Fragrance Reviews by SirSlarty

    Showing all 1849 reviews

    Scherezade by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

    Musky! It's peppery, sweet and spicy but soooooo blended into the super-dominant musk that it's really hard to tell anything apart, except the musk. Like all BPAL's oils, it's thick and long lasting. You really gotta like musk to enjoy this.
    17 July 2010

    Encre Noire pour Elle by Lalique

    Add some transparent florals (one of which is rose) over something like Mugler Cologne or Creed's Original Vetiver and you'd get the vetiver style that's in Lalique's Encre Noire pour Elle. This feels "cold" while the pour Homme version smells raather "warm". Good longevity and sillage.
    17 July 2010

    Pleasures Exotic by Estée Lauder

    The "marketing" description to me is not at all deceptive. The original is very ambiguously floral and was a little sweet in the base. Exotic gets all fruity on you with the mangoes and such. They are definitely there and makes the fragrance something new. When I read "exotic" I really did think of tropical fruits and such. Ah! Get out of my head!
    17 July 2010

    Pleasures by Estée Lauder

    Not exactly floral... but not really anything. At first Pleasures seemed to be a ridiculously generic white floral. But then I had smlled a couple of fruity notes. And then greenish notes. It's fresh but not too clean that it's like laundry sheets clean because there's some sweet notes in the background that's a part of the overall scent. Fantastic as an everyday scent.
    17 July 2010

    D&G La Lune 18 by Dolce & Gabbana

    The leather note in this is so blantantly repulsive it makes me wince. This smells really bad to me and is the worst "dirty" fragrance I've smelled. Really put of by this. In the end, everything else dies (thank the deity) and all you get is a fruity lingering musk.
    17 July 2010

    D&G Le Bateleur 1 by Dolce & Gabbana

    Interesting aquatic. It's very spicy. It's similar to another aquatic I've tried called Acqua di Gio. Perhaps you've heard of it? Anyways, turn up the spice and add "aquatic accord" to anything and you get this stuff. Also, if you liked this, check out the even spicier GF Ferre Bluemusk.
    15 July 2010

    Voile de Fleur by Tom Ford

    A spicy floral that feels creamy and gets a little dark and sweet at the end.... poetically speaking, a flower and an herb garden got in a fight and fell asleep on a vanilla pillow.
    15 July 2010

    Paestum Rose by Eau d'Italie

    I never thought I'd meet a rose I'd like. This is a woodsy, citrusy rose with some spices around it. Elegant and calm.
    15 July 2010

    Midnight Oud by Juliette Has a Gun

    It's oud. Good job making something that closely resembles oud that's bearable enough to wear for the "mass market". Don't normally like oud but this made me raise an eyebrow.
    15 July 2010

    Angel by Thierry Mugler

    Minus burnt rubber, it smells very close/virtually identical to A*Men; just weaker. This is what I first thought of Angel when I smelt it.

    Angel is a demonic patchouli and chocolate scent that befouls its neighbors but blesses the wearer. It accosts your friends while being your only friend. It greets your with warm cookies and leaves everyone else in the patchouli brush, pricking every single one of their limbs so as if to say, "HELL YEAH!" in a overly dramatic tone.

    This scent is so polarizing... it makes me love it for some reason. Please, for the love of any deity, wear only a spray of this. It can really ruin someone's day.
    15 July 2010

    D&G L'Imperatrice 3 by Dolce & Gabbana

    Not bad if you like citrusy-fruity fragrances. It's really juicy on the opening. Dries down to a woodsy grapefruit. A little sour/bitter at the end. Not the worst of the bunch but not something I'd go ga-ga for but I do enjoy the scent.
    15 July 2010

    Neroli by L'Occitane

    This dark crimson red juice is a sweaty version of the pleasantly citrusy scent of neroli. It's like they made the stuff run 100 laps around a track covered in vanilla. Note: sweat here is actually the woodsy, herbal smell of WAY TOO MUCH CUMIN. A McQueen;s Kingdom in disguise? It smells a bit too "icky" for my tastes.
    14 July 2010

    Charlie / Charlie Blue by Revlon

    Hah, a drug store fragrance and I think it's AMAZING in all regards. One regard is its boisterous attempt at being something "expensive" smelling. It's really potent and sometimes could be called "vile". Now something this cheap and old would mean that everyone probably wore it "way back when". Honestly, I don't remember in my youth a single women ever wearing this. Of course, I wasn't paying attention to such.

    I bought a vintage bottle from an elderly lady and I told her why and she was ecstatic that I was collecting bottles.
    13 July 2010

    Joy by Jean Patou

    This is a wonderful, over-the-top floral. And as with all nicely made florals from the age, it has aldehydes. There are indolic notes galore but none of them battle for the top, except rose. That one always seems to jump out at me but here, it's really nice. The EdT is still just as good as the perfume and other concentrations.

    I can't bring myself to hate this fragrance, it's such a joy to smell.
    13 July 2010

    Patchouli Homme by Parfums de Nicolaï

    I'm so used to the sweet woodsy patchouli that Nicolai's Patchouli took me aback at first. Too bad it kept me back. It's too herbal, earthy and... well "vintage" to me. Elegant and complex can also mean "he's got issues" and I don't want to portray that stigma via scent. Also I don't think I've liked a Nicolai scent due to that line of thought..
    13 July 2010

    Poivre 23 by Le Labo

    I would've said "bull!" if I knew that Poivre meant pepper because I don't get any pepper. I get an odd mix of synthetically and naturally smelling notes in here. It's powdery but it smells a bit like a plastic powder. It's got vanilla, too, and combined with the other drydown note it's slightly woody which is probably where the powdery notes get in. It's stong and longevity is rather average. Short version: powdery vanilla woods.
    13 July 2010

    Havana by Aramis

    Not being a rebel or anything but I, simply put, don't like it. After 5 or so tried on several different occasions, ambient temperatures even different samples from several sources just because it gets so much praise. I wondered what I was missing so I kept trying.

    Opening I was all like, "OKay so it smells a little green and spicy..." and there's tobacco... then... and then came the point where Havana turned on me was at the heart. Something started mixing in the tobacco and gave a sickly sweet smell along with a spice. This combination of notes I'm going to call a mix of chewing gum and tobacco. It was really bewildering.

    The drydown just kept going and going. One good thing about the fragrance is its longevity; that the vanilla and spicy drydown.

    Complex fragrances are nice but when a fragrance turns into a calculus equation, it becomes less art and more cerebral. I don't want to think about my fragrance.
    13 July 2010

    Brit Red by Burberry

    Quite the wonderful "baked goods" style scent. It's a foody fruity sweet with a light powdery note. Some florals round out the fragrance into a special occasion scent.
    04 July 2010

    Aoud Flowers by Montale

    Strikes me odd as that the first thoughts I had were "honey, rose and... Terre d'hermes?" Yeah I get a touch of the Iso E Super or whatever in conjuction with a honey note all surrounded by the infamous rosy/aoud note in all of aoud fragrances I've smelled. It's very dry but also sweet. It's a strange rift of notes.
    03 July 2010

    Cool Water Deep Sun, Sea and Surf by Davidoff

    Two points covered already: doesn't last long and a stronger citrus note. It's also extremely salty. Like a powerful L'eau d'Issey pour Homme just not as fresh. Certainly smells like the salty sea air... but now in cologne form! Doesn't improve on the original deep but I had to try yet another Cool Water flanker.
    30 June 2010

    D&G La Roue de la Fortune 10 by Dolce & Gabbana

    Short lived, boring, sweet tuberose and vanillaic liquid substance sold for $50+ or so a bottle. Doesn't work at all for me.
    26 June 2010

    D&G L'Amoureaux 6 by Dolce & Gabbana

    This is disappointing. Starts of nice, peppery, woods, a little clean thing with a different take on aquatics. It, however, does not last long at all. The only thing lingering on the skin, and quite close to the skin, is a slightly woodsy musk with a dulling, buzzing background of juniper berry. I wanted to keep an open mind about these but No. 6 here isn't that good.
    25 June 2010

