Fragrance Reviews by Meliscents

Poor Emeraude, now known only as a cheap drugstore perfume. But for those of you ready to dismiss it, PLEASE try to get your hands on the vintage version. I dug out my old bottle of cologne and even in this concentration, it's gorgeous. Comparing the old and the new is like comparing 2 completely different fragrances. The new version is sharp & chemical, but the vintage is orange blossom, vanilla, amber & musk. To me it's a little more like Bal a Versailles then Shalimar. So sad that although Emeraude & Shalimar were released around the same time that Guerlain has managed to keep their high-end reputation where Coty just keeps spitting out the cheap, super sweet, celebrity fragrances at the local drugstore. If only they had kept their respect for the old staples. Not only would Emeraude still have its well deserved reputation, but we might still be able to get our hands on Coty Chypre. Oh, to dream a little dream.

I can't help myself, I love this fragrance! I do admit that it took some time & some play with application, but now it's love. Aromatics Elixir is one of the worst smells if applied with a heavy hand but a light spray in the air that's allowed to just lightly settle on the skin and you're talking a whole different animal. A super light touch of this perfume & it's a beautiful, classic chypre. It's amazing how so very little it takes. Subtle is the word. Super light applications also mean your bottle will last you a good long time which is a good thing when you realize how "pretty" this scent can be.

This is one of those lost treasures. I believe this was only on the market a few years & was taken off because of a lawsuit over the name. I purchased an unopened bottle on Ebay for about $7 (including shipping). I was wowed! It's not a fading flower but comparable to many of the over-the-top fragrances of the 80's like Ruffles & Poison. Forbidden is a heady, long lasting floral hidden in a cheap looking bottle. If you can get your hands on some do so. It packs a wallop!

My mother received a beautiful bottle of Joy from my father in the very early 70's during one of his tours in Vietnam. I remember seeing that bottle on her dresser for many years and how she only wore it on special occasions. Dabbing on her Joy was as important as the selection of her dress & jewelry. It was truly the finishing touch. Now as lovely a memory the "production" of her wearing Joy is, the scent itself does not hold the same memory. At that very tender age, when I probably smelled mostly of baby powder, I thought Joy was the most horrific smell I had ever experienced. I'm not sure how I would have described it at the time but probably along the lines of "wet dog". But now, many years later, my opinion has drastically changed. I get it now! It's sophisticated, deep & rich. The civet (or wet dog note) gives it its depth & compliments the heady rose note. Joy is not a casual fragrance you spray on as you're running out of the house. It SHOULD be a production to wear so you can savor the experience. It makes a woman FEEL like a woman.

Miss Dior is one of those fragrances that calls for patience. Right from the bottle it's a bit sharp & yes, a litte "old lady-ish". But patience is rewarded with a gorgeous, warm leather chypre. It's one of a few (Mitsouko being another) that I just can't keep my nose away from. Miss Dior is very classy and it might be something you have to learn to appreciate. This beautiful, classic creation saves us from the candied mess that's taking over our perfume counters.

Chanel No. 5 sits quietly among many, many bottles on my shelf. She sits lady-like, patiently waiting for me to flit from one to the other knowing I'll ALWAYS come back. It's a fragrance that seems well suited to any mood or any outfit and forms to the skin like a comfortable pair of jeans or a favorite cashmere sweater. Pearls optional. I can't see being without it.

SEXY! I got this at the local drug store in a gift set for next to nothing & purchased it un-sniffed based on reviews & history. I was blown away! Why is this sold only in drug stores? To me it smells just as rich & beautiful as the expensive brands. Even more so. It's thankfully NOT a fruity floral & actually smells like it contains atleast one or two natural ingredients. When I put this on I feel like I should be wearing crimson velvet on my way to meet a mysterious lover on the wrong side of town & not just driving up to the grocery. I can see how it could be overpowering. A little does go a long way. I suggest a spray & run though. But once that amber mist touches you skin & that heady oriental scent reaches your nose, it makes perfect sense why Tabu has been around for such a long time. It does deserve a more fitting bottle & packaging. I mean, you wouldn't have put Marlena Dietrich in overalls & hi-top tennis shoes would you?

This should be one of the Poster Children for lost vintage scents. The new version is only a ghost of its former self. The vintage formula is a beautiful, layered powdery floral that changes & evolves on the skin. It really is like Heaven. The new formula is like powder scented bug spray. Some things should NEVER be messed with. If it's not broken, don't fix it!
So in a nut shell, the thumbs up is ONLY for the original. Don't waste your money on the new one unless you have NO IDEA what the original smelled like.

I was initially going to put a thumbs down but I decided I'm going to keep trying this to see if I ever get the attraction. All I get unfortunately is a horrible gag reaction. To me it is over-the-top green with a touch of stale, used tobacco. So Sad! I wanted to love this more than anything but it hasn't happened so far. Others I've let smell it didn't get the same reaction so I guess I'll keep at it. The next time I put it on could move me to tears of joy. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Well, I'm just going to say it. I don't get the fuss. Maybe it's just a case of 'mass hysteria'. I finally got a vintage sample & knew that once it touched my skin, my life would never be the same. But that didn't happen. All I could think was, "I've smelled better." Mitsouko & Miss Dior put me in awe & I'm sure my life would be empty without them, but I think I can actually live without the infamous Coty Chypre. Sorry Folks!

I came across a small, unopened bottle of this at a dusty little antique store & purchased it un-sniffed. I don't think I've ever smelled anything like it. The first hit is clean & soapy with a hint of spice. The longer it's on the skin the deeper, richer notes come out. It's an oriental but with an unusual twist. Imagine smelling Opium & Ivory soap together. That touch of clean keeps it from being to dark & heavy. I just love it! So sad it's out of production.

My first introduction to this beautiful floral was in High School (in the 80's). It was a gift from a boyfriend. I drained the bottle dry & lost touch until a few months ago when I came across a bottle at an antique show. I was afraid I'd be disappointed but, as soon as I removed the stopper, I remembered why I had loved it so much. It's a gorgeous floral! The first hit is fresh & "soapy" then comes the rich floral notes. The drydown is powder & light musk. If you can get your hands on a bottle, any concentration, do it! You won't be throwing money away!!!