Fragrance Reviews
Fragrance Reviews by 20scents
Showing all 134 reviews
212 Men by Carolina Herrera
212 at first didn't really excite me all that much. Seemed just like a run-of-the-mill citrus scent. But over time, I had started to notice its fresh, slightly musky notes that was actually pleasant to wear. The sandalwood in the base really sticks out. I don't know what transparent musk is, but I guess it helped, too. :-)
06 December 2005
Eau de Rochas by Rochas
A crisp, green, Eau Savage/Imperiale/4711 type scent that is a delight to wear! Its longevity is not great on me, but it has freshness to it which I find appealing while it lasts. Give it a try if you like watery, green, fresh scents! :-)
06 December 2005
Bois du Portugal by Creed
Spicy, sophisticated, clean, fairly long lasting...did I mention, spicy? I dig a lot of the older, spicier scents like Z-14, and I find Creed BdP achieves what very few spicy scents do: Hit you with spice that is pure and simple! The Creed accord in the bottom notes are there to be sure. A great change of pace from other tangy, sweet, or watery scents, to be worn on special occasions.
06 December 2005
M7 Fresh by Yves Saint Laurent
Awesome retake of the bold original! I managed to get this bad boy recently off of ebay, and I am not disappointed! It takes the pungent notes of the original and douses it with a healthy amount of citrus; more suited, as it was intended, for warmer weather, but it can be used in colder ones perhaps. Glad to own this one!!
06 December 2005
Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent
Controversial scent indeed! I as others in this forum found Kouros to be dated, funky, and loud. I thought, who could wear this stuff? But as of late, after trying on hundreds of the simpler new scents and getting used to the favorites that I own, I suddenly found myself liking this one after a single spritz on my hand: The stuff lasts forever, and is so rich, woody, animalistic, and courageous! In the winter, it is a great scent to wear; for the summer, there is the summer and sport versions, which are lighter and maybe more manageable. This scent is to be tried to be believed! Acquired taste scent, scent which grows on you after you initially are repulsed...give it a shot. :-)
06 December 2005
Aramis by Aramis
One of the first scents that really caught my attention! Its aerosol like delivery is unusual nowadays, and the scent itself is sophisticated, masculine, and fresh. Wish it could last longer, but otherwise I recommend trying this one out!
02 December 2005
4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser by 4711
A classic scent for all times! So many men's fragrances throughout the years have taken this basic, simple scent and spun it their way. Tangy, green, refreshing scent, esp. for warmer weather. A must to check out for the serious collector of classic scents.
02 December 2005
360 Degrees Red for Men by Perry Ellis
Startling, fresh scent. Reminiscent of Drakkar, as others have pointed out. Still, has a unique quality to it that makes it stand out.
02 December 2005
360 Degrees for Men by Perry Ellis
Watery, lovely scent from Perry Ellis. Envelopes you with energy and delight.
02 December 2005
273 Indigo for Men by Fred Hayman
What a wonderfully smooth scent! It is unlike the original 273, with a subtle, lavender powdery quality that points to the sensitive side of a man. And it's easy to get gift sets of this one for dirt cheap (e.g. Perfumania).
02 December 2005
Dunhill Fresh by Alfred Dunhill
Nice, fresh, crisp new offering from Alfred Dunhill. The liquid looks snappy, and I love the bottle! :)
02 December 2005
Dunhill by Alfred Dunhill
A retraction of my earlier post: I love this Dunhill scent!! It has a balanced quality, between powdery and watery, musky and fresh, tangy and sweet. It doesn't last very long on me, yet methinx that layering could take care of that. Great masculine scent that should be checked out. :-)
02 December 2005
On El by J del Pozo
I am still trying to grasp this scent. It resembles Rocabar by Hermes to an extent, but wow it has so many notes that take it in uncharted directions! Maybe this one will grow on me, I'll have to see. :-o
02 December 2005
Hummer by Hummer
Not bad, but I find it to be too simple and basic. I do not mind wearing it, it's just not as deep as I would like it. A very crisp, outdoorsy scent to be sure, Hummer was not a complete failure, IMO. I think the Hummer H2 scent that came next was much better.
02 December 2005
Samouraï by Alain Delon
Clean, fairly bright scent that reminds me a lot of Joop's Nightflight scent. It starts out brightly, then dims down like a candle, though with the same essence. Has an aquatic quality to it, but it all depends on how the smeller interprets it, I think. Love the curvy bottle (reminds me of Chopard's Casran with its ergonomic design :-)) and blue colored liquid. Give it a whirl!
30 November 2005
Eau de Cartier Relaxante by Cartier
Very, very interesting stuff! It bears a very slight resemblance to the original two Eau de Cartier...mostly, in the bottle design! It is so soft, mysterious, lightly musky and relaxing indeed. If you don't rub it, it is stronger; rub it, and the "relaxante" kicks in! Cool scent, very unnoticed methinx. :-)
30 November 2005
Tuscany per Uomo Forte by Aramis
A bold, smooth scent from the Aramis company. Wow! The original was great too, but on me it did not last. This one not only lasts, but is simply richer and more interesting than the original. The middle and basenotes really stand out over time. Not for those desiring a subtle, singular, linear fragrance; Tuscany Uomo Forte is meant to grab your attention quickly! Too bad it no longer is offered. ;[
28 November 2005
Héritage by Guerlain
A smooth, powdery, sophisticated scent that is classy, as is all of the Guerlain fragrances. Similar to Gucci Envy, but not as sweet. Has a nice floral heart that is not feminine at all and exudes masculinity. Guerlain's L'Instant for men is sort of like Heritage, but not as good, IMO.