    Passenger pour Homme by ST Dupont

    A sharp citrusy and violet leaf burst. Almost medicinal. Don't worry, it cools off after the opening. Passenger becomes more of a background hum of a woodsy note coupled with more violet leaf as well as some green leafy herbs and a touch of ginger. Very energetic and nice for an office setting. Sillage and longevity are average.
    25 June 2010

    Hearts & Daggers for Men by Ed Hardy [Christian Audigier]

    A strong, peppery and slightly powdery FRUITY scent that lasts. It's also very woodsy. A nice change of pace from those absolute fruity fragrances. Good longevity and also doesn't seem to be too strong but too much can get overwhelming. I find it a nice change of pace/good wardrobe rotation when I get bored of the citrus stuff, the oakmoss-based stuff and the sweet stuff.
    17 June 2010

    Curious by Britney Spears

    Typical floral opening, with a slightly sweet heart and a squeaky clean musky base. The musky drydown lingers for a good part of the day. A little too clean and transparent for my likes.
    28 May 2010

    Dolce & Gabbana by Dolce & Gabbana

    Pretty much a creamy floral with a bit of aldehydes. Kinda ho-hum but a nice scent. The drydown is mostly musky and a bitterness to it.
    24 May 2010

    Beautiful by Estée Lauder

    Definitely a competently composed floral arrangement of as many thing as you can throw together. Certain florals pop in and out but the ones I personally smell are ylang-ylang and lily so Beautiful is a "sweet" floral fragrance as lily and ylang-ylang both are sweet to me. The perceived composition most definitely varies from person to person with this but there's probably something in here almost everyone could like.
    21 May 2010

    Ballade Verte by Manuel Canovas

    This stuff is nice. It's nothing new but it's also not total crap. I haven't tried the other scents offered by this house. It's a green fragrance with hints of the classic aldehyde top notes. It seems old-school with a modern, fresh white florally twist. After that all dries down Ballade Verte becomes spicy with herbs (lemon thyme or basil) and lingers around. Not bad.
    21 May 2010

    Stephen Jones by Stephen Jones

    Way too much aldehyde and mineral-whatevers. Magma? You mean sulfuric acid steam and liquid rock? Ugh. This fragrance, top to bottom, sears my nose hairs.
    21 May 2010

    Beyond Paradise by Estée Lauder

    A marinish floral of gardenia. That's the smell. It's a simple scent, like a glade candle (the GOOD kind, not the "let's make the room smell like a fragrance candle over top the kitty litter". The end. The scent is boring so let's talk about the name. The name, Beyond Paradise, is a silly concept. I mean, what's past a perfect utopia? What's beyond infinity? And the inverse, what would Beyond Hell smell like?
    21 May 2010

    Nightscape by Ulrich Lang

    A soothing sweet patchouli that is quite dirty at times. Strong patchouli but not over the top as it is toned down by musks and tonka bean. It's not a warm patchouli but a cool and soft version. Slight downside it it seems that it's a little short lived. Really good patchouli scent with the volume turned down.
    19 May 2010

    Pink Sugar by Aquolina

    Cotton candy. For that nostalgic trip to the fair or circus or when you want to feel like a kid again. The cotton candy smells like berries after a while and gets woodsy and powdery for the drydown. A cheap alternative to Profumum's Acqua e Zucchero, wich is a lovely berry scent with woods.
    16 May 2010

    Éclat d'Arpège by Lanvin

    This has the same fruity woods I detect in a lot of men's fragrances: Del Mar Seychelles, Mont Blanc Starwalker, Armani Diamonds... the drydown of Polo Explorer... also it's very similar to YSL's Elle.

    Eclat starts of with a tart fruity note and dries down into an ambery woods. Light and gentle, I like it.
    15 May 2010

    Sandalo e The by Bois 1920

    Opening: fruity citrusy tea. Brisk and strong
    Middle: Ah there's the sandalwood... wait it's going away to form something else...
    Drydown: sweat. Dry, fruity sweat.

    Overall the experience with this fragrance is a hot summer, sunny day, working outside and forgetting to shower just before heading out to meet some friends. you ask one of them if they have any deodorant but they hand you some fragrance sample they happen to have and you verily spray it on hoping to mask your day's work from earlier.

    I usually refrain from referring to others' reviews but Vibert's mention of raisins is pretty much a good description. A dried fruit I despise.
    15 May 2010

    R'lyeh by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

    Named after the city where Cthulhu came from/resides(?). R'lyeh is an aquatic fragrance based one grapefruit combined with pine. It's also very, very salty. The total opposite of the fresh aquatics since it's thick and bold and wears more like a perfume more than a cologne for the masses.
    03 May 2010

    Anathema by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

    This is a very rich smoky incense floral. Very smooth and silky... like a good whiskey. The floral smells like honeysuckle.. After a while, it's a dry incense and traces of sweet herbs. Dark... not something you'd wear everyday but a good smell. Just can't myself wearing this often.
    03 May 2010

    MCM 24 Morning by MCM

    MCM Morning is a citrusy, sweet fougere. The fern or green note here smells like geranium and is very heavy. It comes in and out along with herbs (coriander?) from the woodsy, musky base. Good sillage and longevity.
    01 May 2010

    Spazio Krizia Uomo by Krizia

    Ya know, I kinda though I accidentally put on ck One with this. It has that same radiant citrus quality to it. However, Spazio is much, much more than a floral citrus. It's soft, woodsy, spicy and fantastic work cologne for everyday use.

    Personal story: I bought a mini of this quite a while ago and thought it smelled off. Like really terrible. Good thing I threw it away because a proper bottle of this stuff is fantastic!
    30 April 2010

    Paul Smith Man by Paul Smith

    Yup, Dior Homme. Or rather, everything that ever had a dominant iris note in it. Paul Smith Man serves up a cheap spicy thrill in the beginning but chills out quickly. At the heart there's a woodsy iris note, hinting at a smoky, distant incense-like accord and tonka bean in the base. Good sillage.
    30 April 2010

    Agua Verde by Salvador Dali

    Steamed nutmeg and vetiver. Nice scent because it's light and very wearable. A good change-up from something like Mugler Cologne though Agua Verde doesn't seem to last as long. It's also a little more peppery. It stays close to the skin so there's minimal sillage. Great casual summer wear or office wear.
    29 April 2010

    eo03 by Biehl Parfumkunstwerke

    Fruity opening and a soft, sweet and white floral heart. All the while there's a gourmand accord lurking in the background. Light and decent sillage.
    29 April 2010

    Sergio Tacchini by Sergio Tacchini

    I can't quite put my finger on it. It's citrusy... but also green... but also soapy... but also woodsy? It's all of the above. Mostly it's a green soapy fragrance. It's strong and long lasting.
    28 April 2010

    Sensations by Jil Sander

    At first, I didn't thing anything was sprayed. Overtime, Sensations develops into a fruity oriental that's floraly sweet. Gets stronger towards the heart which is white florals nestles on top of a great base of tonka bean and most certainly amber and some musk. Not a light fresh scent but not an outlandish oriental.
    28 April 2010

    Dragon's Milk by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

    Sweet, sweet sandalwood. This... this is Joop! Homme just... not as medicinal, more creamy and even longer lasting. I guess Joop! milks dragons and dilutes it for profit.... Dragon's Milk is just too way over the top to be a wearable fragrance.
    28 April 2010

    Dorian by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

    Sugared tea with a touch of smoke. It's really nice scent and smells full however Dorian has a short lifespan, about 2 hours.
    28 April 2010

    Man² by Etienne Aigner

    It's sweet but not sugary sweet. The mix of woods and patchouli with tobacco makes for a wonderful yet fresh scent without the ubiquitous "fresh accord" that's found in all aquatic fragrances. Yet this is not an aquatic. For something simlar but a little desner in the woods and sweetnes, try Jil Sander Man (the purple, rectangular bottle).
    27 April 2010

    Création by Ted Lapidus

    I get a watery floral (ylang ylang and lily) with traces of an oakmoss and musk base. Either my bottle/sample went bad or the oakmoss has been reformulated out. My sample does have some greenish notes towards the bottom but not in an outlandish chypre way.
    27 April 2010

    Bogart by Jacques Bogart

    A light chypre with a real oakmoss base. Fantastic herbal opening with a touch of leather. So classic.
    27 April 2010

    Black Orchid by Tom Ford

    Starts off with a tropical, sweet floral and ends with a simple fade out like a cult favorite B-movie.
    24 April 2010

    Yerbamate by Lorenzo Villoresi

    A dry GREEN fragrance. But it's not like a snootful of plants. Like dead plants. But all in a good way. Better than it sounds, actually.

