Fragrance Reviews
Fragrance Reviews by schumi
Showing all 74 reviews
Isfarkand pour Homme by Ormonde Jayne
Isfarkand starts off with a pleasant and refreshing citrus note, but then all I can get is pure incense. After sampling all the non-feminine fragrances from Ormonde Jayne (Orris Noir, Ormonde Man and now Isfarkand), I have to say that this is far, far away from what a niche company should be. All their fragrances smell very generic and cheap. I find the auto-characterization from the Ormonde Jayne web-site an insult:
"The story of this unique luxury perfume house is one of uncompromising perfection. Known for the rarity and purity of ingredients, sourced personally from growers in far flung climes such as Indochina, Arabia, the Amazon and Madagascar, and alchemised in our own London laboratory, Ormonde Jayne has attracted the admiration of the perfume cognoscenti and fine fragrance lovers worldwide."
I could (should) have rated all the Ormonde Jayne fragrances as negative, simply for the huge disappointment they produced on me.
"The story of this unique luxury perfume house is one of uncompromising perfection. Known for the rarity and purity of ingredients, sourced personally from growers in far flung climes such as Indochina, Arabia, the Amazon and Madagascar, and alchemised in our own London laboratory, Ormonde Jayne has attracted the admiration of the perfume cognoscenti and fine fragrance lovers worldwide."
I could (should) have rated all the Ormonde Jayne fragrances as negative, simply for the huge disappointment they produced on me.
08 October 2008
Ungaro I by Ungaro
Top Notes: Lavender, Bergamot
Mid notes: Pine, Wormwood, Patchouli, Jasmine, Precious Wood, Geranium
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Tonka, Honey, Amber
Now here's a strange fragrance. I've gone through almost half of a 2.5 oz bottle before I could finally appreciate and understand the beauty of Ungaro I. This is a wonderful woody-fougere which may not be enjoyed by everyone, but its uniqueness and elegance cannot be ignored by any fragrance lover. It is deep, boozy, alcoholic, mossy, damp, in a word, intoxicating. As a matter in fact, I think it's the booziest and most intoxicating fragrance I know. It's also a serious, intellectual, introspective fragrance and those who can appreciate these qualities and also its lack of sexiness and sensuality will certainly adore Ungaro I.
Although it's not quite the masterpiece that Ungaro III is, it completes one of the greatest (if not actually THE greatest) trilogy in the men's fragrance history.
Mid notes: Pine, Wormwood, Patchouli, Jasmine, Precious Wood, Geranium
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Tonka, Honey, Amber
Now here's a strange fragrance. I've gone through almost half of a 2.5 oz bottle before I could finally appreciate and understand the beauty of Ungaro I. This is a wonderful woody-fougere which may not be enjoyed by everyone, but its uniqueness and elegance cannot be ignored by any fragrance lover. It is deep, boozy, alcoholic, mossy, damp, in a word, intoxicating. As a matter in fact, I think it's the booziest and most intoxicating fragrance I know. It's also a serious, intellectual, introspective fragrance and those who can appreciate these qualities and also its lack of sexiness and sensuality will certainly adore Ungaro I.
Although it's not quite the masterpiece that Ungaro III is, it completes one of the greatest (if not actually THE greatest) trilogy in the men's fragrance history.
05 October 2008
Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne
I find its construction a bit similar to Ormonde Jayne's Man, but this is less herbal, a bit sweeter and overall, better. Anyway, Ormonde Jayne is a niche brand and it is supposed to be very unusual, bold, innovative and different, but actually it's anything but. Their fragrances are awfully generic.
02 October 2008
Yatagan by Caron
Now that's an awful scent! In fact, it's probably one of the worst I've ever tried. Too heavy, too woody, too sour. It could well be a signature fragrance for a sweaty and hairy truck driver or a boor, rough-voiced forester. Since I'm neither of those, needless to say I can't stand it.
02 October 2008
Ormonde Man by Ormonde Jayne
A sour/spicy mix of woods and herbs. Bad from start to finish. And it also smells very, very generic...
02 October 2008
L'Eau D'Issey pour Homme by Issey Miyake
A classical citrus fragrance. Not better, nor worse than tens of other citrus colognes.