18 November 2005
Boss Soul by Hugo Boss
A very delightful, smooth fragrance, similar to Boss in Motion but deeper yet still. Elicits compliments and is a very pleasant scent to own and wear. Bravo, Hugo Boss. ;-)
09 November 2005
Boss in Motion by Hugo Boss
A nice, powdery, citrus scent that is reminiscent of others in the wonderful Hugo Boss line (e.g. Boss Soul). It makes me feel relaxed and confident! Love the bottle and how easy it is to control just how much I want to spritz on.
09 November 2005
Dior Homme by Christian Dior
INTERESTING! :-) This one is unlike any other men's Christian Dior scent that I have ever experienced. It is sweet, not cloyingly so, and has a smooth feel to it that is reminiscent of Casran by Chopard (another exquisite oriental scent). It is complex, musky, sweet, woody...just a wonderfully crafted Dior scent!
07 November 2005
Gaultier² by Jean Paul Gaultier
Hmph! Being a big fan of Le Male, I thought I'd try this blindly, based on some of the good reviews on basenotes. This one definitely comes off smelling like JPG Classique for women, and it stings with a sweetness that - for the moment, perhaps - I can't really like. It seems to lean more towards the feminine side as a unisex scent. I don't hate it, but it's not great, IMO.
07 November 2005
Givenchy pour Homme Blue Label by Givenchy
Givenchy puts out fragrances which I tend to like more or less. Blue Label looks very generic sitting on the many counters of department stores, kiosks, etc. that I have seen. But it is such a smooth, pleasantly citrus scent which energizes me. It is a toned-down scent in the likes of Echo, another very pleasant citrus scent. I prefer it to the slightly confusing Red Label, which somehow I can't quite grasp. Blue Label doesn't turn rancid, and it exudes masculinity. This scent is best for casual atmospheres. Love it! :)
12 October 2005
Silver Black / Onyx by Azzaro
This was an amazing new find for me recently! I have found few new scents that exude a classic, feel-good spiciness and masculinity as this one does. I even bought the accompanying deodorant to this one, which is lovely in its own right. :-)
08 October 2005
Jacomo de Jacomo Rouge by Jacomo
This one continues in the tradition of Ambro de Jacomo, the more exotic of the Jacomo oriental scented line. Rouge is better than the Jacomo de Jacomo black bottle original, which seems to be a cousin of Cigar Aficianado. ;-p~~ Anyhow, Rouge is long-lasting, smooth, with a Le Male vibe to it for sure. Sure to please!
08 October 2005
Gucci pour Homme by Gucci
A bold, super-woody experience! It is sexy in an animal sort of way, unlike any other woody scent out there (although Commes des Garcones is in the same category). Sophisticated box, striking bottle, and extraordinary brown liquid inside. Be sure to try it first, and then try it again after some while, to get the best impression of this scent; it may or may not work, depending on your impression.
06 October 2005
Armani Code / Black Code by Giorgio Armani
Hmmm....tried to like this one. It's not bad, but maybe it's that unpleasant olive flower that keeps prodding me in the midst of an otherwise decent scent with potential. It seems to have too much in it, or just not the right stuff, for it to be a great fragrance. Best suited for casual outings, I think. (And is this the scent
to replace Emporio Armani Night, a masterpiece
which I miss?_
to replace Emporio Armani Night, a masterpiece
which I miss?_
06 October 2005
The Dreamer by Versace
I always dabble with the Versace line: So many scents coming from so many perspectives for so many audiences. The Dreamer is decidely in the oriental fragrance category, like Le Male, 360 white, Cuba Gold, Britto, and the like. This one, however, is brighter and - er - dreamier than them all, though! Lasts forever, and stays the same on the skin all day. It almost has an icy, cool quality in its sweet character. Kool scent, Gianni! :-)
06 October 2005
Chic for Men by Carolina Herrera
Tried to like this one. It's not all that bad, but it is a bit strong for a citrus scent. It has a mysterious quality to it overall that has one scratching the head trying to figure this one out. Acquired taste, methinx. ;-)
06 October 2005
Allure Homme Sport by Chanel
Nice rendition of Allure! The original isn't too bad, but this one has an additional muskiness that is great. It is an all-year fragrance, yet right-at-home during active sport sessions...or just hanging out in the summertime. It's not too strong, and sits on the skin very nicely. Not super watery as many "sport" versions tend to be.
05 October 2005
Casual Friday by Escada
Decent fragrance with edible notes, reminiscent of Yohji, Rochas Man, Hanae Mori, A*Men, and the like. It is rich, exuding quite an air like being in a coffee shop carrying chocolates in it. Hard to find in kiosks nowadays, but not impossible. Give it a try if you like those delicious scents listed before. :-)
05 October 2005
VIP for Men by Giorgio Beverly Hills
Sophisticated, heady fragrance that screams of the 80's! It is not an ordinary scent by any means; the "extraordinary" label for VIP fits. The miniature is far easier to find than the big bottles...except on e-bay, asking some outlandish price$.
05 October 2005
Giorgio for Men by Giorgio Beverly Hills
Yup, went ahead and plunked down $100 for a 2.5oz bottle on e-bay. It's a very classic, spicy, masculine scent that is suitable for formal occasions (or anywhere you'd like to smell classy). I wear it sparingly, but never regret buying it. I wasn't as into scents back in the 80's, so I haven't gotten burnt out on this one...yet. :)
05 October 2005
Magnetism for Men by Escada
Saffron!! Can't go wrong with that as a note in a scent! Quite a nice watery, tangy, sexy scent by Escada. Was skeptical at first, smelling it off of a testing strip in a store versus wearing it directly; the latter is far more informative and accurate for me, as the testing strip doesn't do it justice. And I sometimes get the impression of this one smelling a bit like Coca Cola(in a good way!!) It is a scent for 20-30 somethings, IMO. Give it a try.
