlfriend instantly loved it too in fact she wore it the minute it arrived (and tried to convince me to give it to her) and it smelled great on her. Love this...can't recommend it highly enough.
I've been waiting a while to get my hands on this. I've also been a fragrance lover for many years but didn't expand my collection beyond about 10-12 fragrance until recent years. Strange that this one passed me by when it was out, because now looking back on the late nineties/early noughties era there were a few real gems around and I'm surprised Versace Man got tragically overlooked... by me anyway. I sometimes shop in a store which specializes in discontinued or rare fragrances still in production. I asked about this one and they said they sold the last bottle several years ago and that I'd be lucky to find a decent one now. She said be wary of things on ebay and I suppose bottles could be 10+ years old now. However, I believe from my experience (and dependent on the fragrance of course), as long as you store them properly it shouldn't be too much of an issue. My verdict is.... this is a wonderful scent, a deep sexy oriental that blows anything Versace have in stores at the moment (possibly with the exception of Oud Noir?) out of the water. Then they go and discontinue it. A fresh opening then, deep amber and really nice leathery, tobacco accord is complex and wonderful with the absolute epitome of my favourite spicing from cardamom, pepper and wonderful saffron and labdanum. The saffron is a really big player in this fragrance without dominating it in anyway, it feels soft and classy but deep. The drydown is lovely, long lasting but not very strong which is fine by me. I love Versace Man comes highly recommended and it's a triumphant blind buy for me.
I love bright uplifting tea fragrances and this could be described just that way, however something in here doesn't work. The top notes seem a little like citrus/petitgrain/verbena to me and then there's a strong cedar and a hint of something more interesting perhaps the Myrrh and cardamom which actually give this fragrance some depth. It's an odd one this, I honestly don't really get it? Perfectly wearable and nothing wrong with it, the drydown has some interesting element (again I can't place?) that makes it seem very high quality. It could be rose? It's very very faint but that could be it. It's a sharp musky fragrance and I have to be brutal, I don't think I'd wear it. Longevity was okay and it's certainly a bit of an enigma.
Hyle is obviously a classy scent, it has a real air of sophistication and is a fragrance of high quality. However, taste wise this is not my thing due to the salty aquatic note and the way it seems to have curdled with the creaminess. The opening and throughout there's a nice lemony note which works well with the Calone type salty sea breeze accord which is handled more gently than something like Invictus or Eros but still a bit weird. What surprises me is the main and last (but by no means least) note myrtle...isn't listed here? it's huge throughout giving a moisturiser sort of vibe. In many ways this is a great mixture of those three main elements despite me not really liking it but I have to way up whether I'd wear it or not and I simply wouldn't but there's nothing wrong here, it's a fresh, clean summery fragrance that some will love. That myrtle holds the citrus for a long time like neroli or white blossoms do and as a result the longevity is very good. Worth a try but not for me.
I tried this years ago and despite being a real violet fan I've never taken to this or Paul Smith fragrances in general but I felt I should revisit it and make sure. Fresh opening of herbal/citrus basil which comes off a little like tea. Then it sweetens up massively and becomes very floral, mainly violets but I can smell lavender and maybe a bit green with some hiacynth? Something about this scent I just find a bit awkward and cheap the opening hour or so is really big and intrusive but it just dries down to a powdery violet and woody vetiver musk...which in all fairness is okay.
This is the fruity scent to end all fruity scents! Utterly spectacular swirl of fruity notes which make your mouth water I had a few fruits in mind but settling on the most accurate pineapple note I've smelled. Forget Aventus, this is a true pineapple and understandably reminiscent of Frapin 1270 which has amazing fruity notes & pineapple but in a more gourmand setting. Not that this isn't a edible smell because it does have a touch of honey and vanilla at the back of it...and even a woody drydown too one the fruit has calmed. Detaille are an amazing housem, in truth they have some real gems which I suspect have been around for a lot longer than many scents I will draw comparison to. (certain in Frapin's case) Love it! Good sillage at first and longevity is okay...yet another one I want a full bottle of.
