Gendarme (1991)
by Gendarme

One word. SUNSCREEN. It smells just like when i was a little kid and my mom would lather me up with Banana Boat. Don't get me wrong, the smell is clean and pleasant, but it smells just like sunscreen to me. There are certain scents that I would much rather have as a room scent, this is one of them. Not that great on my skin, but a Plug-In would be fantastic.

4th September, 2011.

Simple and pure. It's that smell of clean clothes. Generic washing powder, fizzing over clothing in the washing machine. I really like it, not FB worthy but comforting for me.

Very soapy and clean, I find it similar to the newer Creed Original Cologne. I think Gendarme beats it hand down, though! Worth at least a try...

5th August, 2011.

Similar to Gendarm V in that it smells like clean soap. This one adds a touch of pepper (probably the thyme I am detecting). Low projection. I don't hate it, but I don't particularly like it either.

4th August, 2011.

There isn't much going on in this one. It's just a linear soapy creation. A bit overpriced for what it gives but which fragrance isn't these days. I get hints of jasmine and citrus but they're faint, very faint, and the leather and incense notes are almost non-existent but they're there somewhere, lingering around all the light florals. Still, they all work in harmony to create a very clean, masculine scent. If you enjoy Prada Infusion D'Homme, this is one to try. It's just a lighter version, not as sharp nor as potent and definitely not as elegant, which isn't a bad thing. Also, you know that clean barbershop vibe that you get from Canoe For Men by Dana (1996 release)? Well, this also has that type of clean feel to it. It's perfect. It won't offend and smells like clean, fresh linen. Even for a cologne concentrate, it actually holds up pretty well. It's very aromatic and lasts 4-6 hours, roughly. I believe every man should have a nice, clean fragrance, in their fragrance arsenal, to wear in casual settings, and this one, along with a couple others, is mine. It just gives you that fresh out of the shower feeling, which I love! There is also an edp version of this, which I feel defeats the purpose of this cologne, but I have no basis for comparison so until I try it, this one will do nicely. My Final Rating B+

17th May, 2011.

Reportedly George Bush’s (with or without a W) fragrance of choice, I got a strange urge to sample this and ordered a vial from The Perfumed Court. Released in the states during grunge, Gendarme must have been - probably by coincidence - way ahead of its time. This combination of marshmallow fluffiness and austere laundry musks is more or less what Byredo is selling for 200 euro labeled Blanche and Tulip. It’s like a piece of Styrofoam coated with rock hard pink nail polish.

Years ago, bombastic galaxolide monsters like White Linen radiated quiet order, courtesy, hygiene and repression. Gendarme is now a good alternative, just like Mugler Cologne.

23rd March, 2011.

Gendarme opens with an assortment of what I detect to be light florals (jasmine?) and grassy green notes (verbena?). I do not detect much in the way of citrusy notes. This progresses over 30 minutes to a light soapy smell and within an hour the fragrance is barely detectable. It's a nice fresh scent, but longevity and silage are both rather poor. I detect no leather whatsoever on dry down.

16th March, 2011.