05 October 2005
Silver Light by Escada
Definitely a relative of the original, bold Escada pour Homme; this one is somewhat milder, a bit fresher and more watery than the predecessor. Although I find the scent to be very pleasant and calming for me, I haven't any idea of how others react to this one as of yet. Thumbs up nonetheless. :^)
05 October 2005
L'Anarchiste by Caron
Well....the bottle looks great! The scent itself makes me scratch my head. Depending on a million factors, perhaps (i.e. humidity, my skin chemistry, environmental odors, temperature, relative newness of the fragrance, etc. etc.), it either strikes me as weird or not too bad or great. It *looks* like it should be along the lines of, say, Nicole Miller (which does a better job of using orange notes), but it never quite gets and stays there. Haven't concluded anything about this one. :-o
05 October 2005
Emporio Armani Night He by Giorgio Armani
A great evening scent! Not very long-lasting on me, but I love it nonetheless. The violet note is an unusual one, but somehow suitable in this sexy fragrance. Fits right in to the many oriental scents that are around (Le Male, Britto, Azzarro Pure Lavender, etc.), with a striking, airy distinction that must be smelled to understand. Like the bottle too, with the rubber button on a simple looking metal cannister. Too bad it has been removed from just about all store shelves; but good news is, it can be found
in discount stores on a wide scale for a good price. :)
in discount stores on a wide scale for a good price. :)
05 October 2005
Paul Smith for Men by Paul Smith
Very similar to Fahrenheit. But it does stand out on its own merits with a tangier quality and a bit more toned down that the former. Fresh and distinctive. Elicits compliments whenever I wear it. More character than the "Extreme" version, which I just can't get into.
05 October 2005
Molto Smalto by Francesco Smalto
Tremendous scent! Sleek, sophisticated bottle hides a really pleasant scent within: Warm, smooth, mildly sweet, slightly woody and spicy, & moderately musky, with somewhat of a classic feel to it (it is from 1992, after all :^)). Different than the Francesco Smalto signature scent, which is ok but not special like this one. Grab it if you see it!!
05 October 2005
Kiton Napoli by Kiton
Managed to grab a bottle of this very recently. Hard puppy to find! It is different than Kiton Men, for one; it has a fresh, mildly sweet and musky quality which I like a lot. It reminds me of Molto Smalto, in its warmth and smooth finish. Try getting this one if you can, if not for how hard it is to get this now. ;-)
05 October 2005
Odeur 71 by Comme des Garçons
Interesting!! At first, I was quite hesitant to try this one out, given its eclectic notes (and a bad impression of CdG2). However, despite the funky unconventional notes, this one is a pleasant, warm, woody scent that is full of complexity and character. It does resemble that ozone smell one smells as the rain first hits the ground; how did they figure that out? :-) Highly recommended among the experimental scents out there.
05 October 2005
Comme des Garçons 2 Man by Comme des Garçons
A rich, decidedly masculine woody creation! I much prefer this to the unisex CdG2. This one is similar in a way to Gucci pour Homme, but it contains that unmistakable boldness and distinctive "CdG" character that the "Odeur" scents have. Unique and a great scent to stick apart from the rest.
05 October 2005
Dune pour Homme by Christian Dior
It's not too bad. A lot of fig in this one, if that's your thing. I don't find it to be very special, although I would see Dune fitting in nicely while walking along a beach or boardwalk in the summer. It is coastal in quality, but missing something; perhaps its subtilty was deliberate.
05 October 2005
Perry Ellis m by Perry Ellis
A recant of my earlier post on this fragrance: The key with this scent is not to overdo it. It is a sweet, smooth fragrance that I find to be more pleasant to wear than Allure (which isn't bad at all). The anise note is quite evident in this one. I had one lady say that of all the scents which I had worn, this one is the best on me personally. It is a gourmand, loooooong lasting scent which I highly recommend trying. ;)
05 October 2005
Lacoste pour Homme by Lacoste
Not a particularly fabulous scent, but not bad at all. It is very, very reminiscent of Boss #6, but a bit more subdued and low-key. The vanilla note is something I'd never get sick of, and for anyone wanting a shy vanilla musk scent, this is it.
05 October 2005
Escada Homme by Escada
Delightful, warm, powdery, and powerful scent from Escada. I like it on me or on others, and I receive compliments on this one all the time! I would describe the powdery quality to be tempered by a slightly bitter, sour note that is uniqueand classic, not at all like the vicious smack-face colognes of the 80's. Test it first, then decide, IMO.
05 October 2005
Salvatore Ferragamo pour Homme by Salvatore Ferragamo
Tangy, masculine scent that stands out from the usual suspects of fragrances out there. It can be a bit too sharp for some, especially over time; but otherwise, it is a rich, fruity, predictably citrus scent that isn't like the typical citrus scents. The only other scent I find which is close to this one is Lalique Equus, which is awesome in its own right. Check this one out!
05 October 2005
Jaïpur Homme Fresh by Boucheron
I am proud to be the first to review this sleeper scent: Clean, sweet, bright fragrance, spiked with spicy woody notes on top. It is powdery like the original, but Jaïpur Homme Fresh is a bit more subdued and won't lead to headaches! Got it for a reasonable price at Nordstrom, and highly recommend it as an alternative to the original Jaïpur Homme. I wouldn't buy any other Boucheron scents but this one. ;)
05 October 2005
A*Men / Angel Men by Thierry Mugler
At first, I'd disliked A*Men. But over time, after experiencing several scents with edible notes (e.g. Rochas Man, Hanae Mori, etc.), I found this scent to be very potent and memorable. Powdery, chocolatey, deeply packed with incense, and long-lasting. It is an acquired-taste fragrance for sure. I would highly recommend getting the portable dispenser with the gazillion refill tubes...a great way to recharge the scent without bulging your pockets. :)
05 October 2005
Essenza di Zegna by Ermenegildo Zegna
Fresh, woody, classically-Italian scent. Not nearly as sharp as the "intense" version of this scent, but it gets the job done. Clean and pleasant, not unpredictable and just plain nice to wear.
