John Varvatos Woman (2008)
by John Varvatos

In the summer, I sampled JV during one of those "hurry up and smell everything that's been opened" trips to TJ Maxx. I had some unscented skin available on my left forearm, so as an afterthought I planted John Varvatos there. I must have sampled 5-6 scents that day, but I only remember one - John Varvatos.

I can't tell you how JV develops, or whether JV is a chypre or not, or how long JV lasts. I can tell you that after 4 months of thinking about this fragrance -- and being unable to find an open box or tester so I could sample it again -- I finally bought it.

I'm not sure if the purchase is a mark of craziness or the wait is a mark of discipline. Regardless, I think my story reflects a mark of a truly superior fragrance: JV resonated with me somehow, so I remembered it & craved it, long after trying it.

The right brain reaction often trumps the left brain analysis. I am convinced that is the reason why JV is favored by so many here, regardless of the more thorough & analytic reviews that suggest JV shouldn't be held in such high esteem.

--

UPDATE: I have it now. OMG, it's a gorgeous, boozy beauty according to my right & left brains! Will compete for space in my top 10. Well-blended & long-lasting too. LUV IT.

PS - JV is especially luxurious and wonderful after bathing with the deep & dark Youth-Dew bath oil. I'd add that I don't usually like florals but I LOVE this.

PS #2 - I now have it in parfum ($13) & body silk ($8). Neither are stellar alone, imo. However, layered with the EdP they are outstanding -- 12 hours.

27th March, 2011.

....like Citrene said....

Not my signature but way up there in my fave fruity-florals. And I also love the original Johnny Vee for guys. Whole other story.

1st August, 2010.

Here's a real 'could have' fragrance. The florals are nice, but don't seem too 'alive.' The fruity notes are good but a bit too fake. The base, with its angel's share of oakmoss, really could have bolstered the overall quality if it were stronger, more present. J.V. Woman is by no means a bad fragrance. It would make an excellent safe gift or a decent introduction to perfumery for a friend. It really does smell good, but most of those in this habit for any significant amount of time will probably find it lacking in the end. Still eager to see if there will be another addition to the J.V. feminine side.

4th June, 2010.

My signature scent--an ALL-TIME favorite! The plum brings out a delightfully sweet aroma---though not too sweet. It's beautiful, sensual, and even a bit comforting (to me at least). The citrus is even noticeable at the beginning....but it only lasts for a few minutes on me. The floral notes blend perfectly with the fruits and create a breathtaking aroma that I can only describe as sensual. I believe the notes in the drydown, along with the beginning and middle notes, create an almost creamy feel that makes you want to lick yourself because you smell just oh so fabulous! The honey, the tonka beans, and the patchouli create depth and make you feel expensive. I notice the oakmoss more when I spritz this fragrance on dry skin. When it mixes with my body chemistry, it melds beautifully and creates a lucious, somewhat decadent and intoxicating aroma that I absolutely ADORE. I get many compliments on this one. My husband also loves it (which is a plus)! I usually wear this any day and all day. On me, the sillage is wonderful!

1st June, 2009. (Last Edited: 7th July, 2009.)

Very sweet fruit-- mandarin, apricot, mango. Florals come from jasmine and rose. Described as a chypre, which I don't get at all (I think "new-chypres" are more about marketing than true perfumery). No oakmoss; instead the tonka bean comes thru in the base with its creamy, nutty vibe, and the result leaves me feeling like I'm wearing a fruit-blend pina colada.

15th January, 2009.

My absolute favorite! This fragrance totally describes myself to a complete stranger. Delicate, playful, chic and timeless. Me in a bottle!

2nd October, 2008.