Reviews by KIG

    KIG's avatar
    KIG
    United States United States

    Showing 1 to 23 of 23.
    rating

    Ferrari Uomo by Ferrari

    One of the very few frags I purchased immediately upon testing.
    The balance between woods, leather and citrus is elegant, yet very manly. If this one was released, and then discontinued, there would be a bunch of hyped up reviews on this page. Just the way people are.
    I don't own any other car fragrance. The only car frag I will consider is the original Jaguar. This however is great. There is a tonka/patchouli note in the base, that goes on forever without turning too mellow.
    Ferrari Uomo is very well crafted. There is nothing, that even remotely strikes me as cheap or mainstream. The citrus/bergamot opening is rounded, and just right. The leather is superb without being too much.
    It is complex and refined. Longevity is very, very good. Feels like a statement wearing it.
    Love it!

    2nd July, 2011. (Last Edited: 12nd October, 2011.)

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    A*Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler

    Doesn't matter how you feel about Thierry Mugler's creations, they raise eyebrows. Being bold nowadays is not a virtue for many. That's why most of them suck big time. Not Mugler.
    I love A*Man, like B*Man and can cope with Ice Man(never had a chance to try Pure Coffee).
    Although hovering around chocolate and coffee, like its predecessors, Pure Malt brings a new aspect to the equation. I find it much more bribing and just as powerful.
    So far I think, that it is the most refined masculin offering from Thierry Mugler. Well thought of and nothing short of spectacular.
    Notes and blah, blah, blah. I'll skip that. Yes, it feels a little sweet, heady and powerful, but how about the rest of the line? I've tested Angel Man and Pure Malt side by side. As far as longevity goes PM is the winner. At first I couldn't believe it, so I compared them again and again. Same result. Longevity is until you shower. Silage, oh baby...
    I use it as a fall, winter, spring frag, but even in summer, does not get cloying or annoying, as long as you can manage the application.

    2nd April, 2011. (Last Edited: 15th December, 2011.)

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    L'Instant de Guerlain pour Homme by Guerlain

    Out of all the scents I've worn through the years, this one by far has managed to get me the most compliments. It's fascinating how, after a night in smoky clubs, parties etc, I would stop by a gas station, or a friends house, and perfect strangers will ask me what am I wearing.
    It's not only the compliments. It was love at first sniff. Feels like a second skin.
    I've never tried the EDP. Actually I'm not quite sure I need it. The EDT lasts well over 8hrs on my skin.

    2nd April, 2011. (Last Edited: 16th November, 2011.)

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    JHL by Aramis

    After reading some of the great reviews here, I was shocked to find, that JHL is old fashioned in the worst possible way.
    Old corpse, laying silently in a coffin, in a badly ventilated funeral home. One of the viewers looks like a sumo wrestler who tried to cover his body odor with some oil. The rest of the people are old ladies with wilted flowers and cups of rice pudding in their hands.
    I don't find JHL masculine at all. Old lady, maybe. Even then it will be too much.
    If you need a frag with no freshness whatsoever, JHL is the final stop. It will choke you like a giant, old, stagnant pillow.
    Horrible!

    2nd April, 2011.

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    Minotaure by Paloma Picasso

    It's getting pretty hard to find anything else but after shave bottles online.
    This is a beautiful floral with solid woods at the base. Orange and very light mandarin peel create a pretty memorable opening. The lavender and jasmine lased middle must be one of the most superb examples why wearing such creation is a joy. The lavender here reminds me of Venezia by Laura Biagiotti. The vanilla is present, but not too loud. Actually I can barely detect it between the leather and amber base.
    Minotaure is very lively throughout, non pretentious/in a very, very good way/, well balanced oriental. I find it so Italian, although it's not. I wish longevity was a bit better and hope they'll bring it back... Fantastic!

    20th August, 2010. (Last Edited: 8th December, 2010.)

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    Incanto pour Homme Essential by Salvatore Ferragamo

    Knock, knock, anybody there? Do I smell tap water with few violet leaves thrown in for good measure? Damn, I just revealed my new money making opportunity...
    "Eau de Eau" Essential at its finest. Depth, longevity or silage? Who needs that?! Oh, you are concerned about the mood it creates? Well, it can be worse if you are planning to order a veggie burger in a steakhouse.

    17th August, 2010.