    Fresh cut grass, crushed tea leaves. Sharp and bitter with a very slight fizz to it. Becomes sour near the end (could be my skin chemistry because on paper it doesn't do this). Medium strength scent: light enough to not be overpowering, strong enough to not be a skin scent.
    23 April 2010

    Arpège by Lanvin

    If this is perfume for grandma than she was one sexy beast. Think of those who wore in the 30's, they probably we'rent grandmas then. Ha.

    The current formulation of Arpege starts of with a light aldehyde. Becomes a dark, floral with mossy drydown. Yeah, this is what PERFUME used to be exactly like. Something otherworldly, different and noticeable. Not fresh, clean and scared of it's own scent.
    23 April 2010

    Snake Oil by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

    Snake Oil is a full vanilla scent that almost comes across as baby powder but without the powderiness. I like it. Excellent longevity and sillage.
    23 April 2010

    Dunhill for Men by Alfred Dunhill

    I like it. It's a subtle version of a "spice bomb" I was reminded of the current formulation for Bijan for Men's openng spice. Bijan goes into a sandalwood drydown. Dunhill goes into a nice mix of leather and vetiver. Indeed, it's a classic structure that kin to 80's powerhouses... just more toned down. Simply a good cologne.
    22 April 2010

    Serge Nancel for Him by Serge Nancel

    A very sharp cedarwood. Dries down to a undertone of cedarwoods. It's like a little brother to Hinoki or Lacroix's Tumulte.
    22 April 2010

    Just Cavalli Man by Roberto Cavalli

    Lightly woodsy, musk. Kinda smells like tea, too. Also has a green-ish, leafy heart but it's not so pronounced. A very light scent good for casual wear.
    22 April 2010

    Stetson Untamed by Stetson

    I think the name is a misnomer, which is common I suppose in fragrances. This is more like the original Stetson tamed/calmed down a bit. The original is a bold floriental while this is a calm oriental with more vanilla and woodsy notes. It's light enough for the summer however it feels rather synthetic and more like a cheap cologne instead of a quality fragrance.
    21 April 2010

    Boss Woman by Hugo Boss

    Well, I liked the start; a bitter fruitiness with a fresh cut flower pop. After that it becomes a rather dull accord of freesia and sandalwood. I prefer the crisp kind of white floral instead of a lazy one.
    21 April 2010

    Pal Zileri by Pal Zileri

    Cool, clean, fresh cologne that's inoffensive. Fruity overtones that isn't too powerful. Extremely wearable in warm and hot weather. Casual wear.
    20 April 2010

    GrigioPerla by La Perla

    Great fresh fragrance of the classic fougere structure. I get whiffs of a Cool Water like accord but there's more freshness and herbs than Cool Water. Plus there's no sandalwood drydown. GrigioPerla is a fresh, green fougere that's great for everyday wear.
    19 April 2010

    pc02 by Biehl Parfumkunstwerke

    I get a woodsy, nutty, praline kind of gourmand. It's a like like the aroma of what a bakery smells like after the baking's all done. A floral gourmand that a nice light scent.
    19 April 2010

    Kanøn Norwegian Wood by Kanon

    Slightly sweet at first but mellows into a constant woodsy drone. A light light woods that good for warm days and those people that need to have something else besides a fresh, clean aquatic.
    19 April 2010

    mb02 by Biehl Parfumkunstwerke

    Upon first applying, I did not like it. Started off as a strange liquid soapy deal. That's all well in the past as the first five minutes is all just a hoax.

    As this Mark Buxton ccreation slides into the basenotes, it reminds me of Dior Homme. Dior Homme is infamous (to me) for having an overdose of iris giving off a "mom's cosmetic bag" smell. Here, the iris is subdued just enough to be pleasant and let the other notes take over. It becomes a much better (longevity and projection wise) scent than say, Canali for Men which also shares the iris and spices accords.

    A mix of light spices, florals and a citrus (which I think is what the top/beginning was so jumbled) dries into a great blend. Soft, woodsy, and calming. Light enough for the summer.
    17 April 2010

    Transat by Yves Rocher

    It's like a powdery version of the bright and crystal clear citrus and woodsy Chrome. Floral and transparent, very light and very astringent. It's nice but it's not that great... but it's not bad either. A little different in the "men's" section since it's mostly a podwery floral with citrus elements.
    17 April 2010

    Acteur by Azzaro

    A very indolic, rosy fragrance with a tar-like leather in the mid. Highly unusual mix. I won't mince words, indolic means "smells like hay and flowers" but some actually like that thick, tar, woodsy rose.

    I'd say to use this for very formal events like weddings or a quick trip to the corner store.
    15 April 2010

    Omar Sharif pour Homme by Omar Sharif

    Hold onto your hats because this brisk and sharp oakmoss scent will blow it right off! Omar Sharif pour Homme boasts a fresh oakmoss base with amber-speckled spices. Starts with a brisk bergamot top and at the end a touch of honey. Pure masculinity and perhaps could be considered a powerhouse. Strong yet fresh in a cool spicy way. Not too many out there like this anymore.
    15 April 2010

    Sport Fragrance by Etienne Aigner

    A really vibrant citrus opening studded with herbs. A quick burst of energy and dries down into a lingering mossy woods that stays close to the skin but has a noticeable sillage.. Aigner Sport is a great fragrance for a pick me up.
    15 February 2010

    Axis Homme by Sense of Space Creations

    Extremely marine fragrance. Like a super L'eau d'Issey pour Homme. Starts of bitterly fresh and clean. Starts to drydown with a touch of sweet herbs and ends with a airy cedarwood chest like note.
    04 February 2010

    Axis Black Cavier by Sense of Space Creations

    Fresh sweet clean woodsy scent. Very plain and common but a nice scent nonetheless. Average sillage and longevity. For a fragrance named after fish eggs... well that's just weird!
    03 February 2010

    Rum Tonic by Malin + Goetz

    Weird, creamy fruity liqueur. And the leather makes it even more strange. The dichotomy of accords makes my head spin but it smells fine.
    02 February 2010

    Sex Appeal for Men by Jovan

    I still see this stuff on the shelves.

