Carven Homme (1999)
by Carven

Smells very similar to Zino in the topnotes, but that's where it ends. The transition to the heart is smooth with the lavender, ginger, and tarragon blending in with the spices and a hint of vanilla which balances out the spices. Still spicy through the drydown and this is when I smell the honey accord that others have mentioned. If your looking for a spicy fragrance and like a heavy lavender look no further.

3rd June, 2011.

I like the top notes. It's what makes it so appealing. It smells like honey to me. Maybe that's the tarragon that I'm smelling? It's the drydown that becomes less appealing to me because it's a patchouli scent -- a note I'm not fond of. Some compare it to Zino by Davidoff, but if Zino is patchouli dry, then Carven is patchouli blush. I like it better than Zino because the amber and vanilla sweeten the patchouli. It's almost Angel-like, really. I'd have to compare them side by side to see. I saw some compare it to L'Instant by Guerlain, and I guess I see the similarities. Gourmand patchouli. A little incense in the drydown. Beware of falling in love with this one, because it is discontinued, although many compare it to Gucci Envy. I sampled Envy a long time ago, and I don't remember liking it as much as I do this one. But that was years ago, and maybe my tastes have changed.

13rd February, 2011.

THUMBS WAY UP!
I LOVE THIS ONE!
As everybody else as mentioned, it bares some resemblance to Gucci Envy or even to Ted by Ted Lapidus for that matter. After sniffing it for a while you really start to discover it and appreciate it for its own true self. Picture a base of Corduroy (Zirh) mixed in with Envy.
If you ever find some, please don't buy it!

20th December, 2010.

This is one of the best of the bargain gems that are still readily available. There are similarities with Zino Davidoff, but they are not significant - Carven Homme is spicier, smoother, and probably the better balanced of the two.

The spiced opening, the gentle florals present in the heart, and the creamy smooth finish ensure that this gets a very resounding thumbs up.

27th August, 2010.

I like everything about this fragrance. It's got class without staring down its nose. It lasts without being obtrusive. It makes no distinction between day and night. I am a big fan of Envy and can pick up on the similarities, but this really is a different creature, and the fantastic floral middle truly sets it apart. I really can't believe this doesn't cost two or three times as much.

24th March, 2010.

I nearly fainted when I first tried this in a tiny perfumery in france.
I wasn´t expecting very much after Carven´s new formula Vetiver and their slightly downmarket image here in france. This is one of the most beautiful perfumes ever created. It is now on my top 5 list.
I do not see the Gucci Envy link here, and it has absolutely nothing to do with Zino.
It has all the beautiful rich quality of L´Instant Pour Homme from Guerlain. Not the edt version, but the Eau de Parfum version. This is a safe blind buy. You won´t be disappointed! Get it fast !! It has definitely been DISCONTINUED, and you can find it for knock down prices on the net.

17th March, 2010.