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    Tempore Uomo by Laura Biagiotti

    Sugar dusted woods surrounded by grandma's flower garden.
    The opening suggests some masculinity, but as time trickles, can't help but notice how wonderful this scent will deliver on a classy mature woman.
    Nothing tempting here for me. Too feminine for my taste. I will gladly buy it for my aunt who likes to boss people around and always shows up in a terrific outfit on opera night.
    As a masculine offering I have to give it a neutral rating, but if you decide to surprise your mom, she may love it.

    17th August, 2010.

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    Black Diamond by Canali

    Black Diamond is not a "kitchen sink" as stated in some of the reviews. Instead, it is a charismatic cocktail of notes usually associated with a modern "black" frag. The difference here is, that it does not go overboard or push all the sweet, fruity and predictable to the surface.
    I usually dislike apple, melon, violet, pineapple and peach in a modern frag. They are severely overused nowadays. You buy a black frag, and your nose is drowned in all the fruity, sweet and tacky smells you can imagine.
    I was not very impressed the first few times I wore it. Being EDP I was expecting the uncompromising blast of lets say Jaipur or Boucheron Pour Homme. On the other hand, I was fooled by the bottle itself - somehow I did not notice right away that it is dispensing about twice less the amount of a normal spray bottle. So if you buy, use or try, make the necessary adjustments.
    Once I corrected my application technique and hype level, the Black Diamond was long lasting, refreshing part of my evening ware.
    I feel very comfortable wearing Black Diamond. It may not possess the staggering longevity of other EDP's, although silage makes up for it.
    Black Diamond is a "black" frag without being tacky.

    11th August, 2010. (Last Edited: 21st December, 2011.)

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    Ouragan by Bourjois

    TOP: Orange, Mandarin, Bergamot
    MIDDLE: Clove, Geranium, Patchouli
    BASE: Sandalwood, Cedar, Vanilla

    I have changed my mind on this one. First I tried it, did not make an impression. Maybe I was expecting too much considering the fact I've always been a big admirer of Bourjois's earlier offerings - Masculin2 and Or Masculin. I still think Ouragan is not as good as the mentioned. However it's not bad. The sharp and intense opening grabs the attention with very nicely done citrus, layered with a touch of bergamot. In about twenty minutes the clove starts to give the juice some depth and the patchouli kicks in. The good thing about the patchouli here is that it doesn't appear too aggressive. The woods at the base are well done and vanilla not excessive.
    One thing I wish for is a better longevity. Silage is acceptable.
    All and all, I think it makes a nice addition to my collection. Although not crazy about it, restrained thumbs up are fair.

    5th August, 2010.

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    Acier by Bourjois

    TOP: Sicilian Lemon
    MIDDLE: Lavender, Juniper, Sandalwood, Coriander
    BASE: Lichen, Honey
    A bright opening of lemon and lavender. I smell peppered coriander followed by sandalwood . The honey is tempered by the lavender, so it never gets cloying. The addition of the juniper berry is not harsh, but it's definitely there trough the whole journey. There is a metallic note, created by the lemon/lavender combination which keeps the fragrance of becoming too sweet.
    However, there are few problem areas for me. The progression up to the middle notes brings out a very decent combination of sour and sweet. The base on the other hand is very pleasant, but it fails to make a lasting impression on me. It just becomes warm and kind of fussy. Something is missing. Maybe a stronger opening with citrus and lavender would have helped the base notes cope better with the sweetness of the honey and lichen. Said that, I think it makes a nice fall/winter choice if you are spending the evening around the fireplace with a glass of full flavored red, or having dinner with old friends.
    Acier reminds of the 80's in a peculiar way. Not so much in a sense of capturing the end of my teenage years, but more the memory of them.
    Masculin Acier has plenty of character. I find it powerful, without being loud or unrefined. That's enough for me to give it thumbs up and enjoy the aura it creates.

    5th August, 2010.

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    Salvatore Ferragamo pour Homme by Salvatore Ferragamo

    Fig? Wow, really?...
    Can I have a glass of water, please!
    Never smelled a fig? Try Salvatore Ferragamo pour Homme.
    Don’t get me wrong. It is a very well made fragrance. It all depends if you like fig. If you do, you’ll be in heaven. Longevity and silage are both excellent, but mean really excellent.
    Kinda funny, I am not too fond of smelling like a fig tree, but have smelled it on others. On some smells divine. On me, I’m just not into it. I can get over by my personal preference and admit it is a superb example of a very well made frag.
    If it works on you, it’s a must!

    4th November, 2009. (Last Edited: 2nd April, 2011.)