    Sex Appeal for Men is a woody oriental patchouli. Very strong herbs I must add. Spices and what I think is anise makes for a 'hot" fragrance. Lasts a fair amount of time. Good stuff if you're into $20 bottles of heady spices.
    02 February 2010

    Eau Lente by Diptyque

    I liked the opening. However the abundant spice rack accords towards the drydown get all "ammonia" like on me. This is my last scent I'll ever try from Diptyque since the 5 or so others I really didn't enjoy.
    01 February 2010

    Gris Clair by Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido

    A robust and fantastic lavender based scent. Smells like real lavender, too. It is smoky which makes Gris Clair very unique as far as lavender scents go. Light and refreshing enough for the mild weather months. Could be a little desnse for some for the really warm weather months. Good sillage and longevity.
    01 February 2010

    Lucky You for Women by Lucky Brand

    A young and average style scent. Slightly sweet n' fruity, slightly fresh/clean white floral. Average longevity and sillage.
    01 February 2010

    Heliotrope by Etro

    Powdery gourmand floral with facets of spices niched in between notes of woods. Nice EdC strength makes it perfect for work even in the winter. Good stuff.
    29 January 2010

    Incense Rosé by Tauer

    Weird stuff. Kinda fizzy. It's dry. Smells like rose oil left to air out in some incense sticks dust. Smells really murky. Honestly, I'm at a loss for words as I really do not like this stuff one bit.
    29 January 2010

    Chêne by Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido

    I really like it. Oak, woods and tonka. Not as "thick" as most Lutens stuff but this is very wearable without going overboard (like with Ambre Sultan). Feels very formal however wearing the sample I had to my casual-dress office it didn't seem out of place.
    28 January 2010

    pc01 by Biehl Parfumkunstwerke

    Fizzy fruity and then all herbal aromtic vetiver. It's really bright and very feminine. Cold bracing aldehydes but nothing outstanding. Too little bang for the buck.
    28 January 2010

    mb01 by Biehl Parfumkunstwerke

    A peppery white floral that smells a lot like Pleasures. I think Pleasures is much cheaper. This scent seems to last for a decent amount of time. Musky drydown. All in all, I think this is more feminine.
    27 January 2010

    Andy Warhol Success is a Job in New York by Bond No. 9

    Yeah it's ok but what the heck is with the name? A job in New York is supposed to smell like vanilla and patchouli and lasts only 2 hours? Alrighty then...
    26 January 2010

    al01 by Biehl Parfumkunstwerke

    What's a nice way of saying, "this smells like a drysheet but doesn't last as long"?

    Opening is very aromatic of herbs. Then goes right into the clean and fresh scents of everything white floral. Dries into mostly musk with a little touch of sandalwood. It would be a nice scent if it didn't do this in the few minutes it was exposed to my skin.
    25 January 2010

    mb03 by Biehl Parfumkunstwerke

    Incense and patchouli. That's really all there is to it. Nothing magical but well-made and good use of incense. Gone in a short time. Kinda feels leathery and is probably the precursor to Buxton's Hot Leather.
    25 January 2010

    Elle by Yves Saint Laurent

    Elle is a striking fruity, berry scent with woodsy musks. A breezy, light woody patchouli at the base makes for a strong fragrance. Good thing the ingredients for the patchouli weren't cheap or this whole thing would fall apart. Good for the younger ladies for a work scent, I think. A mature fruity woodsy floral.

    The marketing copy for this says something about the "unique and unpredictable lifestyle" which is not what I get. Something more calm and reserved instead of exciting comes to mind. (Subjectiove material, indeed).
    25 January 2010

    Agent Provocateur by Agent Provocateur

    ANother sharp and harsh rose scent. This one goes into dirty territory. Boisterous and obnoxious. Since it smells dirty, I wonder why the company produced a bubble bath of this scent. For irony? Well, some people enjoy it I suppose.
    25 January 2010

    Pure Poison Elixir by Christian Dior

    A strong floral vanilla. Heavy jasmine. The fragrance is just very intense yet feels full and dense. However it lacks that special something. It's a lot of nothing.
    25 January 2010

    Enjoy by Jean Patou

    A synthetic fruity floral mess. Too bright, astringent... rose and a cloying musk in the drydown makes Enjoy not so enjoyable. I really don't like it.
    24 January 2010

    Midnight Poison by Christian Dior

    A rose-based oriental fragrance. Very sharp rose opening but once that settles it's all good stuff from there. Drydown is a dark and resinous patchouli and amber and is very sweet as a result. Projects very well. Voluptuous.
    24 January 2010

    Torrente by Torrente

    A spicy floral woody. Starts with a sharp, spicy carnation and dries down into a animalic accord. The drydown very much reminds me somewhat of Kouros's woody drydown but with carnation and other florals added. interesting but I somehow feel like I've smelled something similar in the "classic" women's perfumery sense. Bellodgia by Caron comes to mind... Anyways, lasts a very long time and with a small application gives off great sillage. In fact, the sillage smells "laundry fresh clean" from a distance.
    24 January 2010

    al02 by Biehl Parfumkunstwerke

    A very persistent rosy incense. Fruity on top and that's it for the fruitiness. All the way down it's incense incense incense.
    24 January 2010

    L'Instant Magic by Guerlain

    While the original L'Instant is rather girlie, this seems kinda butch! An earthy and creamy woodsy floral. Aside from the "fresh flowers", L'Instant Magic has much in common with marketed masculine fragrances: woodsy spicy accords and a slight gourmand note. I rather enjoy wearing this myself and it's not as strong as you'd think for an EdP though it does develop and permeates as it dries down.. This has some similarities to Burberry Brit for Men. Kinda peppery and gourmandish. Though there are a lot of florals listed in Magic's notes, the essence of the frag is a woodsy almond and vanilla scent.
    23 January 2010

    Aura for Men by Jacomo

    I recently tried Ted by Ted Lapidus and compared it to Gucci Envy. Their ginger accords and drydown were very similar. Aura is a lot like Ted with the cedarwood and pisces. Now, by some perverse algorithms and logic, Aura should smell similar to Gucci Envy... well it does, kinda. No "ginger" but there are spices. And it's not powdery. Aura to me is a light and fresh spicy cedarwoods scent. Also it's florals and tobacco accords remind me of the less sweet parts of Burberry London for Men. A conglomerate of all the things I personally find appealing in a fragrance: spice, cedarwood and a round, lightness that gives off... well an Aura. I enjoy this.
    23 January 2010

    Intimately Beckham Night Men by Beckham

    I, too, think this resembles Obsession Night. Both made by Coty, if I'm not mistaken. Weird how "Night" means fruity and fresh. Light scent and doesn't develop beyond a close approximation of the drydown of Givenchy Pi. Fruity vanilla/amber. Not great, not terrible.
    22 January 2010

    Fille en Aiguilles by Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido

    This starts sugary and piney. Very piney. Then dries smoke-like into pines. It went on for a good 4 hours. Not what I expect from a Serge Lutens that are usually so aggressive, thick and never-ending. Yes it was sweet. Yes it was spicy but... I liked this at first sniff but the second sniff wasn't even there so...
    22 January 2010

    Cologne pour le Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

    A skin scent of gourmand ingredients (namely powdery honey and vanilla) and a slight smokey incense. Not too many gourmand based fragrances that are skin scents. Interesting to say the least.
    21 January 2010

    Art of Perfumery No.6 by Art of Perfumery

    The heads notes (the opening, really) is off-putting. It truly is. With everything almost happening at once. Cloves, peper, and heavy-handed herbs just go all willy-nilly everywhere. As with any fragrance, the drydown is the true nature of the fragrance but with no. 6 here it's bipolar. Manic at first but then calm and distant later on. Now the drydown I really like. Woodsy moss and I mean woodsy. And it smells like real moss, too. And tea? Forget it, I don't smell it.

    Sillage is great, longevity is great, the scent is confusing.
    21 January 2010

    Uomini by O Boticário

    A stronger and spicier version of Dolce & Gabbana pour Homme. I actually like it better. Herbal lemony opening and dries down into a very musky moss scent. D&G minus the "baby powder" drydown. Really nice!
    20 January 2010

    Classic Boticário by O Boticário

    A clean version of the classic style of 80's powerhouses. Very spicy with dominant notes of musk and coriander. Aromatic, clean, very masculine.
    20 January 2010

    Just Breathe by CB I Hate Perfume

    A cool, crisp and airy tea and cedarwood fragrance. Bamboo coupled with green tea and "three types of cedarwood". The scent to me is like stepping into a cedar chest in the middle of winter.
    20 January 2010

    VV Man by Roberto Verino

    A wonderfully fresh yet powdery oriental woodsy scent. Starts off herbal but not "spice drawer" herbal. More woodsy that anything and lasts for most of the day.
    20 January 2010

    GF Ferré Bluemusk by Gianfranco Ferré

    An aromatic marine freagrance. Very similar to Acqua di Gio but spicier and with more jasmine and woods. Very similar to GF Ferre Lui in it's spiciness but less piney and more aquatic. Very clean and fresh and one of the better variants/clones of the classic Acqua di Gio I've come across.
    20 January 2010