05 October 2005
Essenza di Zegna Intense by Ermenegildo Zegna
Spicy, woody, classically-Italian scent! It definitely stands out, but not in the way a Givenchy Pour Homme or Cuiron would; it all depends on how much you spray on. Hard to find in my area, except at the Sephora where I got mine. A reliable part of my scent arsenal. ;)
05 October 2005
Touch for Men by Burberry
Strange, unique scent that I can't totally dislike. It hints of the typicaly, oriental scents out there, but it doesn't stay sweet for long. It is airy, musky, a bit unpredictable, and definitely sticks out! I am a big fan of the Burberry line, and this one fits in ok.
05 October 2005
FCUK Him by French Connection
Not bad at all! Has a fresh, sharp lavender quality that really sticks out. The accompanying deodorant is decent to wear even by itself. Powdery and even watery in nature. I haven't received any comments on this one yet, but I still wear it on occasion.
05 October 2005
Chrome by Azzaro
At first, I didn't find this fragrance to be anything special. But maybe my tastes have changed over time, as I really like the warm, spicy masculine quality of this scent. Women seem to like it, and it isn't too common to be boring. I don't find Chrome to be very citrus compared to others scents; but that's not necessarily a bad thing. ;)
05 October 2005
Un Jardin en Méditerranée by Hermès
I had purchased this one blindly from the Net. I had wanted to like this one, but for a unisex scent, I find it slanted too far to the feminine side for my tastes. It is an acquired-taste fragrance for sure. Is it the fig notes, the mastic notes, I don't know. It's best to try it out first at better department stores first, then purchase it online, IMO.
05 October 2005
Gendarme 20 by Gendarme
A bold, clean, grab-your-attention scent that smacks of sophistication and originality (although "Clean Ultimate" is very close to smelling like it). I do like the original Gendarme, but not its low longevity on my skin. This EDP lasts a bit longer, but I like its deeper quality vs. the original. Hard to find in stores, and when found, demands some real buck$. Nevertheless, a real treat to wear every once in a while, when I want to draw some hardcore attention/compliments. ;)
05 October 2005
Number 3 / Le 3me Homme / The Third Man by Caron
Not a bad scent. It is multi-layered, starting out very sweet (similar to Roma Uomo), but changing after some time into a spicier, evening-appropriate quality. The woody notes seem to hide until this point of change, and it's almost an entirely different scent (at least on my skin). Anyhow, it's a decent fragrance, having a classic quality to it and definitely different than the average go-to scents nowadays.
05 October 2005
Cool Water Deep by Davidoff
This version of the classic Cool Water seems more pleasant and less synthetic. It does have a deeper quality to it, changing from the familiar top-note of the original scent to a different, warmer direction...almost musky. It doesn't seem to last very long on me, so I'd have to keep this at the ready for instant recharge. ;-o
05 October 2005
Helmut Lang Men by Helmut Lang
A sophisticated, fairly simple, and pleasantly predictable fragrance. It is a great casual or even formal scent. I like its frankinscense-like quality, and it is not in-your-face like, say, Cuiron. Smooth, reliable, and different.
05 October 2005
Eau de Paco Rabanne pour Homme by Paco Rabanne
A real gem of a warm-weather scent! I find a slight resemblance between this one and Insense Ultramarine/Kenzo Pour Homme, but it is more subtle and perhaps not as sharp. It bears little resemblance to the original, powerful Paco Rabanne pour Homme, which I am reluctant to wear; this one is refreshing and has a pleasant, watery vibe to it. :-)
05 October 2005
My Ocean for Him by Club Med
Impossibly good-smelling, low-price gem of a scent! Very fresh and "beachy"; despite its low profile status, I think this should be a standard scent in a man's summer collection. Not heady and overpowering by any means. Kudos to Club Med. :)
05 October 2005
Echo by Davidoff
Such a delight wearing this one! It lasts all day with little change in texture, and it elicits compliments each time I wear it. I certainly can't figure out what all those synthetic notes are in this scent, but neverthless I place this one in my "never-fail" category of fragrances. This one and "Zino" are my two favorite Davidoff scents; I may check out his others in time.
19 September 2005
Cigar Aficionado by Cigar Aficionado
I thought that I'd liked this at first, especially because it is unlike many other scents. But over time, I had grown to dislike what I felt was a synthetic chemical scent which was not too fresh-smelling. To each his own, I suppose. :-o
19 September 2005
Unbound for Men by Halston
At first, I didn't like the smell too much. However, I had tried it again recently, and loved it!! It definitely smells like Acqua di Gio, as one of my co-workers thought it was. But it is deeper, more citrus, and more memorable, IMO. A great bargain at the local discount stores. :-)
19 September 2005
Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren
At first, as with others here, I didn't care for this one too much. But once I got past the tester card and smelled it on a couple guys at work and elsewhere, I was hooked on its very clean, manly, spicy quality that wasn't loud in the least. It has an airy, watery quality to it which is different from the original Polo (which I will always like). A good outing scent, as well as for the office; sure to attract positive attention!
12 September 2005
Purple Label by Ralph Lauren
A terrific, spicy yet smooth casual fragrance. I have a couple hundred scents in my arsenal, and I consider this one to be quite fresh and unique. It tends to last ok on me; a refresher spritz may be needed for some. Highly recommended! :-)
12 September 2005
Lalique pour Homme Equus by Lalique
This one is so smooth, eliciting compliments. It is quite similar to Salvatore Ferragamo, but less intense and a bit more sophisiticated. Love this and the other bottles in the Lalique line!