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    Venezia Uomo by Laura Biagiotti

    Bright, very bright opening. Still manages to be well rounded. The rest of it goes from there. The first impressions set a very nice tone for the Venezia.
    Wood and a bright opening don’t always work together too well/subjective/. Here though, the woodiness is layered in a way hard to resist. On paper, the Fern appears to be the odd choice. I can smell the overlapping of Jasmine/Fern note with the sandalwood. It makes it beautiful and builds a deeper base for the finish.
    The whole experience is based on early morning sunshine gathered with a walk in a forest around four in the afternoon. It can easily be a staple for the Mediterranean. But not quite, because it holds much more in terms of deepening the aspect, on which most easy going scents depend on-the obvious departure from the really heavy basenotes/ha/ used in perfumery.
    By any means Venezia has depth, so much of it, delivered in a very bribing way. It omits the need for being too straight forward in the final approach to your nose. Sometimes if you misplace the edges you don’t get a sword, but a trident.
    I’m not the kind to get hyped up, because it’s been discontinued. This one however is so refined, it’s hard not to “stock-up”. When wearing it, is needless to worry about “the right occasion or circle”. It will only reflect your preference. This is what matters, at least to me.
    Venezia is much stronger than appears. The silage is outstanding, longevity-more than enough.
    Personally, this must be the best Laura Biagiotti. I love Roma Uomo, but Venezia is outgoing, easy, and at the same time, deep and luscious.

    4th November, 2009.

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    Égoïste / L'Égoïste by Chanel

    During the 90’s I admired it. Then, I thought it was bit on the sweet side. Nowadays, I can’t get enough.
    Is it sweet, or bitter and smoky?.. I guess it depends on your perception. Vanilla can be too sweet, rose can only be used by a master, otherwise it's usually too candy like, especially when aiming for the masculine version.
    Longevity and sillage are spectacular.
    Absolutely mesmerizing, and one of a kind. One of the best ever created.

    31st October, 2009. (Last Edited: 13rd November, 2011.)

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    Ungaro III by Ungaro

    This one will always be in my wardrobe. Even right now I have a spare bottle. Just in case. Don’t even wear it that often, but when I do, feels really special.
    Jacques Polge have mastered the rose/for men/ better than anyone else. Egoiste is spectacular in that aspect. Ungaro III is not by any stretch of the imagination similar to Egoiste. Rose here is more prominent. Much more vibrant. The rest of it is a bliss.
    Some reading this may be put off by the rose comparison. Don’t. You’ll find, you never had an idea what a rose in male fragrance should smell like.
    All of us usually categorize fragrances by season. Ungaro III is equally attractive in a ski lodge or at a beach cabana. Something about the feel of being alive.
    Longevity is good, but not as good as the silage. The later is outstanding.
    9.5/10

    31st October, 2009. (Last Edited: 24th February, 2011.)

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    Masculin 2 by Bourjois

    If this one was released nowadays, would probably be a hit.
    Very, very unusual for 70’s frag. Has nothing in common with any other from that era.
    One of the fragrances I will consider extremely lucky to ever find again. If I do, I’ll buy a bucket.
    Will not go into a detail. I’m too upset it’s gone.

    31st October, 2009.

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    Sergio Tacchini by Sergio Tacchini

    Very sharp. A fine choice if you’re about to, or already played a 5hr tennis match. Otherwise can be a bit much for the senses. Classy? No. Good quality? Yes, it does what it’s supposed to do. Not enough for me, but to some can be a very nice option. Longevity is very, very good.

    31st October, 2009.

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    Platinum Égoïste by Chanel

    After Egoiste.. Why!!!?...
    If you want my take on it, just read tvlampboy's review. Feel exactly, exactly the same.
    Garbage.

    31st October, 2009.

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    Or Masculin by Bourjois

    Almost fully agree with Naed_Nitram.
    Don’t feel the link with JHL. Or Masculin for me is way better.
    The depth here is astonishing. Should I say was.
    Out of ALL discontinued 80’s frags, THIS ONE I miss the most. I actually lost an empty bottle few years ago and was devastated.
    If any of the members here have it, please, I will be more than glad to pay, swap, whatever you desire to obtain this one.
    I truly believe Or Masculin deserves to be up there with Le 3me Homme and Bel Ami. Not kidding...

    31st October, 2009.