Upon application I got the freshest wet, herbal top notes of cypress and rosemary then the smokey deep notes start to pile on. Cardamom, Charred wood and smokey, cypriol, Copu balm and then a sweetness of myrrh form a swirling mid-pyramid. The oud base is not at all strong or long lasting after such a heady journey through the notes, it's over far too quickly for my liking. When Galaad brings all that smoke it started to remind me a little of Profumum Fumidus but then becomes tamer and much more manageable, just as quickly as it developed. It promises so much and smells really good briefly in that opening, complex, balsamic and plain wonderful then dies down to a soft leathery drydown...shame.
Just had a look for my review of the original but couldn't find it...maybe I never posted one? However, I do remember sampling Diamonds and really quite enjoying the experience, unlike this one. Well, it's not that 'Rocks' is bad, again it's just yet another banal and ultimately pointless flanker. The whole 'Diamonds' thing just appeals to the pathetic desire to flaunt gaudy, bling encrusted, designer shit in peoples faces, just so the plebs can feel like they are part of the worshiped celebrity elite...well you're not! You shouldn't aspire to be like that anyway but unfortunately folk do and this plays right into the hands of marketing execs who create fragrances in the vein of this one to entice morons to buy it just so they feel a little closer to Kim Kardashian or some other rich spoiled scumbag!!! Lets talk about ridiculously opulent diamond jewelry and sing songs and rap about diamonds with no consideration of where they actually come from, contributing to the suffering & deaths of thousands of Africans. Okay! That's off topic I apologize... rant over! I can't believe I keep giving these designer fragrances a chance... 2013 and 2014 have been horrific years for new fragrance the only good one I can recall is Valentino Uomo. Starts out with a citrus/marine accord which develops into a barely recognizable powdery accord of violet and maybe some vague woods. The opening a subsequent hour or so is alright, pretty fresh if uninspiring but the drydown...? well the whole thing is just generic mush. More spice, more definition, and maybe some dryness of cedar and more guaic wood that's what is needed here. Just more bravery is required to make them less boring, unfortunately...boring sells.
The opening to Idole EDP had me a little underwhelmed a sweet, boozy kick with a hint of saffron, which don't get me wrong are some great notes but somehow felt like just an 'OK' scent from Lubin. How wrong was I? Leave it a few minutes to settle and then it really starts to shine which incense heart notes of labdanum, olibanum and intense woods. This is such an amped up masculine scent which manages to be butch and elegant at the same time. It is truly a unisex really, although I can't help but think it's lean more toward the masculine with all that boozy woody character. I'd describe Idole de Lubin as a boxer in ballet shoes heavy accords that seem to float on a gentle breeze. And still somehow it feels like something I recognize and identify with. This is an expertly blended perfume, the notes come to you in an initial separate waves but then seem to consolidate into a single entity...an entity that I can't help but keep sniffing. I only applied a small amount and it went on strong, had a good sillage trail and longevity. Wait for the magic to happen and this thing is off the charts good and yet another perfume I need a full bottle of. Superb!
What I expect from a carnation note is the powdery signature that I get from (mainly) male perfumes which contain it. However, sometimes this makes me forget that the initial smell of a carnation is not only very distinctive from other florals but more green and spicy. The opening, just before it settles for the briefest few seconds is the most natural unadulterated carnation note I've smelled, truly it's like sniffing the flowers themselves. Then the drydown is more characteristic (in perfume terms at least) as it becomes one of those powdered, spicy affairs maybe with a hint of rose in there and certainly that slight clovey edge that carnation has. Its truly a very accurate presentation of a carnation based perfume but a bit weird considering how dated this sort of thing is and how contemporary and avant garde CDG are as a brand. Just goes to show they will have a crack at anything! Even though Carnation is a complex smell in itself there's not a great deal going on in here and it's just not really to my taste...I don't hate it though.