09 September 2005
Lalique pour Homme Blue / Faune by Lalique
Quite similar indeed to Allure/Allure Homme Sport. However, this fragrance is smoother and less in-your-face. Plus, underneath is that unforgettable woody accord found throughout the original Lalique. Long-lasting!
09 September 2005
Lalique pour Homme by Lalique
A very warm, classy, smooth fragrance with a sophisticated woody touch. Very long-lasting, many compliments with this one. I look at this scent as being the "Lalique" base found deep inside the Lalique Blue/Faune fragrance. Apparently, the EDP version of this scent was the favorite of Bill Clinton.
09 September 2005
Bulgari Aqua pour Homme by Bulgari
Love this new scent from Bulgari. It stays longer on the skin than some of their other men's scents. This one is *highly* similar to a rare and wonderful fragrance, Kiton for Men. It is a bit lighter, though, but nonetheless pleasant with its watery, tangy quality. And that is quite a funky bottle, too. :-)
26 February 2005
Moschino pour Homme by Moschino
Really nice potion! ;) Reminds me a lot of Hermes Bel Ami, yet it has subtle distinctions that set it apart. Long lasting, changing character from spicy to a warmer quality. I prefer this to Uomo? Moschino, which is too soapy for me.
31 January 2005
Pi by Givenchy
Magnetic wood? :-l If you say so. ;) Anyhow, this one is definitely for the Le Male / Jaipur / Britto crowd: Smooth, sweet, long-lasting, and makes a statement of confidence and sensuality. Be prepared for compliments or complaints on this one. :D
29 January 2005
Envy for Men by Gucci
Wow, this one is so smooth, sparkly, and fresh! It's in the same fragrance note category of Versace L'Homme, but brighter. It is so pleasant and draws compliments, for sure. Sexy and suave, Envy rock! ;-)
29 January 2005
Kenzoair by Kenzo
A very nice fragrance by Kenzo. It reminds me of Sonia Rykiel Homme Grey in its spicy quality. My only complaints on this fine scent are on its longevity and somewhat unstable presence (at least on *my* skin), transforming from sweet to somewhat sour and then sweet again over time. Otherwise, I can dig this one. :^>
29 January 2005
Body Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent
Very bright, Le Male-ish scent that seems to have its own interesting character. I didn't like it at first, but its sweet, benzoin quality grabbed me just as some others in this category (i.e. Pi, Jaipur, Le Male, Britto). It's a nice jump from the original Kouros, which I feel is too dated and strong compared to this version.
29 January 2005
Vetyver by L'Occitane
I found this wonderful scent while checking out a L'Occitane En Provence store at Union Station in D.C. This one (along with Hysope) is one of the few that really grabbed me, keeping its woody, NewWest/Safari-like essence throughout the day. I got it for very cheap as well on sale. Give it a try. ;-)
29 January 2005
Versus Time for Action by Versace
Definitely a great summer scent. The grapefruit and verbena notes are wonderful; it is similar to the more elegant Eau De Cartier Concentree, which also lasts longer than this one. I got the 4.2oz bottle and body shampoo for only $15 at Sephora recently...how can one pass it up, lest they *despise* this scent? ;-)
29 January 2005
Versace l'Homme by Versace
A really nice, long-lasting fragrance! It is such a warm scent which draws compliments from others. It is in the same fragrance note class as Gucci Envy, though a bit muted in comparison. It's atypical of the Versace line, having a more classic and simple vibe to it, and yet fit for the modern man as well. Glad to own a bottle! :-)
29 January 2005
Amazing for Men by Bill Blass
A nice, tangy, and comforting scent by Bill Blass. Reminds me a lot of Portfolio by Perry Ellis, except Amazing is more refined and less youthful. That bottle is fun to hold, too. ;D
29 January 2005
Salvador Dali pour Homme by Salvador Dali
What a funky, funky bottle! :D Seeing the liquid swirling around the slightly translucent, green black bottle is somewhat hypnotic. 8) This one is an aggressive, attention grabbing scent which is not for the meek. It is reminiscent of many Italian scents from the 80's onward, IMO. I believe that this one could get overapplied and is best sprayed under a clean undershirt, so the muted essence would exude out without suffocating others around you! :)
29 January 2005
Eau de Cartier Concentrée by Cartier
This one is so classy, so refined. I usually wouldn't wear tangy scents (esp. unisex ones), but this slightly masculinized version of the original Eau De Cartier made a believer out of me! ;) The lime and peppery elements evoke confidence and energy...sort of like aromatherapy. It lasts a fairly long time, and I am never tired of smelling it throughout the day. I noticed that Versus Time For Action smells a *lot* like this one, except for the longevity!
29 January 2005
Portfolio Elite for Men by Perry Ellis
This one draws many compliments from the ladies I work with. It is a very manly, upscale version of the more youthful, CK Crave-like Portfolio original. This one lasts a long time, and can be worn casually or formally, IMO. The bottle itself attracts a lot of favorable remarks! When I spray a sample on my lady co-workers' wrists, they swear they'd get Portfolio Elite for their boyfriends! ;-)
29 January 2005
Hugo Dark Blue by Hugo Boss
A very nice, semi-formal scent by Hugo Boss. I really like its enveloping warmth and flavor. But I wish it would last longer, as it dies down after a few hours. Otherwise, highly recommended for day or evening wear (casually, it may be too aggressive).