    Baldinini Man by Baldinini

    Starts with a blast of fresh apples. However the beauty is in the subtle drydown. Aromatic spices of cinnamon and cloves coupled with the sweetness of tobacco and musk. It's like a citrus fresh version of Burberry London for Men with out the boozy accord.
    20 January 2010

    L'Eau de Tarocco by Diptyque

    Green citrus opening. I think this "green" thing is a house note of Diptyque. Anyways, very musky in the drydown, however that "green"-ness remains throughout. I think it's the rose note that alludes to the green I'm talking about. I kinda like the way it is done here without an overdose of cloves or spices in the other Diptyque fragrances I've tried. Longevity lacks and the fragrance is seemingly lackluster otherwise. Just ho hum for me.
    19 January 2010

    Jaïpur Homme Fresh by Boucheron

    Fresh indeed. Bitter bergamot, patchouli and spices just turned down a bit and stripped of clove. Yes that's exactly what I did not like from the original. If there is clove in this it's not a big part of it. The fresh version is a winner for me! Sadly, doesn't last as long as I'd like, 4 hours tops. Other Boucheron scents just too over the top? Try this.
    19 January 2010

    Jaguar Woman by Jaguar

    A very sheer, medicinal scent. It really does start off smelling like alcohol and some kind of old-timey cough medicine. At least that's what my nose told my brain. However as it drieds, the msuky woods base really does a much better job than the top notes. Though as with the top, the base is also very sheer; transparent almost. It's a sweet muskiness coupled with the lightest of woods. It's similar in feel and structure to the mens version in it's fresh musk. Not great, not terrible but odd for a prestige car company coming out with something so banal... over and over again.
    18 January 2010

    Curve for Women by Liz Claiborne

    An aquatic fresh floral. Stays vibrantly aquatic throughout to the drydown of musk. A very straight forward fragrance.
    17 January 2010

    Ellen Tracy (new) by Ellen Tracy

    Sweet floral with fruits that's not abundant in those accords. It's very mellow and not very strong. There's a bitter note in here that's similar to the smell of various cosmetics (make-up, lipstick, etc.) and fells like it should be there. I assume it's a tonka bean. Along with a woodsy musk to round out the scent, Ellen Tracy is an inexpensive fragrance to get your hands on.
    17 January 2010

    Mexx Man by Mexx

    Sweet green fougere that's light and variable. Mossy and woodsy in the drydown.
    15 January 2010

    Rive Gauche pour Homme Light by Yves Saint Laurent

    Rive Gauche Light is properly named. While some named light or extreme or intense only heightens to waters down a specific note or accord, Rive Gauche Light is simply a lighter version of Rive Gauche. Starts off with a barbershop style fougere accord and dries down soapy (oakmoss). Great for the office if you found that Rive Gauche was just too much.
    15 January 2010

    MCM Success by MCM

    A demure 80's fragrance. All the class, style and structure of the 80's powerhouse fragrances except it is calm and light-hearted. Not heavy though I dare not wear in the heat. It's basically a leather and oakmoss scent with a smoked honey essence to it. I like it for the fact it's a toned-down classic.
    14 January 2010

    Cereus pour Homme No. 4 by Cereus

    Juicy vetiver and woods.The overall fragrance is aromatic apples with a well rounded vetiver and cedarwoods base. Almost generic but it feels much more fuller than designer offerings. I like.
    13 January 2010

    Punjab by Roberto Capucci

    Floriental leather. Everything about it, except for the sillage and monster smell, it all middle-ground. Mild spice, mild leather, mild oriental accords. Now, turn them all way up and it's huge. A stinky leather just on the verge of too much "sweaty" notes. Heightened by green, pink and white florals which can smell animalic to some, Punjab is a jab in the nose. An aging fragrance that's hard to find. The appeal is rarity in quantity available, quality of ingredients and style.

    For uniqueness I'd give it a thumbs up but I, personally, do not like the scent.

    I'll close by remarking, imagine what the world would be like if Abercrombie & Fitch's Fierce was Punjab.
    13 January 2010

    Givenchy Play by Givenchy

    Fresh and woody. Drydown of and odd floral accord that smells like synthetic vanilla. Lasted all day for me.

    Ugh this is TOTAL CRAP!

    Woo this is TOTAL HEAVEN!

    Take your pick.
    12 January 2010

    A*Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler

    Welp, it really isn't A*Men. I half expected a half-arsed attempt at throwing malt liquor into a jug of sugared patchouli (AKA A*Men which I like incidentaly). Turns out this isn't as bad as I thought but there's still something missing. It's boozy but not like the kind of boozy I expect from the likes of D'Orsay Nomade or Michael Kors for Men. It's sugary but a very trimmed down A*Men. It's also a tad fizzy but it could be the whiskey accord messing with my head. Unlike the Cool Water series, Mugler seems to get decant variants. However this game of flankers is already getting old. Just turns into the same sweet patchouli A*Men is albeit less intense (and minus the thick tar note). It's another money maker.

    The A*Men lineage is such:
    A*Men -> B*Men (spicy) -> Ice Men (watered down AKA Summer Flash) -> Pure Coffee (someone left patchouli in my grounds) -> Pure Malt (too much patchouli so dilute it with alcohol!)

    What gourmand/baking ingredient will they think of next? A*Men Pure Cake Batter!
    12 January 2010

    gs02 by Biehl Parfumkunstwerke

    On the whole, this is an absinthe based scent. Fizzy woods and studded with airy herbaceous accords. A little too medicinal and rather minimal too me. A aromatic interpretation of IDM? Just doesn't feel like a "real" fragrance with any heart, body or soul.
    11 January 2010

    Ecume de Rose by Les Parfums de Rosine

    A rose meant for a man. Gender bedning and centric fragrance bias be damned. In my opinion, this aquatic and salty rose is one of those fragrances that can be worn by a man that's confident and brooding without getting into dark and sinister. Think of a light-hearted villain in a movie that, in the climax of the film, is revealed to have been good guy all along. I guess what I['m saying is is that I'm a bit confused by the scent's light rose and marine qualities combined. Not a sweet rose but a very astringent one. Different but didn't peak my interest enough to like it.
    11 January 2010

    Calandre by Paco Rabanne

    Every time I wore this, I got to experience different facets of the fragrance. First time I remember the aldehyde opening and things, how nice a dulled aldehyde. Second time I remember Calandre having a warm woodsy feeling. Third time I got the note of aldehydes connecting with a green floral accord... then it went into the woodsy powdery accord at the base. Took a few tries exploring it but I ended up really enjoying the fragrance.
    24 December 2009

    BalMan by Pierre Balmain

    A sandalwood based fougere with a rounded tonka bean and musk base. Top is very crisp and clear and slightly cooling and has a floral heart with spicy cardamon. Not bad overall but very cheap/synthetic ingredients seems to have been used to produce this. Other scents from Pierre Balmain seem much richer.
    23 December 2009

    Organza by Givenchy

    A lively honeysuckle, a friendly rose, a sultry vanilla and a demure ambery accord bring this fragrance into a soft, powdery, sweet green floral with a mature yet flirty feeling. It's not loud nor is it too subtle to detect, like a beautiful lady that doesn't need to wear flashy clothes to show off.
    23 December 2009

    90210 for Men by Beverly Hills 90210

    An aquatic fruity woods of epicly generic proportions.
    22 December 2009

    Gaiac 10 by Le Labo

    I think this is the longest lasting and lightest fragrance I've tried so far. Nice slightly powdery puffy woods. Also warming. I sprayed my sample on my scarf and went out for shopping. Days later my scarf still smells like woods. Great smell, long lasting and decent sillage makes for a great fragrance.
    22 December 2009

    A Scent by Issey Miyake

    Minty. Green. Sharp. Harsh. Floral. Clear. Long-lasting. Aquatic. Simple.