30 September 2008
Paco Rabanne pour Homme by Paco Rabanne
Now that's a great classic! It's in the same category as Antaeus, Chanel Pour Monsieur or Van Cleef & Arpels Pour Homme... it follows the same path as those, but I like this one better. It's cleaner, sweeter, softer and even classier! Not only that I think this is one of the best classics, but it's also one of the finest fragrances I've ever tried. Oh, and it's not dated at all, this is the timeless elegance that will never die. And also, it's very wearable... this is not an old gentlemen only cologne, but it's suitable for anyone who can respect and appreciate a such refined fragrance.
Simply wonderful!
Simply wonderful!
30 September 2008
No. 88 by Czech & Speake
Art & emotion … this is what No.88 is all about!
A GOTHIC, VAMPIRIC and DIABOLIC cologne - undoubtedly a perfect signature fragrance for DRACULA.
The almost unanimous opinion is that No.88 is a monumental fragrance. I was awe-struck by its grandiose status, so I timidly opened the door to its world… It was a transcendental experience that changed me forever… The emotional abyss sucked me in instantly and I woke up in a Gothic universe. I was overwhelmed by the gloomy atmosphere of a haunted castle, bathed in the blue light of a full midnight moon. Dark roses, funereally strewn all over the place, are accompanied with excerpts from Clint Mansell's Requiem for a Dream Soundtrack gravely resounding in the background. Here, a Gothic girl is lonely mourning the spiritual desert of the outer world in what seems to be the last ritual of an aggrieved soul... A warm and hallucinatory dizziness enshrouds her, as she hopelessly commits herself to the bloody count… It all seemed like a dream… Only the smell of roses remained as a memory of her sacrifice…
At the same time, it is THE ABSOLUTE ELEGANCE, THE SCENT OF THE KINGS! (which is only natural for a fragrance created following an original Elizabethan recipe)… A magical duality!
No.88... a nonpareil... a unique monument in the world of perfumery...
A GOTHIC, VAMPIRIC and DIABOLIC cologne - undoubtedly a perfect signature fragrance for DRACULA.
The almost unanimous opinion is that No.88 is a monumental fragrance. I was awe-struck by its grandiose status, so I timidly opened the door to its world… It was a transcendental experience that changed me forever… The emotional abyss sucked me in instantly and I woke up in a Gothic universe. I was overwhelmed by the gloomy atmosphere of a haunted castle, bathed in the blue light of a full midnight moon. Dark roses, funereally strewn all over the place, are accompanied with excerpts from Clint Mansell's Requiem for a Dream Soundtrack gravely resounding in the background. Here, a Gothic girl is lonely mourning the spiritual desert of the outer world in what seems to be the last ritual of an aggrieved soul... A warm and hallucinatory dizziness enshrouds her, as she hopelessly commits herself to the bloody count… It all seemed like a dream… Only the smell of roses remained as a memory of her sacrifice…
At the same time, it is THE ABSOLUTE ELEGANCE, THE SCENT OF THE KINGS! (which is only natural for a fragrance created following an original Elizabethan recipe)… A magical duality!
No.88... a nonpareil... a unique monument in the world of perfumery...
30 September 2008
Chergui by Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido
Serge Lutens is one of the most highly acclaimed fashion houses, so obviously I had very high expectations from their fragrances. Chergui was my first experience with Lutens, but it wasn't as earthshaking as I was hoping. Certain notes remind me of Givenchy's Pi... very sweet and vanillic, but Chergui is richer and deeper. It's not a bad fragrance, for sure, but to me it seems more like a designer creation than one I would normally expect from Lutens, namely a complex, unusual niche fragrance.
29 September 2008
Tea for Two by L'Artisan Parfumeur
A lovely scent! I'm actually surprised that I like it so much, because I don't like tea nor do I like smoke. But, somehow, this manages to be one of the classiest, most suave, gentle and refined fragrances I've ever come across. I find it hard to describe this wonderful scent, it's almost an emotional experience that must be savoured by any fragrance lover.
29 September 2008
Voleur de Roses by L'Artisan Parfumeur
It would be a tough challenge for anyone to make a fragrance worse than this. It smells dirty, repugnant, unfastidious, ungracious and it makes me sick. There's a total lack of sweetness, warmth and refinement that I find unbearable. I would have never expected such an unpolished and rude fragrance from L'Artisan. A total disappointment.
28 September 2008
Black Aoud by Montale
I'm all about originality, unconventional and... strangeness. I admire unusual fragrances even if can't carry them off. But Black Aoud is just too much to take. It's way to medicinal, bitter and artificial. At the beginning, I tried it on my skin for a few times. I knew that the opening would be very hard to take, so I didn't care much about it... I was eagerly awaiting for the scent to develop into something rich, deep and warm... Hours after, nothing happened, it was just as medicinal and synthetic as it was at the beginning.