29 January 2005
Elements Aqua by Hugo Boss
This one is so smooth and long-lasting! It dries down and settles into the typical, warm vanilla and amber base that many other Boss fragrances have. But this one is so pleasant to wear, and it just caresses and calms me throughout the course of the day. A casual scent that can be worn day or night.
29 January 2005
Insensé Ultramarine by Givenchy
Not bad! Definitely smells like L'Eau Par Kenzo, once it dries down and stabilizes. It does have some distinct elements to it (namely, it *lasts*) that sets it apart from other watery scents. But it seems a bit aggressive for my tastes.
29 January 2005
Habit Rouge by Guerlain
Well...I thought I'd like this one, given my hasty positive judgment of the typical Guerlain lemony thing and the woodiness as well. However, this one is not for me, being too aggressive and perhaps not for my age range (30's). I give a hat's off to it for its cult following and no doubt imitators (say, for instance, Burberry Brit, which is a tamed-down version of Habit Rouge, yet more wearable for casual or even formal events).
29 January 2005
Déclaration Bois Bleu by Cartier
I did find more of a difference between this one and the original. The citrus element tames the somewhat annoying woodiness of the first Declaration. It reminds me a tad of Givenchy Insense Ultramarine, but only because it does have a watery quality to it. I prefer Bois Bleu to the original, which just doesn't seem to click with me.
29 January 2005
Lagerfeld Classic by Lagerfeld
What an enduring, oriental scent! Must be worn in moderation for sure, to avoid the pimp-vibe thing spoken of in other reviews here. ;-) It is a sophisticated, sweet scent that is best for evening formal occasions, I think. I can understand how some may get burnt out on this one....always a good throw-back scent when you want to wax classic. :>
29 January 2005
KL Homme by Lagerfeld
Very interesting scent! Reminds me somewhat of Habit Rouge, in its complexity, woodiness, and unrelenting aroma and presence! Not to be worn by the meek; this one is for the more mature male hearkening to the days of the wild, unrestrained 80's fragrances. If worn under the shirt, it seems to come across less aggressively. Definitely a love it/hate it scent.
29 January 2005
Gigli Man by Romeo Gigli
Quite a wonderful find!! A shame that it has been pulled from the local Nordstrom and Sephora shelves...It has a peppery and sweet body that is sophisticated, to say the least. It lasts a long time, and is quite an underrated fragrance to boot. Plus, Sephora was selling the smaller bottle for only $10...had to get one. ;-))
29 January 2005
Morgan de Toi Homme by Morgan de Toi
Interesting that I tried to *dislike* this one at first. It does have a very simple, ordinary nature that may bore some. But as I kept smelling it, I found it to be a very confident scent to wear, which ladies tend to like (not all, though). It is very masculine, and can be worn by young or older alike (maybe not the Rocabar/Bel Ami/Antaeus/etc. demographic ;)) ... and for only $15 at Sephora for a 4 oz. bottle, I *had* to get one! Seems to resemble Platinum Egoiste a tad, which I also like a lot.
29 January 2005
B*Men by Thierry Mugler
I thought I'd like this one. I applied it and found it to be better than A*Men, which I find to be very chaotic and too sweet. B*Men is more mellow and has a fairly stable quality to it. Maybe it was the change from fall to winter, or just me, but B*Men seems now to sting with its own sweetness in a difficult way that I finally didn't like. It's an okay scent, but definitely an acquired taste thing.
29 January 2005
Kiton Men by Kiton
At first, I was very skeptical about this one. It took some getting used to. It has a similarity to Fahrenheit in a subtle way, but wow it is classy and different! Very hard to find; I got mine at a reasonable price from a local Nordstrom's. Kiton grabs you from application to drydown with a sophistication that even reminds me of the way Creed fragrances make me feel: Confident, daring, energetic. Bravo, Palladio! ;-)
29 January 2005
Rochas Man by Rochas
A recant to my earlier post....this one ROCKS!! ;-)) I found the secret to longevity on this one: Apply right after shaving and washing the skin. It may sting a bit, but wow it lasts all day! A very smooth, modern, and wonderful fragrance to be worn in casual or formal occasions, especially at night (IMO). So thumbs up for me now :^>
29 January 2005
Jungle pour Homme by Kenzo
Love the bottle! The fragrance is definitely sexy and attracts a few sniffs from others! It is highly reminiscent of Eau D'Hermes, which seems to have more depth, IMO. I find that Jungle should be worn in moderation, for it can get a tad cloying if overapplied. Lasting power is okay, could be better.
29 January 2005
Safari for Men by Ralph Lauren
A classic. I remember giving this to my late uncle about ten years ago, so there is a lot of sentimental value to it, too. Seems to have several of the notes as the other classic, Aramis' New West. Both are very full, masculine, and bold fragrances. Seems to be best for casual day or night wear. Bravo, Aramis. ;->
29 January 2005
Colours for Men by Alexander Julian
A wonderful, classic scent. Royal Copenhagen and Lagerfeld Classic are quite similar, but Colours has a smooth quality that you can *feel*. Very hard to find nowadays.
03 December 2004
Bijan for Men by Bijan
Classic, manly scent. Not for the faint of heart, as it is quite bold. Lasts a long time, and great for special evening occasions.
03 December 2004
Jivago 24k Men by Jivago
Very fresh, very uplifting. Suited for the evening, IMO. And the gold flake thingie is quite unique. :D
03 December 2004
Geir by Geir Ness
Wow, so fresh and unique! I can't stop sniffing it when I wear it, and it exudes such positivity and confidence! Never been to Norway, but this scent gives me a hint of what it may feel like. ;>
03 December 2004
Présence by Mont Blanc
Not bad at all. It is very reminiscent of Givenchy Pi and a tad like JPG Le Male, yet it has a simpler, pleasing quality to it. It lasts a long time, which is always a good thing. =>
03 December 2004
L'Eau par Kenzo pour Homme by Kenzo
Fresh, but soapy and doesn't last too long. I don't know if the lady's would go for it, IMO.
