Hei (2002)
by Alfred Sung

Hei is based on an excellent idea as far as I’m concerned—a masculine minimalistic green fragrance with a Fung Shui vibe. I think it is partially successful. The bamboo and mint notes are done sort of okay, but the notes are a bit muddled and massed in the 90’s tradition – these potentially clean and clear notes come through a bit creamy and/or soapy. There should be distinct identification of each of the notes and more separation between them. The mint should be a clear ethereal mint ringing its vibration through the rest of the green as the mint in Derby is presented. Natural bamboo has a delicate clear green aroma that would work much better than a creamy version of it. I believe Hei portends to be minimalistic, but its creamy massed accords seem to be simply trying to complete with all the other massed notes fragrances from all the other ‘90s releases. I don’t think Hei can compete with other scents on their terms. It should have gone another route—clear, precise, delicate bamboo, mint, and wood notes with a subtle background of lavender, jasmine, and amber / musk. It would have been smashing. (Edit of 09 October 2005 review.)

I like this scent. It isn't extremely unique, but it's one of those clean and fresh scents that attracts several compliments. It is pretty subtle, so a few sprays are necessary, and it only lasts about 1-3 hours. However, because it is so cheap these days I think it's a good buy and a good scent overall.

Good. unique smell; this has en element that no other fragrance has (maybe the spearmint and bamboo). This could be considered "fresh" or "aquatic", yet is a bit classier, and nowhere near as obnoxious as the popular ones. This is easy to wear because it is not offensive, could be worn by a man of any age (maybe even a woman?), it is good year-round, and it can be found really cheap. I think this has a really good longevity; just subtle.

Yes, it can be bought cheaply, but it is a perfectly acceptable fragrance. It does smell a little generic, but pleasant, nonetheless.

Sorry, I am not a fan of this one, to the point that I asked my husband to get rid of this bottle. He tried to keep it at work and I would still smell it on him if he wore it. He had to let it go. For me, it had a cheap, plastic scent.

Smells a heck of a lot like Ungaro Apparition. A synthetic lavender floral that's green and crisp but very weak.