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    Opium pour Homme by Yves Saint Laurent

    I love Orientals. Not this one.
    It’s nauseating, choking, cloying and very disturbing on my skin. I’ve only sampled the EDT version, but considering the effect it had on me, I will not be posting a review of the EDP version.
    Usually I give fragrances a second chance. This one-no way.
    The scent is so irritating, after few hours I couldn’t wait to get it off my skin. I never thought I can possibly be disgusted by vanilla.
    From the reviews below I can tell longevity must be pretty good. For me it’s just another horrifying fact.
    My idea about wearing a fragrance is not to stink like a Las Vegas pimp. Sometimes too much can be WAY too much.

    17th October, 2009. (Last Edited: 22nd December, 2010.)

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    Moschino pour Homme by Moschino

    As it dries down, Moschino delivers the unsweetened version of amber, leather and moss. The bite of mace is very intriguing at least.
    Longevity and silage are both excellent on my skin. Definitely a fall, winter frag. The output is very intense for about an hour, but then it mellows into a gorgeous, deep, very well made scent. I love wearing it.
    MPH deserves more attention than a ton of 80’s pretenders. Actually, it is one of the very best, not dated at all. You can easily wear it nowadays, and some people may wonder if it's a new release. The problem is finding it...

    7th October, 2009. (Last Edited: 13rd January, 2012.)

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    M7 by Yves Saint Laurent

    Many people complain about the top notes. I absolutely love M7 from A to Z.
    As most of top notch fragrances, everything has its place for a reason. Top, middle and base notes are supposed to work together as a team, bringing you the complete picture. By themselves, they are just a nuance. But if you put them together, they will bring you the complete composition. Of course, like a sheet of music, they will only be exceptional if they are put together by a master.
    I find agarwood intoxicating. Vetiver and rosemary are sublime here. Not cloying like another YSL release – Opium PH.
    Is it original? You bet! Is it sexy? Girlfriends and “curious bystanders” seem to think so. Is it powerful? Oh yeah! Is it supposed to be embraced by everybody? I don’t think so!
    In some of the reviews below was stated resemblance with Gucci Envy. I personally cannot detect any. They are both favorites of mine, but I don’t find them similar.
    And there you have it. Very unique, powerful, intoxicating and provocative oriental, one of the best ever made.
    Huge thumbs up!!
    Definitely try before you buy!

    2nd September, 2009. (Last Edited: 24th February, 2011.)

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    Jaïpur Homme by Boucheron

    First time I tried it was on a chili December evening in a department store. I had heard about it from a friend, so I asked if they had a tester.I walked around the mall for a while. More and more I found myself sniffing my wrist with a big smile on my face. It was unlike any oriental I have smelled before. It was big, powerful, warm and sensual. That time I did not care about the notes. Just knew I liked it very much.
    It is s a very special scent. Spicy, woody oriental, pretty much in the category “love me or leave me”. It is strong without being cloying, a composition of restraint and opulence all in one. The vanilla here is not “the last resort” of the drydown. In fact it holds the structure together with a warm sensuality.
    I use the EDP and EDT/ Jaipur Fresh is for a different review/. Both have their place in my wardrobe. One for the luscious complexity, the other for the same reason, and for being toned down without losing its character.
    Longevity is superb – 16+ hours EDP and 10+for EDT.
    If you end up falling in love with this one like me, you’re in luck. Not everybody can appreciate it, thank god! There is no chance that a bunch of Aqua Di Gio lovers will be running around smelling like you.
    Jaipur is well worth the experience if you like a well balanced oriental.
    Have to agree with foetidus – it is one of most the beautiful masculine olfactory creations in the designer world.

    28th August, 2009.

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    Antaeus by Chanel

    Antaeus has always been one of a kind. During the 80’s a lot of houses tried to copy it. Some did better than others, but none succeeded in developing a formula, that marks the end of the 70’s and the beginning of the new decade better than Chanel.
    Antaeus envelops the evolution of modern fragrance. Leather, wood, rose and beeswax are prominent. Thyme, citrus, patchouli, bergamot and coriander play along. The freshness and depth are in superb balance.
    Very potent. To my nose it doesn’t feel dated; it is a powerhouse that makes no excuses. Longevity is superb – 12 to 16+ hours on my skin.
    It is at its best on cooler evenings in places associated with class and self respect. Not for the young crowd, but eventually we all get older… Not for the office, well it all depends if you can pull it off.
    Yes, there are some differences between the one I use to wear during the 80’s and the new one. But for me personally, the current one is just as good. I don’t think Mr. Jacques Polge has gambled too much with his crown jewel.
    One of the best fragrances I own.

    26th August, 2009. (Last Edited: 28th August, 2009.)

    Showing 1 to 23 of 23.

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