Ocean Pacific for Men (2003)
by Ocean Pacific

This is not so bad. The packaging is really unique - the thick blue fluid trapped between the inner and outer walls of the bottle makes it seem somewhat like a lava lamp. The actual frangrance, however, doesn't really match the packaging. I expected an aquatic, generic smelling fragrance, but was pleasantly surprised. To me this is a light woody fragrance with floral notes and patchouli. The start is sweet and almost camphorous (this is probably the effects of the lavender). The cypress and cedar remind me a little of Oxygene by Lanvin (A favourite of mine). The patchouli is not overpowering and works well with the other earthy ingredients to balance the sweetness. When the top notes have subsided it is more clearly floral. The fragrance in not very long-lived, which is a pity.

26th February, 2011.

To me this smells like a less refined Gucci by Gucci for men (citrus, hint of incense), but with a sweaty patchouli & rose funkiness, with almost animalic undertones. Somewhat interesting.

23rd August, 2010.

the opening is a bit harsh,i agree but play with it and the nuances are there. best worn in evening. give it a chance,i did. ciao

7th February, 2010.

Man this has the same note in it somewhere that makes L'eau Bleue d'Issey unpleasant. I think it's the horrible attempt at a patchouli synthetic. Harsh and abrasive and thankfully doesn't last long.

24th September, 2008.

The opening smells like burnt plastic to me, followed by a licorice-like odor that is downright nauseating. A completely unpleasant experience.

14th October, 2007.

A near-combination of Joop! PH and D&G PH that avoids being a head-on collision, OP for Men takes the former's just-shy-of-cloying sweetness but tones down the sugary florals a notch while bringing up the tobacco and spice, all of which actually puts it closer to the latter in structure, if not quite in substance.

While it's missing D&G's more-prominent citrus top (as well as some of its balance and subtlety), it's close enough to it to steal some of their thunder. But for a scenthead who by and large favors invention over imitation (even convincing and loving tributes), it's a mild disappointment.

The one thing to differentiate this was a candy-ish, almost licorice-like note from time to time that probably resulted from the tobacco intertwining with some spice. the fact that the fragrance "morphs" a bit adds interest, but not quite enough to set it apart from the competition.

All in all, OP for Men is certainly enjoyable in a familiar way, but not quite inspired or adventurous enough to stake out a bigger piece of its own territory.

27th April, 2006.