Then I read some absolutely hilarious opinions saying that one should wait up to 12 hours for the scent to start developing!!! What??? Are you kidding me? Why in the world would I want a fragrance to become pleasant only after 12 hours? I'll probably be back home, sleeping like a baby when it would presumably start evolving. So what's the point? When the fragrance should smell good it stinks, and when the day is over it (allegedly) smells nice. I guess I should spray it on the day before going out, just to be sure that it will smell good when it should. As far as I'm concerned, it may turn into gold after those 12 hours, I just don't care, it would matter anymore.
Anyway, as I never spend more than 24 hours without showering, I tried it on paper as I wanted to see if it really does develop after many, many hours. It didn't... So I'm really surprised why so many people like this linear, simple, superficial and artificial fragrance.
As for comparisons with Czech & Speake No.88, none of them is apt. No.88 is light years ahead of Black Aoud. While No.88 is a masterpiece and one of the most complex, multi-faced and sophisticated fragrances, Black Aoud is just linear, medicinal and harsh.
Then I read some absolutely hilarious opinions saying that one should wait up to 12 hours for the scent to start developing!!! What??? Are you kidding me? Why in the world would I want a fragrance to become pleasant only after 12 hours? I'll probably be back home, sleeping like a baby when it would presumably start evolving. So what's the point? When the fragrance should smell good it stinks, and when the day is over it (allegedly) smells nice. I guess I should spray it on the day before going out, just to be sure that it will smell good when it should. As far as I'm concerned, it may turn into gold after those 12 hours, I just don't care, it would matter anymore.
Anyway, as I never spend more than 24 hours without showering, I tried it on paper as I wanted to see if it really does develop after many, many hours. It didn't... So I'm really surprised why so many people like this linear, simple, superficial and artificial fragrance.
As for comparisons with Czech & Speake No.88, none of them is apt. No.88 is light years ahead of Black Aoud. While No.88 is a masterpiece and one of the most complex, multi-faced and sophisticated fragrances, Black Aoud is just linear, medicinal and harsh.
26 September 2008
Un Jardin sur le Nil by Hermès
A refined citrusy-fruity fragrance which smells "expensive". I have troubles finding big differences between this and Terre d'Hermes, as they share the same notes and structure.
A nice, happy, feel-good scent, but not quite an earthshaker.
A nice, happy, feel-good scent, but not quite an earthshaker.
16 September 2008
Eau d'Orange Verte by Hermès
It's pleasant alright... refreshing, uplifting, comfortable. But, just like most other citrus fragrances, it lacks complexity and most importantly, development and staying power. It's an easy, simple, plain fragrance that I would see myself wearing during tennis matches. I think it suits white, sporty outfits and should be worn with a relaxed, easy-going attitude.
Regarding the composition, it's simple and pretty well crafted. All I could smell was oranges and mint.
Regarding the composition, it's simple and pretty well crafted. All I could smell was oranges and mint.
16 September 2008
Patou pour Homme by Jean Patou
I think Patou pour Homme is slightly overrated here at Basenotes, but that doesn't mean it's not a great fragrance. I don't find the opening as loud and herbaceous as others, on the contrary, I think PPH is one of the few fragrances that seem to be very smooth from start to finish. I love its slightly "oily" character, noticeable especially in the opening, which is probably responsible for its smoothness and which also gives it an expensive, sophisticated feeling. What I like a bit less is the smoky, incense-like note which may add masculinity to the fragrance, but it diminishes its luxurious aura. The drydown is truly a high-class smell: woody, smooth, rich, refined, intellectual, stylish, elegant and again, expensive.
Overall, PPH is a wonderful experience, one you may not discover in many other fragrances. One of the very few scents that come close to perfection, yet they don't really achieve it.
Overall, PPH is a wonderful experience, one you may not discover in many other fragrances. One of the very few scents that come close to perfection, yet they don't really achieve it.
13 September 2008
Ungaro II by Ungaro
I have mixed feelings about Ungaro II... On one hand it has a wonderful citrus opening, which gives it a clean and soapy character. With such a beautiful start, one can expect nothing but a magical follow-up. But I was left a bit disappointed. I was expecting a much more radical development, I would have definitely wanted it to become smoother and warmer. A slight incense note becomes noticeable after about an hour, which is not necessarily bad, but it represents the end of the clean, soapy smell that I loved at the beginning. Hence, Ungaro II becomes heavier and even dirtier. What follows seems to be a rugged blend of raw ingredients, lacking the polish that I would expect from such a fragrance.