03 December 2004
Truth Calvin Klein Men by Calvin Klein
A tremendously pleasing scent! I at first passed this fragrance up, thinking it to be another unspecial scent by Calvin Klein. But oh how wrong I was! So fresh and green, it is a breath of fresh air that stays clean. Doesn't last too long, alas, but still love it. ;-)
03 December 2004
Burberry for Men by Burberry
Oh, what a wonderful scent! It's citrus quality is tamed by the masculine, musky bottom, giving it a pleasing quality. My only complaint with it is that it doesn't last too long on me. But nevertheless, I don't mind refreshing *this* scent at all! ;-)
03 December 2004
Eau Parfumée au Thé Verte Extreme by Bulgari
Smells a lot like another unisex fragrance, Hermes' Un Jardin en Mediterranee. Both are very fresh and exude "greenness." However, I find either one to be incompatible with winter weather. Both also have a bit too much floral to them to be considered in any way masculine; but either one is worth a try. ;>
03 December 2004
Blu Notte pour Homme by Bulgari
What a wonderful, rare new addition to the Bulgari collection! Smelled it at the local Sephora, and fell in love! ;-) And I find it hard to like the other fragrances in Bulgari's line. So mellow, deep, and - dare I say - original in many ways.
03 December 2004
Portfolio for Men by Perry Ellis
Reminds me a lot of CK Crave, but more pleasing. It lasts and lasts, and though it has a youthful quality to it, I still find it to be a wonderful, all day fragrance. IMHO, to be worn especially for casual occasions.
03 December 2004
Cabaret Homme by Grès
What a smooth, sophisticated, and spicy discovery I had made with Cabaret de Gres! It seems that only Lord & Taylor carries it over here in the DC area. The fancy bottle caught my eye immediately, and the scent just grabbed me. It has an old-school vibe to it, yet is so fresh and stands out. Highly recommended. :-)
24 November 2004
PS by Paul Sebastian
So fresh, so classic, so fine! It is always a pleasure to come back to this, perhaps when the newer scents in my collection have seemed a little overused. It exudes sophistication, and I am proud to own a bottle. (Hey, any reviews for the new Paul Sebastian Onyx? Another great scent, though it smells a *lot* like its older relative, Design (IMO).)
24 October 2004
Minotaure by Paloma Picasso
Hello! One of my all time favorites. Desire by Dunhill smells a lot like it, but lasts for only a fraction as much (though even Minotaure disappears too quickly....maybe after a few hours, when the day is revving up). It evokes such a confident, take-on-the-day vibe in me with its unforgettable citrus-wood-musk combo. So warm, so stately, so timeless. Can be worn casually or even at fairly formal occasions, IMO. Glad that its basically still available in most malls at those little fragrance counters in the middle of the walkways. :>
24 October 2004
H.M. by Hanae Mori
Wow, this one is so awesome! Although it may come across as feminine to some, it just grabs *me* and makes *me* feels so spiffy. 8-) I fell in love with it after my first spritz at a Nordstrom, and then I bought the EDT soon thereafter from Sephora. It is unequalled in its texture, and it reminds me a lot of Rochas, but it lasts 10 times longer!!! I almost feel like royalty wearing this one. Highly recommended for those liking vanilla-melon-subtle musk men colognes. :>
24 October 2004
L'Eau D'Issey pour Homme by Issey Miyake
Girls may like it, and it may be in most every collector's homes. But wow, it gives me a headache! :-o I bought it because it seemed so popular at the time, and it did seems nice after my first spritz from a friend's bottle. However, the headache thing was intolerable, and I sold it. I think I'm one of the few dissenters here. :-o
24 October 2004
Sung Homme by Alfred Sung
I can see why this one is so popular after all these years. It's purple, for starters. :-> But it is quite masculine, sensual, and pleasing. However, it doesn't quite hit me with the same intensity and endurance as its closely-resembling scent, Paco Rabanne Pour Homme. I really want to like it enough to plunk down even just $20 for the huge EDT gift set with body gel that's all over the Ross/Marshall's/TJ Maxx circuit. But, maybe it'll grow on me. 8)
24 October 2004
Azzaro pour Homme by Azzaro
Wowzers, love this one! So classic, it just appeals to me with its fairly long-lasting, woodsy-green gut and musky aura. It's one of the few green scents that I can say should be in every man's collection. But I don't know if the younger crowd would go for it.
24 October 2004
Bora Bora for Men by Liz Claiborne
I really *want* to like this. But though it starts out interesting, it then gives me a bit of a headache and seems quite boring. :( (Pity, for I can get a *large* bottle of this at the local Ross store. :-/ )
24 October 2004
Pasha Fraîcheur Menthe by Cartier
Mmmmm....minty! 8-) One of the few Cartier fragrances that I may consider buying one of these days. The others are just too subtle on me...and considering their prices, subtle won't work! >:-I
24 October 2004
Comme des Garçons 2 by Comme des Garçons
Started out interesting for the first few minutes....then turned into pimp-fragrance big time on me! :-o Can't see myself ever even *testing* it again!
