Basenotes - Reviews by FroFro

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Parfum d'Habit by Maître Parfumeur et Gantier

You can call it manly if you like, but this one is definitely en route to my wardrobe. I am loving this as a standalone, but am already thinking of some layering options.

Gorgeous scent.

17th September, 2008.

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Cuir by Lancôme

I have to say, I cannot help but think that Lancome found out Chanel was discontinuing Cuir de Russie and decided to steal their loyalist.

Bad try.

Yes, it is somewhat similar. No, it's not a valid substitution.

Firstly, I was very surprised not to see "cucumber" in the notes above. At first spray, I smelled a very distinctive cucumber. It goes away, but still, a woman wearing leather associates better with a whip than a cucumber. Ok, fine, with nice leather gloves, rather than a cucumber. :)

Secondly, there's very little staying power.

Thirdly, it's a bit powdery. Some may like it. I don't.

I guess it'll have to do if you want to hold on to those very precious ml's of Chanel's Cuir de Russie and use something in the same group.

However, it brings to mind Fragrance Imposters for some reason.

I'm only giving it a Neutral because it is somewhat similar to Chanel. A bit.

But they definitely need to work on staying power, at the very least.

12nd September, 2008.

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Guess (original) by Guess

Considered a woody oriental, this version has notes of jasmine, orange blossom, grapefruit and black currant with hints of vanilla, oak moss and sandalwood.

One of my favorites of the time. But there was so much of it around, I grew tired of it pretty quickly. Now - very difficult to find, and, therefore, pricey.

I had some left, and recently decided to try it again. When it's not found on any corner, it actually smells not as cheap as it seemed to me then. Somewhat sweet, and even - gasp! - subdued, but still sexy.

Not a floral by any stretch, though - it's definitely more woody/spicy.

22nd June, 2006.

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Island by Michael Kors

When I tried it at the store, I thought it was rather ordinary and blah. Nonetheless, the saleswoman gave me a couple of samples that I sprayed on my wrists whenever I chanced across it and walked around with it at home. Have to say, it grows on you.

Been to Bora Bora? Dreamt of Bora Bora? If neither, look up pictures of Moorea Pearl Resort overwater bungalows.

That's exactly what Island smells like.

This is very specifically a summer scent - I wouldn't dream wearing it in colder weather (well, maybe to bed so that I have dreams of Bora Bora). It's very watery, and very exotic, yet with a warmth one seldom finds in watery fragrances.

I'm telling you, it's addictive. If you didn't like it at first sniff - ask for a sample and try it a few times before going to bed. Chances are, it'll grow on you as it did on me.

Now pardon me while I go dream of overwater bungalows and attractive men in grass skirts. ;)

18th April, 2006.

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Envol by Ted Lapidus

It's exactly the same as Lancome's 1958 Envol, and even the packaging is the same, which leads me to think that either Ted Lapidus is a company associated with Lancome, or Lancome "sold" the fragrance to him. It's a great aquisition for 1981, a very 80's scent. I love it, and it's one of the few ones that I can easily see both men and women wearing (although it's not officially considered "unisex").

Although officially considered a green floral, on me it's definitely earthy and musky, yet I can definitely sense the greens ordinarily referred to.

Lovely fragrance, and one that I cannot get enough of.

Lancome's "Envol" is exceptionally difficult to find nowadays, and I was at first reluctant to try Lapidus' version (nevermind the same packaging) in fear that it would smell "cheaper" - I'm glad to report it doesn't.

But please don't buy it so I can corner the market and stock up properly - this is something I would gladly wear to my grave.

Wish there was a "way way WAY up" thumb for this one.

15th February, 2006.

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Fou d'Elle by Ted Lapidus

Smells like candy to me. I would have worn this in middle school, probably; but even then I liked deeper scents.

Don't get me wrong, it's quite pleasant... if you're young or if you want to project an image of innocence. And if you don't have a cleavage.

13rd February, 2006.

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Chaumet by Chaumet

To me, this smells like candy. Not unpleasant, but it's not something I find my hand reaching often.