All in all, a good fragrance, very formal, classy and elegant, but which leaves the impression of a great potential not being entirely put to value.
All in all, a good fragrance, very formal, classy and elegant, but which leaves the impression of a great potential not being entirely put to value.
06 September 2008
Sira des Indes by Jean Patou
It's a very fruity and flowery fragrance. The woman who wears it is young, optimistic, enthusiastic, joyful, energetic and dynamic. Yet she's sensitive and delicate. It's also a bit reminiscent of a candy shop, but that re-enforces the idea that this is appropriate for a young person. It's not bad, but a fragrance with such a wonderful name should have been more oriental, sensual and mysterious.
13 August 2008
Joy by Jean Patou
I had much higher expectations from "the most expensive fragrance in the world". To me it doesn't seem to be dated at all, it's really a timeless perfume. It's fruity, flowery and cheerful. The woman who wears it is optimistic, happy and enthusiastic. It's not bad, but I expected it to be a much more sophisticated and elegant fragrance. Maybe if I hadn't known it was classified as one of the greatest fragrances of all time, I would have rated it as positive. Maybe my expectations were too high...
13 August 2008
D&G Masculine by Dolce & Gabbana
Top notes: lemon
Mid notes: lemon
Base notes: lemon
I've said it all.
Mid notes: lemon
Base notes: lemon
I've said it all.
13 August 2008
Individuel by Mont Blanc
Very nice. It's fruity, cheerful and bright, great for a young and enthusiastic person. It might tend to be a little bit sweet and reminiscent of a candy shop, but still, a pleasant scent.
13 August 2008
Givenchy Gentleman by Givenchy
Some fragrances smell cheap, other smell generic, but other... other smell really bad. Givenchy Gentleman is on of those. When I first tried it, I thought the bottle had gone bad, so I gave it another shot, from a different store. The effect was the same. For absolutely no logical reason, I gave it a third shot... Again, a disappointment.
The opening is by far the most awful thing I've ever smelled: it's smoky, it's smother, it's choking. I simply couldn't be around that smell for more than a second or two. As it dries down, it becomes a little bit more bearable, but still, to call this a fragrance is an insult.
I certainly didn't expect this from a classic, especially a Givenchy classic. It's absolutely dreadful, it really, really stinks!
The opening is by far the most awful thing I've ever smelled: it's smoky, it's smother, it's choking. I simply couldn't be around that smell for more than a second or two. As it dries down, it becomes a little bit more bearable, but still, to call this a fragrance is an insult.
I certainly didn't expect this from a classic, especially a Givenchy classic. It's absolutely dreadful, it really, really stinks!
13 August 2008
Vetiver by Guerlain
Way to green !!! It really has nothing special IMO, just herbs invading your senses. It reminds me of Chanel pour Monsieur, another uber-green fragrance that follows a recipe that has been proved to be safe. Apparently, people love this kind of fragrances, so why change anything? Don't take any chances, don't try anything new, don't come up with something original... I don't like this approach. I rate this as neutral simply out of respect for Guerlain and because of the history behind this fragrance.
11 August 2008
Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior
I have a problem with classic scents, in general. To me, they all seem to follow a recipe that has been proved to be safe. No major innovation, nothing really new, nothing original or earthshaking. I have to admit though, that they smell pretty good. But again, it's a recipe, and when it comes to fragrances, I don't find this approach very salutary.
Eau Sauvage... another classic scent, but a very good one. It starts off very loud, very sharp (too sharp IMO)... it's like blades going through your nose. But once you get pass the first minute or two, it becomes bearable. The citrus notes are on the center stage, so the fragrance remains fresh and invigorating even after about an hour. Then it gets a bit warmer and smoother... now it really becomes great. The drydown is somewhat similar to Armani pour Homme: elegant, comfortable, with warm citrus giving it a classy allure.
Eau Sauvage... another classic scent, but a very good one. It starts off very loud, very sharp (too sharp IMO)... it's like blades going through your nose. But once you get pass the first minute or two, it becomes bearable. The citrus notes are on the center stage, so the fragrance remains fresh and invigorating even after about an hour. Then it gets a bit warmer and smoother... now it really becomes great. The drydown is somewhat similar to Armani pour Homme: elegant, comfortable, with warm citrus giving it a classy allure.
