Dior Homme (2005)
by Christian Dior

Yes, this one definitely smells like lipstick or a make-up bag…

Yes, based on the above association, it does smells very feminine…

Yes, the bottle is pretty cool…

Yes, Christian Dior was one of my favourite fragrance houses too…

No, I’m not too fond of this one either…

[Original submission date: 10 April 2008]

Synthetic yet appealing. A good floral-based scent that is contemporary and warm. I agree that this is overrated and does not stand out. Off-loaded not so long after acquiring because it does get boring.

It smells like a sweet, powdery, doughy confection to me. It feels elegant and a bit feminine. Not to my personal liking.

I'm new to the world of olfactory wonder, so I'll leave the discussion of "notes" to others. I will say two things though:

1) It is the only perfume in my possession so far (with the possible exception of Bulgari Soir) that has enticed /intrigued me enough to do a scent test. For the others, I basically just spray on and get on with my daily life. Dior Homme, though, challenges me to slow down and try to unpack all its complexity (well, it smells complex to me anyway). It is unapologetically feminine initially, but there is also something comfortably masculine just sitting there among all the flowers, self-assured and unwavering.

2) I definitely get the lipstick reference, and that scent can dominate, but only if I specifically look for it. If I just whiff my wrist not expecting to smell lipstick, I can easily detect what others have described as off-white suede, slightly smoky scent. And yes, the overall sense created by this fragrance is inexplicably comforting, calming, warm, and addictive.

I got the Dior Homme intending it to be something a bit more formal / grown-up than the usual fruity / breezy ones that the salesladies invariably pitch to me. Sitting here in my pajama doing my scent test, I feel self-consciously "under-dressed" even though there's no one else around. As others have said, this definitely would not go with t-shirt and jeans or noisy, crowded clubs. Instead, I'm saving this for one of those special, slightly chilly, "sweater" nights out on the town, during which friends and beloved ones gather around dinner and, together, chase the cold night away.

An example of modern day creative poverty from Christian Dior. Lacking in originality, it aspires only to co-exist with its host, never once daring to harmonize or become engaging in anyway. From its application to expiry, I found this to be meek and timorous in a way that baffled and irritated me. Too bland to even warrant a thumbs down.

Great material, great bottle, but the iris note is a little overwhelming in my opinion. I prefer the 'Cologne" version which is more citrus and the iris is more subdued.