Notes are citrus, jasmine, sandalwood and tea flowers.

I'd be more likely to wear it in the summer than the winter. If at all.

10th February, 2006.

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Eau des Merveilles by Hermès

I can take it or leave it. It has more masculine notes to my nose then feminine notes, yet lacks the povocativeness that wearing a masculine fragrance carries. I'd probably agree - easily a unisex fragrance. Not something I'll be wearing often - if for a quick trip to the supermarket or the drugstore one block away.

9th February, 2006.

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Gem by Van Cleef & Arpels

Pretty bottle. That's about all I can say about this one.

I found it very ordinary and blah. Just your run-of the mill, dry fragrance. Didn't like it out of the bottle, didn't like it on drydown. Gave away and almost full one.

4th February, 2006.

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Mystère by Rochas

I got this one as a gift when I was around 20, and, surprizingly, loved it even then (this is a mature scent, not really suitable for young girls). After that, I've bought it with some regularity (last time about a year ago, I guess).

I'd describe this as "very French"; it does tend to be somewhat strong, so use sparingly if you're not into heavy scents.

It's an oriental woody; bergamot, tangerine and ylang-ylang, blended with notes of vanilla, musk and amber. None of those really stand out on me, so I end up with a very nicely blended scent, not immediately identifiable. They really balance each other out very well.

4th February, 2006.

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Sand & Sable by Coty

I l-o-v-e-d this one when I was younger. Used to wear it all the time, and couldn't quite explain why I liked it so much.

Then Kors came out with Michael, and it all became completely clear to me.

Sand and Sable, to me and on me, is a lot like Michael, albeit stronger and cheaper (I guess one goes with the other).

If I had to choose between the two, I'd go with Michael, simply because it's more refined; however, Sand & Sable to me is not a no-no at all (even though I ordinarily avoid "drugstore" brands).

4th February, 2006.

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Organza Indécence by Givenchy

I loved this when it first came out, and wore it almost religiously; in time, I found that the fragrance doesn't grow on you, rather you grow out of it. For me, it got boring with time, and I find a bit too much vanilla in it.

However, on certain women this would smell wonderfully.

3rd February, 2006.

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Amarige by Givenchy

Have worn this for a year or so. Loved it then. Can't stand it now - I find it to be very sharp and strong. Go figure.

3rd February, 2006.

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Tabu by Dana

I apologize in advance to anyone who finds this review somewhat harsh; in no way should this be taken personally by anyone who favors the fragrance.

When asked what I consider the cheapest, most annoying scent I've ever experienced, I always answer "Tabu". I honestly just can't stand the stuff. I apologize to those who like it and wear it - it's completely possible it smells great on you - but I have never, ever met a person I felt it smells good on. It's one of those that will send me running out of an elevator on a lower floor just so I don't have to smell it anymore.

I am seldom so blunt about not liking a scent. Tabu is, perhaps, the only exception.

3rd February, 2006.

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Miss Dior Chérie by Christian Dior

Lovely fragrance. I find very little in common with the original "Miss Dior", but, hey, times have changed, after all.

I find this one very wearable, but wouldn't recommend it as an evening scent - not sexy enough. I would definitely classify is more as "chic" than "sensual".

2nd February, 2006.

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Michael Sheer by Michael Kors

Still have a bit of this left. It's a very intersting twist on the original with the same caution: don't overapply. It tends to be rather strong when not used sparingly, but a lovely scent, as well.

I'm rather upset it's so difficult to find - haven't seen it in months anywhere - because it was one of the better "versions" of an original fragrance.

2nd February, 2006.

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Trouble by Boucheron

Not crazy about this one. Too strong on me, rather annoying. I just don't feel right wearing it.

Perhaps just the wrong chemistry with my skin.

2nd February, 2006.

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Envol by Lancôme

Love, love, L-O-V-E this one. Haven't tried Ted Lapidus' version of it, so can only attest to the Lancome.

To me - a completely addictive scent. When I had it - used to wear it all the time, even in bed, and used to sniff my wrist constantly.