11 August 2008
Habit Rouge by Guerlain
Designed for a rebels & mavericks. Very red, especially during the mid-notes. Also goes well with a red convertible on the streets of L.A. The drydown gets a bit greener, but remains smooth and pleasant. A macho scent, for sure.
11 August 2008
Cool Water by Davidoff
Indeed very similar to Green Irish Tweed. Although I think it's not as complex and smooth as the later, I do find Cool Water a surprisingly high quality scent. I'm a big fan of sandalwood and CW really has one of the best usages of this. Very well balanced, very fresh (it lacks a bit of warmth, though), this is worth every single penny. It's very elegant and classy, a true gentleman's cologne.
10 August 2008
Black Sun by Salvador Dali
I was expecting much more form Black Sun... The name seemed to describe a very different fragrance: dark, funeral, introspective. Instead, I get a rather generic scent, a bit similar to Armani Code. Not as complex as I would have wanted it to be, not as dark as it should have been.
10 August 2008
Azzaro pour Homme by Azzaro
Not much to add here... A classical fougere that possesses a timeless beauty which ought not be ignored. The mid notes are very green and invigorating, but maybe a bit too green for my taste. The base notes however, are much better. The drydown reminds me of Van Cleef & Arpels' Tsar: herbal, lively and rather cool. It's also a very elegant fragrance... I can't imagine wearing it with anything but a suit and a tie. Although not in the same category with legends as Armani pour Homme, Green Irish Tweed and other great fragrances of the 80's, Azzaro is a perfume that definitely should be discovered by many.
31 July 2008
Herrera for Men by Carolina Herrera
Nice... Very slightly resembling Boucheron's Jaipur (although it's far from the refinement of the latter), this is a comfortable fragrance that proves to be very easy to wear. It's a sweet and light scent that seems to be a safe choice almost anytime. Not necessarily an impressive perfume, but a pretty enjoyable scent. Worth a try.
31 July 2008
Présence by Mont Blanc
A surprisingly nice fragrance! A very light, sweet and spicy scent that proves to be wearable and comfortable. It reminds me of Boucheron's Jaipur, but this has some slightly green notes during the drydown, which make it fresher and easier to wear, but ultimately less complex and less interesting than Jaipur. Appropriate for daytime use, it is definitely worth at least giving it a try.
31 July 2008
ZegnaIntenso by Ermenegildo Zegna
This is 100% Armani Code with a different name and a different bottle. I can't imagine how Zegna would have no remorse knowing they copied Code from start to finish. And this is not their only plagiarism... Zegna Extreme is a direct copy of Terre d'Hermes.
25 July 2008
Allure Homme by Chanel
To me it seems like a mainstream fragrance rather than a refined Chanel. It's not repugnant, but not great either... I would expect more from Chanel. I also think it's a pretty sporty scent, so I don't see why Chanel felt like they should have another sporty version of this one. It's nice to wear on daytime, but I don't think that many would turn their heads when you'll pass them.
25 July 2008
Égoïste / L'Égoïste by Chanel
This is probably the most feminine smell of a masculine fragrance. When I first tried this, I was actually sure that there was also a feminine version of Egoiste and that I must have taken that bottle by mistake. It had to be, this couldn't have been a masculine scent. When I realized this was actually a men fragrance, I tried to figure out what the people from Chanel were thinking when they came up with this scent, but I couldn't...
24 July 2008
Chanel Pour Monsieur by Chanel
Way too sharp, too loud, too "green"! It's elegant, alright, but only after the top notes fade away. I can't really smell this in the first few minutes, I feel like it's cutting my nose off. I agree it's a popular fragrance with quality ingredients, but there's just too much to take during the top and mid notes. Not pleasant at all.
24 July 2008
Antaeus by Chanel
It's hard to describe this fragrance... It's a very deep and complex scent, that's for sure, but it seems to me that it has no personality, you can't really put a label on this one. The smell is ok... green, but with no particular earthshaking or original notes. I agree it's elegant and classy, but definitely not a top fragrance.
24 July 2008
Calvin Klein Man by Calvin Klein
Just another green fragrance... Nothing original, nothing refined, very mainstream... Horrible! I can't imagine how a fashion label would create such a dull and common fragrance. It has absolutely nothing special, nothing you could enjoy. It's surely one of the worst perfumes I've ever encountered.
24 July 2008
Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent
It's not all bad... but there is something about it that makes me vomit. If you stick your nose in an urinal, you'll smell Kouros. Dreadful! I can't imagine how this is YSL's best selling fragrance...