24 October 2004
Mugler Cologne by Thierry Mugler
Want to like this one.....but it lasts for like ten minutes on me. :( The fresh, green, summery scent is one to be proud of, and I know there are a number of fans of this one. But just like Guerlain's Imperiale, it requires much effort (for *my* skin chemistry, I must say) to keep it lasting (read: constant recharge!). Too bad. :/
24 October 2004
Perry Ellis for Men (original) by Perry Ellis
Aw come on fellas. :> I guess I'll stick my neck out and be the only one so far to give a positive review for this one. This one has always struck me as elegant, refined, predictable, and fresh. After over 10 years since purchasing my first bottle, this one is still my special occasion, winning scent. It does resemble, remotely, Hermes' Bel Ami (scentwise and even bottle-designwise!). Not too many scents around nowadays, IMO, that can equal its woodsy, fresh quality. And besides, you can get a huge EDT nowadays for only $20 at most Marshall's, Ross, etc. stores. There, review done. :>
24 October 2004
M7 by Yves Saint Laurent
Man oh man, talk about disappointment. I had become quite drawn to its powdery, long-lasting quality when I had first tested it at the local Sephora. Then I had bought it and tried it on....eeek! Too bold, too synthetic, and it is unpredictable....not quite my cup of tea. I had returned it after only one use (I had spritzed my hand a few times afterwards at home and *tried* to like it again). Sad. :-I
24 October 2004
Boss Bottled by Hugo Boss
Hands down, one of my favorite in my steadily-growing armada of scents. :> Love the vanilla, spiked with a warm touch of musk that lasts, lasts, lasts! Admittedly, I see that this scent is easily cloned and re-cloned and yet still sell (unless you're either burned out with the vanilla thing, or just don't like it period). Anyhow, I am never timid when wearing this (sadly, as much as I like Hanae Mori - another vanilla scent which I am crazy for - ,that one can come off as too feminine; not this one, IMO.) One of the only Boss scents that I would actually spend money for. :P
24 October 2004
Baldessarini by Baldessarini
It sure does separate the men from the boys....wear it, and like a boy you shall smell. 8-< Too sweet, not enough masculine elements in it, and quite a bunch of hype. (Sorry, Hugo Boss dudes: I do like "Boss" (silver) a *lot*, though.)
24 October 2004
Le Mâle by Jean Paul Gaultier
At first, I admit that I hated it, likening it to a sinister plastic scent. But it grew on me the second time that I had tested it. It has a very, very long-lasting and virile touch to it that explains its popularity. Being a vanilla scent freak, I like that part of Le Male, too. :-p Easily recognizable, and worthy enough (I guess) to be copied by Britto. :-D Bravo, JPG!
24 October 2004
L'Eau Bleue D'Issey pour Homme by Issey Miyake
What an aromatic, woodsy, and long-lasting scent! The original Issey gave me a headache, sad to say. But this one did no such thing. It is passionate, wanting to get noticed without being too strong. Very few scents around that evoke the feelings this does, IMHO.
24 October 2004
Bel Ami by Hermès
So elegant, so warm, so confident. I wore this to my graduation recently, and it lasted all day. It has such a classic, woodsy, musky scent that few can duplicate nowadays. Glad I didn't have to plunk $100 for it at the local Nordstrom. >8-)
24 October 2004
Bulgari Black by Bulgari
This fragrance rocks! >:) I love its subtle, reserved nature (that "olfactory bolck" thingy) and how it changes to a vanilla-like texture over time. Yet, that smokiness doesn't disappear altogether. I can't see a woman wearing this, though. But what do I know. :->
24 October 2004
Eau de Cologne Impériale by Guerlain
Drats, wish this one would last more than ten minutes on my skin. :( I bought it dirt cheap at a local Syms department store (I'd tested it at a Nordstrom months before). But even just for $30, I can't see myself recharging the fragrance every 10 minutes! Come on Guerlain, put some of that last-all-day stuff into it. >:-)
24 October 2004
Dolce & Gabbana pour Homme by Dolce & Gabbana
Love it!! ;-) So classic and popular, even "Realities For Men" copied it. :D (Try to sniff them side by side and see if you agree.) This one is so bold in its citrus content, and it stays uniform throughout the day. Though it is about a decade old, I still would highly suggest this as a standard in any fragrance connoisseur's collection. ;)
24 October 2004
Givenchy Gentleman by Givenchy
At first, I did like it greenish, classic scent. But after several spritz of it, I had noticed several people (notably *women* ;-o) who had winced in disgust. Then my *own* opinion changed: It just smells so....pimpish! Perhaps it's that body chemistry thing. Good thing is, I do like some of Givenchy's other stuff (i.e. Xeryus Rouge and Pi). A vanilla scent freak I am. 8-)
24 October 2004
Must de Cartier pour Homme by Cartier
Love the smell. But it just doesn't last too long on me. :( I even tried to saturate my face with it, which still didn't last more than an hour. However, I must say it is a very refined, subtle vanilla that reminds me of Rochas (another which doesn't last on me :(( ). Oh well...
24 October 2004
Brit for Men by Burberry
Very fresh, not overly powdery like FCUK, and has the right touch of citrus and wood. I fell in love with the fragrance immediately after my first spritz of it at a local Hecht's store; and then I bought it not too long afterwards and have never been disappointed since. It's perfect for early morning or late night, IMHO. Maybe the daytime too, what the hey. :->
24 October 2004
JHL by Aramis
Bring it back, bring it back, bring it back!! >8-I I bought this recently from a cosmetic place in D.C., which had a *lot* of bottles of the JHL sitting on their shelves for months. But recently, all gone....and all I saw were lame fragrances filling that shelf! :-I This one is so refined, so smooth, so masculine. It lasts fairly long, and never turns sour. Even the bottle is elegant and nice to hold. :>
24 October 2004
Desire for a Man by Alfred Dunhill
Love that hot pear-citrus thing. It smells a lot like Minotaur by Paloma Picasso, an eternal favorite of mine. But darnit, Desire lasts all but 45 minutes on me, and then it disappears without a *trace*! :/ Wish that the Alfred Dunhill folks could put the "last-all-day" chemical into it. :>
24 October 2004