    Up close this smells like a really bad floral. However the sillage is a fantastic green aquatic with a near sheer cooling effect. A fragrance version of Icy Hot with florals.
    22 December 2009

    Art of Perfumery No.4 by Art of Perfumery

    Very sour and aromatic in the opening. Maintains it's sourness all the way through to the lightly peppered not quite as woodsy as you think drydown. A lot of calone in this. There are elements in this that make it very confusing. Is it an aquatic, or a spicy woods? Nonetheless, its sourness really turns me off.
    22 December 2009

    Art of Perfumery No.2 by Art of Perfumery

    Fantastic and strong opening. Very sprightly citris and teetering on the edge (literally) of being very sharp and harsh upon a herbal heart. Odd woodsy base and that's where it falls apart. Good for an hour. Basically it's a strong eau de cologne with a faint woodsy drydown.
    22 December 2009

    Serpentine by Roberto Cavalli

    A floral amber scent. Amazing opening of orange florals without the citric sting. Dries into a light sweet amber. First time seemed to last a decent amount of time but the second wearing was rather short. Third wearing didn't leave me with anything. First impressions was "nice!" but the ending impression was, "meh".
    21 December 2009

    Portfolio Elite for Men by Perry Ellis

    Nice little oakmossy scent. Starts off rather bland but dries down quickly into a fougere based moss with very green notes. Very subtle but long lasting. Nice stuff for a decent price. Very similar to Perry Ellis 360.
    21 December 2009

    Emporio Armani RED He by Giorgio Armani

    Yes, the same as the white version. Reposting some of my White review:

    "Fresh green citrus that's a light blanket of musk. It's really surprising and quite comfortable."
    19 December 2009

    Jil Sander Man Pure (original) by Jil Sander

    Smells like pure amazing. Very green and mossy and smokey. It's like a classic okamoss chypre with smoke added. Not cigarette smoke or charcoal smoke. Like herbs that's smoldering and emitting a fine powder. Excellent.
    18 December 2009

    Eau Fresh by Jacques Bogart

    Herbal and spicy green scent. Woodsy and grassy towards the end. Very refreshing.
    18 December 2009

    Pierre Cardin pour Homme by Pierre Cardin

    Highly woodsy and aromatic. I was oddly reminded of the sawdust accord found in Les Nez Let Me Play The Lion of all things. Top notes are fleeting (which are tart fruits and white florals) so this is all about the basenotes. Pierre Cardin pour Homme has minimal sillage but excellent longevity. A very surprising scent.
    17 December 2009

    Pure White Linen by Estée Lauder

    Clean and free floral. Evocative of doing the laundry.
    17 December 2009

    DK Men Unleaded by Donna Karan

    Meh, don't understand the extreme prices for this, other than it's rare and discontinued. I'd get the same effect by layering Kiton Black with Banana Republic's Cordovan... and rubbin' muhself wid some o' dat chewin' tobaccy.
    16 December 2009

    Pacino for Men by Cindy Chamed

    Starts of with a smooth fruity accord of apples and light citrus. Moves into a sweet sandalwood and green fougere like accords. Drydown into a slightly spicy cedarwoods. I'd call this a aromatic fougere. I've only ever seen minis of this around. If you find a small one for less than $10, give it a try. Not worth seeking out unless you are trying everything under the sun.
    15 December 2009

    Gucci by Gucci by Gucci

    I don't like it. I feel confused and underwhelmed by this. I keep sniffing and putting my sample away and tried several times. It's a watery fruity opening with *poof*-gone-on-my-skin basenotes. I try not to say this cliche but I cannot smell this after I put it on. Maybe a little sweetness (from the honey?). Feels really, really sheer and transparent. Am I even wearing a perfume?
    15 December 2009

    St Johns Indian Gold by West Indies Bay Company

    Sweet spicy sandalwood that's not cloying. Slightly powdery, in an odd medicinal way like "cheap" drug store shaving cream. Hm. not bad and it's quite warm and comforting. Fans of Rive Gauche pour Homme and the like would enjoy this spicy and light alternative.
    14 December 2009

    Effusion for Him by Iceberg

    Eh, nothing much to say about this. Leaves a spicy cedarwood accord on your skin for a while.
    14 December 2009

    Sicily by Dolce & Gabbana

    Full sweet sandalwood reminiscent of the same overtly sweet sandalwood found in Joop! Homme. Just not as potent and medicinal. Aside from a light heliotrope and rose accord, the sandalwood is the dominant player. From the opening of fresh bergamot and a ylang-ylang/banana accord to the minimal florals, this is nothing but sandalwood. And maybe some musk. There's always musk in these things! I will add that this stuff is very strong so be gentle with the application. Great composition but to me it's a little too much.
    14 December 2009

    First by Van Cleef & Arpels

    An aldehydic floral with a base of wood. Opens up sparkling but not bright and screechy but with a muted white floral. Woodsy and clean in the base, almost soapy. Solid fragrance, sillage is great and longevity is wonderful.
    13 December 2009

    J'ai Osé by J'ai Osé

    This one is a very musty floral in the opening and is quite the nose-wrinkler up close. One has to enjoy this from its silage. Dark spices and florals that make for a strange accord from opening to the base. The very end of the drydown is a wonderfully open soapy oakmoss. Not a killer fragrance but different enough from the rest to make a statement (good or bad).
    11 December 2009

    L'Ombre dans L'Eau by Diptyque

    I find this to be a pleasantly sweet green leafy scent. The rose really smells more like a sweet ivy leaf. My French is rusty but I think this translates to "The shadow in the water." Nice rose, not for me but would like it on a pretty gal.
    11 December 2009

    Only Givenchy by Givenchy

    Clean green florals and musk. A forgettable fragrance however it's not bad just generic. Fresh and lively and with a little sparkle to it. It smells light but sticks around a while. Decent sillage.
    11 December 2009

    Un Homme by Charles Jourdan

    Spicy aromatic woods and moss. Very masculine and classy. Longevity on the naturally oakmoss base is phenomenal. The lavender is amazing, too, and soapy but not potent soapy. Opening is very strange but that's just the opening which settles do.

    PS This fragrance is as old as I am. Would you call me "dated"?
    10 December 2009

    Fleur de Cabotine by Grès

    Notably sweet floral fragrance that is light and versatile. Though I don't quite see a woman wearing this to work, it's more casual wear. Perhaps for an early spring evening when the air is still a bit chilly. Anyways, lots of florals and musk here and you darned well better like musk. No dominant floral except lily which I find is usually in the sweeter floral fragrances (except DK Gold, that was peppery). Fleur de Cabotine dries down into a sweet musky woodsy base. Men who enjoy wearing florals with a woodsy musky base could pull this one off and it's an EdT.
    10 December 2009

    Nightflight by Joop!

    Fresh and fruity indeed. Has the sweet "Joop!" sandalwood accord and is very strong like all Joop! fragrances. One spritz and you're set for the day. A stronger, sweeter in the style of Cool Water.
    08 December 2009

    Pal Zileri Concept N.18 by Pal Zileri

    Opening green, leafy notes; round and robust. Spices in the middle just bolster the opening accords to a natural feeling and round out the dominantly woodsy patchouli and musk drydown. I like these oddball designer scents that use patchouli.
    08 December 2009

    Dior Homme Cologne by Christian Dior

    Less is more. I really enjoy this one more than the "original". Less sweet, Less powdery, less lipstick cosmetic bag. It's all still there and not watered down. Toned down, and a little more citrusy. Very soft and enjoyable.
    07 December 2009

    Sandalo / Sandalwood Eau de Cologne by Zara

    Fresh watery sandalwood. Light. Damn good price ($20 for 200ml last I checked).
    07 December 2009

    KL by Lagerfeld

    The one thing I noticed about KL is that it smells awful up close, spicy medicine-like. Seriously don't stick your nose to your wrist with it on. It smells absolutely WONDERFUL from its sillage. Just poofs up from under your shirt. Do not wear this directly on the clothing, either. On the chest is the best place.