24 July 2008
Van Cleef & Arpels pour Homme by Van Cleef & Arpels
Much too green and sharp for my taste. I agree it's an elegant fragrance, but it has nothing special in my opinion.
24 July 2008
Tsar by Van Cleef & Arpels
An elegant and very refined fragrance. Definitely green, but not sharp and loud as most of the green scents... this is clean and comfortable. I like it a lot, it's formal, classy and very complex.
24 July 2008
Original Santal by Creed
Although it's a very sweet fragrance, it's not cloying at all. I just love this kind of sweetness... very refined and comfortable. Nothing artificial, nothing synthetic, everything natural. A great scent, suitable for cooler months.
24 July 2008
Himalaya by Creed
A wonderful scent! Along side Green Irish Tweed and maybe Millesime Imperial, the best Creed I've tried so far. Many Creed fragrances have a rather powdery drydown, which is not bad at all, but sometimes it can become a bit too sweet. Himalaya is somewhat different, the drydown is sweet and green at the same time, giving it a very light and elegant allure. The mid notes resemble those of Original Santal: warm and very, very comfortable. Overall, a perfectly balanced fragrance, suitable for almost any occasion. One of perfumery's finest!
24 July 2008
Fleur du Male by Jean Paul Gaultier
A very light and refined fragrance. One of the most interesting male florals, it is a good choice almost anytime, anywhere. It lacks the depth and complexity of other florals, such as Ungaro III, yet I don't think it was designed to compete with them. This is easy, straight forward, with no shades at all. It was meant to be as simple as possible, yet refined enough to make a difference. It's a morale booster, a joyful scent, just like the one who wears it.
29 April 2008
Ungaro III by Ungaro
This is pure art & pure emotion ! An absolutely outstanding fragrance, a true masterpiece !!! The hight of elegance and sophistication is achieved in such a natural way, that this becomes one of the most comfortable and wearable fragrances. An epic scent, a poetry of roses and woods, a perfect blend of the finest ingredients. It goes beyond your senses and takes your soul to a journey where the future and the past merge into the uppermost sensual and romantic experiences. You'll discover new emotions and relive the past ones through the purest and most naturally sophisticated scent.
I've tried hundreds of perfumes and I can safely say that only some Creed creations (Bois du Portugal, Green Irish Tweed, Millesime Imperial) are at this level. These are all in a class of their own. The only difference is that the Creed fragrances are 3 or 4 times more expensive.
Indeed "a poem of heart and soul" !
I've tried hundreds of perfumes and I can safely say that only some Creed creations (Bois du Portugal, Green Irish Tweed, Millesime Imperial) are at this level. These are all in a class of their own. The only difference is that the Creed fragrances are 3 or 4 times more expensive.
Indeed "a poem of heart and soul" !
03 April 2008
Hypnôse Homme by Lancôme
I had rather high expectations from this one, but I was utterly disappointed. This is one of the most common and cheap-smelling fragrances I've ever encountered. There's just nothing special about it, nothing enjoyable, not to mention anything refined or sophisticated. The only positive thing about this fragrance is the bottle, which I have to say is splendid. If you want something really complex and highly sophisticated, go for THE masterpiece of perfumery, Ungaro III (or Ungaro I if you can find it).
14 January 2008
Must de Cartier pour Homme by Cartier
A typical Cartier fragrance, although I was rather disappointed by what it should have been the icon of the Cartier male fragrances. The sweet and fruity notes are not bad, but the overall scent is just too cold, diminishing the great potential of its high quality ingredients.
12 January 2008
Emporio Armani Night He by Giorgio Armani
A great fragrance, I think it has the best usage of spices ever. The opening has a lovely fresh-spicy scent (I can smell the pepper immediately, it's not necessarily a mid-note ingredient), while the warm drydown is a pure joy. A must have.
12 January 2008
Xeryus Rouge by Givenchy
I don't know whether to like this fragrance or not... On one hand it really seems elegant and even refined, on the other hand it's the coldest smell I've ever encountered in a perfume. It's like spraying your refrigerator... That I don't like, I rather enjoy the sweet, warm and balsamic scents that don't give the unpleasant freezing sensation.
11 January 2008
Roma Uomo by Laura Biagiotti
The opening has a very nice citrus scent (the grapefruit is dominant and has a very pleasant sweet note), but hen it settles down to a rather artificial smell. There's just too much candy aroma in there, especially for a summer fragrance.