Devastated that it's so difficult to find, and when one does, the scent has changed significantly (probably due to prolonged storage), but still always buy just in case I get that one rare bottle of the well-preserved scent.

2nd February, 2006.

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Che by Chevignon

I prefer the drydown more to when it's fresh out of the bottle. The best way I can describe it (when it dries down) is like a mild Givenchy Pi - which is a good thing, since I find Pi wonderful, but a tad too strong.

Lovely bottle. Very masculine, and very streamlined.

2nd February, 2006.

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Baldessarini by Baldessarini

This one always, inevitable makes me do a double-take. Very sexy, in a mature, serious kinda way. I can just bury my nose into someone who's wearing it and be completely happy.

2nd February, 2006.

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FCUK Her by French Connection

Love this one, too! Very light, very wearable, and surprisingly sexy. Bought it by accident, and since then always have it in my wardrobe. The best word for it is 'unoffensive', it's not overpowering, and seems quite simple, yet has that certain something that makes it immediately recognizable. Wear this very often; in general, my go-to fragrance when I'm not sure what to wear.

2nd February, 2006.

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Création by Ted Lapidus

So, sue me. Yes, I have a nose. Yes, I realize that this is a kinda cheap-y scent, but I still love it. I find it to be incredibly sensual and sexy. Granted, this could be just body chemistry, but it smells wonderfully on me, and I have received numerous compliments.

At the same time, when my friend tried it it was really awful.

More proof of the all-importance of body chemistry. Still - thumbs up, since I really DO love it on myself.

2nd February, 2006.

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Michael by Michael Kors

First smelled it on a test-strip, and fell for it right then and there. It wasn't even sold then, but already then I knew I would buy it. Which I did, immediately when it became available, and wore it for several years as my main scent.

Still adore it, but have moved on - probably just need a break - but now that I've written this, I've put it back on my shopping list.

Very warm, very sexy scent, just make sure not to overdo it - this one is very easy to "overapply".

Last a long, long time.

2nd February, 2006.

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Lalique (original) by Lalique

I liked it when tested, but didn't buy right away; considered for a while and eventually purchased it; since then, always have a bottle in my wardrobe.

While not the most sophisticated scent, I found it very warm and comforting, and very versitile - both day or eveningwear is fine.

I'm not going to say I'm crazy about it, but it certainly has it's place.

2nd February, 2006.

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Le Feu D'Issey Light by Issey Miyake

A little bit too milky for me, but still use it occasionally (albeit rarely). As with it's counterpart, Le Feu D'Issey - very attractive packaging.

2nd February, 2006.

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Le Feu D'Issey by Issey Miyake

A bit too strong for me. It reminds me of something, but I can't seem to figure out which fragrance in particular.

The bottle looks great on my vanity, though.

2nd February, 2006.

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Vol de Nuit by Guerlain

Personally, I find it a tad soapy. I can see how it would be considered very sophisticated when it just came out, but - although a classic - I don't see it as timeless. Yes, I have it. Yes, I use it. But it's never one I immediately go to when in doubt.

2nd February, 2006.

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Tendre Poison by Christian Dior

It's ok, but there's one particular note in it that I find very unpleasant. I don't mind others wearing it, but can't stand it on myself.

2nd February, 2006.

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Dioressence by Christian Dior

Classic, but definitely not a summer scent. Goes well with cashmere sweaters, though. I'm undecided on this one - some days I love it, some days I can't stand it.

Which hasn't stopped me for having it in my wardrobe, so I guess I love it more than I hate it.

2nd February, 2006.

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Diorissimo by Christian Dior

This was my mother's signature scent when I was growing up; needless to say, I had to have it. It's funny, but it smells completely different on me, even thought the notes remain the same. The all-powerful lily-of-the-valley will forever be one of the most appealing fragrances.

But try before you buy. I've found few people can get away with wearing something so classic, yet remain modernly chic. And certainly not a fragrance for young girls - one needs to reach a certain level of maturity to pull this off.

2nd February, 2006.

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