    This delicious clove and amber laden fragrance is spicy and elegant. Good longevity and sillage.
    07 December 2009

    Queen by Queen Latifah

    Guys, take notes here. Don't like how strong A*Men is? Don't like the chocolate? Too much patchouli? Queen is your answer. This oriental fragrance starts off sweet and resinous with a boozy feeling. The florals are so washed out by the deep base notes that they are not worth mentioning. Dominant oriental accords in the base: amber, incense, vanilla... patchouli. As I mentioned before, this is like A*Men and even like Valentino V pour Homme. Dare I say this fragrance is rather butch? Haha. Not surprisingly, I really like it since I like patchouli and sweet based fragrances.
    06 December 2009

    White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor

    If the aldehydes would be more sparkling, this would be an amazingly named fragrance. I don't know if it's been reformulated over the years but my guess is that it has. Crystallized floral chypre powder. Very strong presence of rose and jasmine or at least something resembling white florals on a light powdered base. Not bad but for some reason I do not see young girls running out to buy this.
    06 December 2009

    Sensuous by Estée Lauder

    Creamy spicy florals and an amber-vanilla base. Almost smells like a sweet vetiver. Could pass for a man's scent! Smells fantastic to me.
    06 December 2009

    The One by Dolce & Gabbana

    Soft fruits and vanilla. Like its male counterpart, features an ambery base. When it dries down The One is simply a creamy vanilla. The sample packaging says floral oriental.. well it is but I'd expect something stronger with that moniker. Rather weak, honestly but lasts for a decent amount of time.
    05 December 2009

    Tabac Original by Mäurer & Wirtz

    A floral clove and spices mixture. Kinda barbershop-esque and classic in structure. Longevity is poor on me. Nice to see a floral marketed for men.
    05 December 2009

    Ambre 114 by Histoire de Parfums

    Patchouli and amber. I really got the head shop thing in the beginning here. Oh hey how's it going Mr. Patchouli? So how's the family? I see you brought your spicy kids with you.... ah! Thank you very much for coming late to the party Ms. Amber. By the way, you smell sweet, rich and divine. Now let's get all of you together for a group picture! *click*
    05 December 2009

    Covet Sarah Jessica Parker by Sarah Jessica Parker

    Lavender, chocolate and green. Together I smell a spicy sweet floral overall. Strange. The lemon makes this clean, the lavender makes it spicy and the amber base makes it sweet. Reading the notes, minus the honeysuckles, most are rather traditionally masculine compositions. I dig this stuff as well as Lovely.
    05 December 2009

    Rock Princess by Vera Wang

    A flanker for sure but I have not smelled Princess so I won't be making any comparisons. Rock Princess could probably hang out with John Varvatos Rock Volume 1, though.

    Rock Princess starts of very fruity and later turns dark with a dominant raspberry note. A sparse floral heart is very open and inviting, lightening up the fragrance. The drydown leaves you with an odd fresh, clean feeling with clear woods and a light musk. Weird how the fragrance envoked the opposite of the marketing. "Dark and sultry", well that was the opening but the end was more of a "just took a relaxing bubble bath". Honestly, the new Avril Lavigne fragrance ended up what Rock Princess wanted to be. Still a nice fragrance.
    05 December 2009

    Boss Intense by Hugo Boss

    Starts off floral and spicy. The end of the drydown it smells really "off" and of a very musky sandalwood. The rose is playful and a little sparkling. Not as strong as I would expect from something named intense. Usually something with that suffix is a flanker to another scent but with Hugo Boss's naming scheme for their fragrances I can't figure that out.
    05 December 2009

    Jovan Black Musk for Men by Jovan

    Well, it is musky but it's exceedingly weak. I really do prefer the old Musk for Men. Black adds in a little woodsy sueded like note. I've notice that note in many of the new drug-store fragrances lately (Stetson Rich Suede, Stetson Black...) and now I find it in this fragrance. Jovan and Stetson are are distributed by Coty so maybe that has something to do with it. Poor longevity but a nice enough scent.
    05 December 2009

    Hot Couture by Givenchy

    Sweet, berried amber and a touch of pepper. Those are the basenotes. The berry on the top doesn't last very long. With minimal florals, this easily could have been marketed as a men's scent right along side Rochas Man or H.M. Hanae Mori. The EdP has a more dominant woodsy dryness to it than the EdT. Very enjoyable. For the record, I am sampling the juice that is dark amber in black packaging versus the current clear with pink liquid.

    By the way, if you love sweet berries like in Hot Couture (hey that's a pun...), try Acqua e Zucchero from Profumum.
    03 December 2009

    1000 by Jean Patou

    Smells a little "dirty". Not dirt, like, that stuff on the ground, more like mold or something on a flower. With some kind of aeresol room freshener on it to cover up the stench. That's my "useless visual that no one else will get because they are not me" review.

    Now here's something not so threatening. This smells elegant. An EdT based around a leathery iris note with rose and jasmine. Combined with osmanthus and violet, the accords render a smooth, rich texture. There's a lot going on here. A somewhat more sparkling floral version of... Grey Flannel.
    03 December 2009

    Jungle L'Éléphant by Kenzo

    Whoa, slow down there cinnamon. Don't get too close to those cloves... ah damn see? Now you two... argh stay away from that licorice... argh! Now you three smell really bad. Guess we need to wash you up in some vanilla. This is very unbearable to me. Don't get this if you dislike cloves.
    03 December 2009

    Yendi by Roberto Capucci

    Wow. This light green colored vintage EdT is surprisingly fizzy at the start. Green florals that dry down into a crisp, clean soapy powder that is a delight to smell.
    03 December 2009

    Courrèges in Blue by Courrèges

    Firsth thing you will notice in the frag is aldehydes. Now usually these put me off a little when there's too much but there's just enough to enjoy without saying ew. It's blended with a green floral note and dries into a spiced musky oakmoss.
    03 December 2009

    All American by Stetson

    A fresh n' lightly sweetened fougere. Decent all around. Has the same "suede" note as Steston Black but not so fruity. Just inoffensive and woodsy fruits.
    03 December 2009

    Versace Versense by Versace

    Sour opening but it's an awesome soury bergamot. This dries into a woodsy light musk. This vibrant and lively (neon colored) green woodsy floral. D&G Light Blue meets Acqua di Gio pour Homme. This is a winner and one I'd wear during the spring months. Reading the note "olive wood" makes me think of a smooth rounded wood. Very good, well balanced and well made. Only problem is longevity.
    02 December 2009

    Déclaration Eau Genereuse by Cartier

    The dry woodsiness complete with the cumin of Declaration in a fresher more citrusy cologne. I though Bois Blue was supposed to be the more "sporty" version but Eau Genereuse (French for generous) is really done well. It's not overbearing, it's not overwhelming and it smells good (if you liked Declaration that is).
    02 December 2009

    Jasmin de Nuit by Different Company

    Jasmine opening that turns into a powdery, spicy woods of amber and sandalwood. A bit of cinnamon gives a taste of a gourmanded jasmine. If you like powdery florals, Jasmin de Nuit is for you.
    01 December 2009

    Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa by Acqua di Parma

    Excuse me, waiter! Waiter! Yes, waiter, I'd like some more lemon and woods in my cologne please.
    Ah thank you, but a little more.
    Little more.
    Liiiiitle more.
    More.
    Little more...
    Ah too much take it back.
    01 December 2009

    Eau de Cartier Concentrée by Cartier

    Opens up all green with violet leaf and tea accords but dries into a woodsy powdery sweet drydown that feels oriental. Fresh and clean and it has some power... for violet leaf I suggest just wearing Fahrenheit.
    30 November 2009

    Sagamore by Lancôme

    A fragrance came up to me and said I'd like to poison your mind.
    With strong aromas that appeal to you though I am not unkind.
    It looked at me I looked at something written across its cap.
    And these are the words that it faintly said as I tried to call for help.