11 January 2008
Boss Soul by Hugo Boss
Not a bad fragrance, but not great either. The sweet and smoky notes don't complement each other very good, so that oftentimes it seems too smoky and smother.
11 January 2008
Bulgari Aqua pour Homme by Bulgari
Very disappointing, a boring and common marine scent. It's not unwearable, but there's just nothing special about this fragrance at all.
11 January 2008
Boucheron pour Homme by Boucheron
Boucheron is one of my favourite perfume designers. With Jaipur being the masterpiece of the oriental scents, I had great expectations for this one. I wasn't disappointed, but because it was such different from Jaipur, I realized that I'm not going to wear it at this age. It's very mature and masculine, and also very, very elegant and sophisticated. It is in the same category as other rich and complex classics, such as Armani pour Homme or Chanel pour Monsieur.
11 January 2008
L'Instant de Guerlain pour Homme by Guerlain
By far the best Guerlain, this is a highly elegant and sophisticated fragrance. One of the richest and most complex scents, this multi-faced fragrance never ceases to amaze me. Sweet and woody at the same time, it's perfect for a gentleman's signature. A great modern symbol of the legendary House of Guerlain.
11 January 2008
Opium pour Homme by Yves Saint Laurent
This daring oriental fragrance has one of the best mixes of sweet and spicy scents, making it very suitable for autumn and winter. It's not for everyone, as it's very different from all the classic scents, but if you are the person who doesn't want to stick with the bunch and to be "the guy who smells really interesting", this is a great choice.
11 January 2008
Lolita Lempicka Au Masculin by Lolita Lempicka
One of the best gourmand scents, sweet and edible, but very comfortable and smooth. Not a very pretentious fragrance, I find it suitable for casual wear. Overall, it's very nice, but not as good as Rochas Man.
11 January 2008
Emporio Armani He by Giorgio Armani
A very nice fragrance for the younger generation, this is perfect for summer wear. The smell of oranges is the best I've encountered so far. It's very citrusy, but not too sharp, very clean and luminous and very... Armani.
11 January 2008
Armani Eau Pour Homme by Giorgio Armani
A wonderful fragrance! A true classic, this is the hight of timeless elegance. The lemon-citrus opening might be a bit too sharp, but then it settles down to a very warm and smooth scent. Resembling Chanel Pour Monsieur, this complex and sophisticated scent is perfect for formal occasions. Undoubtedly created for gentlemen, this fragrance is suitable for people over 40 years old only.
11 January 2008
Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein
Pretty good, the sweetness is nice and quite well blended with the other aromas. However, there is something that makes it smell rather dirty and cloying.
11 January 2008
Gaultier² by Jean Paul Gaultier
Awful! Like Joop!, this one is a candy store in a bottle. I like sweet fragrances, but I don't want to smell like bonbons. The magnetic scent, not a very good idea either, it makes it very artificial.
11 January 2008
Joop! Homme by Joop!
Absolutely dreadful!!! It's like smelling a entire candy store condensed in a bottle. Also very, very artificial. I really can't see a man wearing this fragrance.
11 January 2008
Bulgari Black by Bulgari
A great fragrance, though not necessarily unisex, it's rather masculine. Alongside Boucheron Jaipur and Rochas Man, the best sweet fragrance. The smoke and rubber scents aren't what you would normally expect, they are very subtle and veiled perfectly in a sweet and warm aroma. The touch of tea is also very noticeable, giving this fragrance a rather poetic allure. The bottle however, is horrible, it looks like it was made by someone who was in a hurry to catch a train and didn't have time to pay any attention to details. I've tried four bottles from different places and all of them were broken. This makes me think that maybe this fragrance turned out to be great by accident. But overall, this is one of the best scents you can find.
11 January 2008
Pi by Givenchy
The biggest problem isn't that there is too much vanilla in this fragrance, but rather that sometimes it seems that's the only thing there is. However, I still think it's a good fragrance with a great potential that hasn't been used at it's maximum level. This scent is right on the edge of becoming cloyingly sweet, but it manages to stay on the safe side. It's the sweetest bearable and enjoyable perfume. It's warmth not only makes it proper for winter, but actually it's the only season in which you can wear it. Any attempt to wear this perfume in the summer will result in the intoxication of those near you... it's that sweet! However, for colder days this is a good choice.
