Baldessarini Strictly Private (2009)
by Baldessarini

i agree with" creme-brulee".ultra cool black & gold bottle,but i've smelled this style all over before.not a knockout for sure,but decent enough for that caramel vibe.if you never try this,it won't effect your life.not really worth looking into.

30th July, 2011.

this scent is way too strong and overpowering, it smells like baby powder and way too feminin, i really can't see how a guy can wear this

28th December, 2010. (Last Edited: 6th January, 2011.)

its in my favorite top 10 i love the creme brulee-ness about it its smooth not way over powering and its raw sexiness in england it is hard to get only 2 shops sell in london!

11th April, 2010.

I agree with reviewer Sybrarite that there isn't anything slightly feminine about Strictly Private - in fact it's quite typical of modern designer masculines these days. Unfortunately Hugo didn't invest a whole lot in perfumers when developing this scent. It's largely a jacked up synthetic woody-amber with a bit of pepper and a slug of vanilla. If I had to pick one of the myriad generic masculine woody ambers around these days (Givenchy Play, YSL L'Homme, etc.) I may pick this one, but luckily I don't have to.

24th December, 2009.

Sorry, but I have to strongly disagree with "Andrewthecologneguy's" review above (or below) me here. ... He berates "Strictly Private" for not being masculine enough ??? Yet, then goes on to say that "Fleur du Male" is a "manlier" scent ??? ... "Fleur du Male" is possibly one of the most strongly floral and "feminine" of men's scents. And, in my opinion, is actually way more "femme" smelling than "Strictly Private". (And by a good many "degrees" more !) ... It seems the main reason he came to this conclusion, is presumably because of the strong vanilla and "creme brulee" notes of SP's base. ... Personally I see absolutely no reason why vanilla should be considered as distinctly "feminine" in nature. There are many men's scents with much stronger vanilla notes.
And yes, this Woody-Oriental is yet another fragrance with a vanilla and amber base. But certainly not overly so ! ... I would agree, that it isn't perhaps the most strongly masculine of scents. But neither is it particularly "feminine" or "girly". Although it does perhaps lean towards being somewhat more "unisex" than most. Enough so, that I would not be at all surprised if quite a few women will want to steal this one for themselves.
The scent opens with a blend of basil, bergamot, juniper and pink pepper. Which is at once somewhat fresh but also warmed by the subtle peppery notes. It's quite a captivating opening, which then gradually becomes deeper and richer. When the "heart" of the fragrance unfolds a blend of Fir Balsam, Vetiver, Patchouli and Rose. Though the rose here is subtle, remaining strictly in the background and never becoming too prominent. The patchouli too just lends the scent some warmth, depth and "earthiness". (Patchouli haters need not be weary, as it too is judiciously used, never overriding the other notes). In fact the blend is such than none of the notes are actually ever particularly apparent individually. The base accord is that of vanilla, amber and cedar. Developing a somewhat woody "creme brulee-ish" note towards it's "drydown", which I found to be warm, comforting and really quite delicious.
All in all, I think it's one of Baldessarini's better scent. (Possibly even the best fragrance released by P&G in quite some time) And I'd say a pretty good and slightly above average scent for a "designer" release. ... Though it could do with having better longevity

23rd September, 2009.

I get a Gucci PH2 meets Guerlain Habit Rouge vibe, only of a lesser quality and with a screaming synthetic smelling amber/vanilla drydown. Not a scrubber but wouldn't wear even if received as a gift.

12nd May, 2009.