11 January 2008
Armani Code / Black Code by Giorgio Armani
A very nice oriental scent. The citrus opening is not at all acrid like in many other fragrances, but very soft and pleasant. The warmth of the fragrance kicks in immediately, giving it a sensual allure. The mid notes become spicier (a characteristic of many Armani perfumes), but not over the top, so that the olive flower remains very noticeable. The blend of the ingredients is just right, making it one of the best Armani fragrances.
11 January 2008
Rochas Man by Rochas
Without a doubt, the best gourmand fragrance. The composition is perfectly balanced so that this is probably the only 100% sweet scent that doesn't become either cloying overbearing. This should become the landmark for all the designers that want to create very pleasant and wearable sweet or gourmand fragrances.
10 January 2008
Bois du Portugal by Creed
Like all the Creed creations, this one is also a masterpiece. It's one of the richest and most complex scents, and the veiling of the sweet notes by the spicy notes is very subtle. Unfortunately, sometimes too subtle... An earthy and woody scent, this one is for gentlemen only!
10 January 2008
Millésime Impérial by Creed
Am absolutely outstanding perfume! I don't see it as an unisex fragrance, but more as a masculine scent. Very clean, bright and warm, this highly elegant and sophisticated fragrance is a true masterpiece!
10 January 2008
Jaïpur Homme by Boucheron
Probably the best oriental fragrance. Very classy, very elegant, this perfume is truly poetic. The blend of sweet and floral notes is just perfect, resulting in the most balsamic scent I've ever smelled. It's not necessarily the most masculine scent, but that's a good thing because instead of the heaviness and the roughness of the classical fragrances, you get a luminous and luxurious scent. The only problem is that the mid notes tend to be a little soapy, which can become a bit cloying.
10 January 2008
Terre d'Hermès by Hermès
The top notes contain a nice citrus aroma, especially orange. In the mid notes, the smell becomes sweeter but the orange remains noticeable. Although a blend of orange and sweetness is one of my favourite aromas, the mix in this fragrance results in a rather lolly pop smell which I don't find very masculine.
10 January 2008
Acqua di Giò pour Homme by Giorgio Armani
Good for athletic activities and summer days, but nothing special at all.
10 January 2008
Dior Homme by Christian Dior
Dior says this one will become a new classic. It's not classic at all, it's very different (but not necessarily "good" different) from anything else. The initial burst is one of the few smells that can make me sick instantaneously. But the drydown is way better. The mix of flowers and sweetness is well balanced, with the iris being on center stage. The biggest problem though is that it smells very, very artificial, while the beauty of a perfume are it's natural ingredients. I agree with those saying it's mid notes smell like a make-up bag, but the base notes are much more flowery and gentle.
10 January 2008
Envy for Men by Gucci
This one abounds in sensuality, I think it's one of the sexiest fragrances on the market. Resembling YSL's M7, it has a woody-sweet oriental aroma that is ideal for romantic wear.
10 January 2008
Green Irish Tweed by Creed
Along side Ungaro III, the best perfume ever! Incredibly elegant and sophisticated, this woody fragrance is for the man who understands the importance of a perfect look and attitude. The Creed man is a gentleman... his shirt is always clean and his shoes are always polished.
P.S. I don't smell anything green in this one...
P.S. I don't smell anything green in this one...
10 January 2008
Gucci pour Homme by Gucci
It's elegant, but not luxurious. It's masculine, but not the most refined. It's actually rough. I can't feel any smoothness in it and that's a big minus, even for a very masculine fragrance. Overall not a bad choice, but if you want the state of the art go for Ungaro III or almost any Creed.
10 January 2008
A*Men / Angel Men by Thierry Mugler
The top notes are awful, it's more like a stanch than a perfume. But as it settles down, the mid and base notes are pretty nice and warm. It's sweet (like all the gourmands) but not necessarily cloying. If you can hide for 10 or 15 minutes after you've sprayed it, then it's ok to wear this in public.
10 January 2008
Escada Homme by Escada
I was very surprised to discover that Escada can make such great perfumes. This one is truly exceptional, a highly elegant woody-floral fragrance that goes perfectly with a suit and a tie. Somewhat similar to Ungaro III and Green Irish Tweed, but not as deep and complex as those. If you're looking for high class, faultless style and elegance, this is a great choice.
10 January 2008
M7 by Yves Saint Laurent
A very sensual and modern fragrance, resembling Gucci's Envy. The sweet and spicy notes are blended just right, so it becomes neither cloying nor "in your face". Suitable for romantic occasions.
10 January 2008