    Dry. Woodsy. Lemony. Powdery at the end.
    30 November 2009

    Boss Femme by Hugo Boss

    Hugo Boss' fragrance are the best "hey what's the industry up to this time?" fragrances. If you want to know what everyone else has been and will be doing, Boss is the house to look at. So, this is a typical fresh smelling floral with fruity overtone and a woodsy undertone. Something that's decent, lasts long, fair sillage and overall just ok.
    29 November 2009

    MCM 24 Evening by MCM

    Starts off mildly spicy but ends up being a generous woodsy vetiver. A tad sweet but it's overbearing. What I enjoy about this is the fatc that the accords are 80's-esque but is light enough to wear even in the summer without worrying about being smelly your neighbor.
    29 November 2009

    Sashka Black by Martine Micallef

    Sweet lemon musk. The musk is on the verge of being animalic, smelling like civet and the amber doesn't help that at all. Doesn't mix well and give the impression it's been sitting around for a tad too long. After the opening of lemoned lavender, that's all it is: ambery musk that doesn't settle right for me. Smells smilar to M7 but very sweet.
    29 November 2009

    Galanos by Galanos

    Don't take this negatively since this is very objective: this smells like really awesome dryer sheet. Soft, fresh and has that just-out-of-the-dryer warm cotton blanket feeling that's warm and inviting. A mild floral heart with textures of vetiver and musks. Actually doesn't smell "dated" (release date 1979/1980) and could stand on its own these days among the current fresh and/or fruity florals.
    29 November 2009

    Or Masculin by Bourjois

    A deep scent of spiced woods and a sandalwood/musky drydown. Light and subtle, it stays close to your skin but has the feel and depth of a gentleman's scent.
    28 November 2009

    Signature pour Femme by ST Dupont

    A floral with bit of fruitiness to it and a warm ambery base. Of the plethora of florals, the rose and other heart notes are the essence of the fragrance. The frangipani is rather sweet and clean and gives the fragrance a clear quality. This stuff is rather strong and lingers on clothing, though on dry skin it seems to disappear. Overall, not a bad fruity floral.
    28 November 2009

    Mr Blass by Bill Blass

    A contemporary take on the classic chpyre done so in a desperate attempt in recreating the 80's style powerhopuse while keeping its distance. Mr Blass starts of spicy and aromatic, a lot like Bijan for Men. It's not as spicy though. Slightly woodsy oakmoss drydown but, unlike the 80's scents, it the drydown doesn't linger around long enough to be enjoyed. It is, however, a great throwback to that era of fantastic chypre family scents dominated the market. Kudos to the late Bill Blass.
    26 November 2009

    Blue Emotion by Etienne Aigner

    A peppered toilette water with notes of violet leaf and violet. Spiced florals in the heart and has a slightly sweet peppered ambery base. Lighter/aquatic takes on Gucci pour Homme II and Fahrenheit.
    25 November 2009

    Eau de Lalique by Lalique

    Fresh green spices and lemony woods. Very clean and refreshing. Odd that the dill is very clear and accurat but it doesn't make the fragrance smell like pickles.
    24 November 2009

    Knize Sec by Knize

    Very dry citrus and incense. Floral notes, too, probably spiced up jasmine or carnation. There's a touch of resinous leather but not really leatherl it's too mixed with the incense accord. For something obsequiously strong, it doesn't seem to last for long. I don't believe it's due to olfactory fatigue because I asked someone if they can smell my cologne (this was 4 hours after applying to my chest/shirt) and they said there was a faint hint of fabric softener. Welp... it was a freshly washed shirt.
    24 November 2009

    MCM Black Silver by MCM

    A thickly sweet woodsy fragrance with some gourmand spices in the heart. Smells like light cloves and cinnamon but the vanilla and cedarwoods are the basenotes that give this unisex fragrance a unique stand amongst other unisex perfumes that are usually of the fresh citrus variety. Unfortunately, I do not get much longevity from this and it has mild sillage. If you cannot find this I suggest trying the ever so inexpensive and present at discount stores Thallium. Very similar.
    23 November 2009

    Paloma Picasso / Mon Parfum by Paloma Picasso

    Really enjoyable sparkling citrus and floral spice scent. I don't get a heavy patchouli, it's there but not as potent as Thierry Mugler's scents. The drydown is a sweet, resinous spice. The fragrance itself may have lightened up since its first launch but the bottles found abundantly in discount stores smell just grand. A perfume from another era reformulated for the "lighter" era. Still, might be heavy for a workplace thing but would make for a good signature scent. It's a perfume and it simply smells good to me. Tested the EdT.
    23 November 2009

    Forest Rain by Kiehl's

    A "soapy" fougere that's very strong and green. Soapy is in quotes because it's like a cross between traditional bar soap and shampoo. In that regard is could smell cheap to some because it's something you smell everyday. I find it pleasant enough to wear to casual outdoor events. Indoor activiteis it gets a little much. Lasts a while and the vetiver in the drydown is very cedarwoodsy. Nice stuff.
    22 November 2009

    Light by Creative Scentualization

    Stunningly simplistic. An eau de cologne but much more softer, rounder and vibrant. Smooth citrus top and a heart of florals of sweet honeysuckle and jasmine combined with a marine airy musky woods in the drydown. Very subtle however has a presence due to the edp strength. Quite sensual.
    22 November 2009

    M by Ted Baker

    Very brisk minty citrus opening with well defined sweet woodsy accords gathering near the bottom. The woody amber and tonka bean notes listed here are very accurate. They are the dominant players here and they dry down in to a musky woods. Good sillage and mild longevity, I find it ok for work (a little strong) but going out in the evening it feels grand!
    20 November 2009

    90210 Energy for Women by Beverly Hills 90210

    Incredibly soapy green fragrance with florals. Opens up rather strong and fresh and dries down soapy... but not a smooth soap more like harsh cleaning product soap. Don't think I've smelled something this green and soapy in a perfume before! It's rather headache inducing so a little goes a long way.
    20 November 2009

    ZegnaIntenso by Ermenegildo Zegna

    Smells nothing like Armani Code or Brit. Same texture and feel but fragrances in the same family (fresh oriental) feel the same and can smell the same. Zegna Intenso smells more like Lolita Lempicka au Masculin minus the anise accord. Zegna Intenso is more sweet and brighter than Armani Code and not a fuzzy powdery like Brit. Armani Code is a darker, deeper woodier scent.

    The differences don't make or break this fragrance. Zegna Intenso is a smooth fragrance with a rich amber base and a not-so-bitter-as-other-frags tonka bean accord. Smooth orange note on top but the "intenso" part is really its longevity of the amber and tonka bean. Good. I'd wear it more than once.
    19 November 2009

    Insensé Ultramarine by Givenchy

    Floral fougere... and nothing much else. Not strong at all and rather fleeting... I've applied it lightly at first because of the "strong" reviews. Nothing. Then I doused myself. Nice opening and then nothing. Disappointing I'd say.
    19 November 2009

    Envy Me by Gucci

    A smooth tart fruity scent that's clear and open. The pomegranate really smells like black currant to me and is the dominate note by only a slight fraction over the "freshness" (afore mentioned clear and open) that is the white floral of jasmine. Don't know how this ties in as a flanker to the exquisite Envy (sweet green floral vs. fruity white floral?). Longevity is poor but it's about 4 hours. Smells decent enough but smells very generic like you've smelled it before in other fragrances.
    18 November 2009

    Agua de Loewe by Loewe

    Obscenely fresh. It's like someone cleaned a flower with a plank of wood. ck One with a kick.
    18 November 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS series 8 Energy C: Lemon by Comme des Garçons

    Welp, an avant guard take on the traditional Eau de Cologne? This is ok but it's a fun energy boost and goes into a woodsy drydown. It's nice enough but not something I go gaga for.
    18 November 2009

    Deauville pour Homme by Michel Germain

    Opens very generic fresh and sweet. Leaves you with a taste of peppery lavender and a slight clean bit of a smooth oakmoss. Mild tobacco and amber dry down. Overall: ok sillage, ok longevity, two factors than make for a ho-hum fragrance but good for the workplace in situations where your fragrance is tertiary.
    18 November 2009

    XO Extraordinary for Men by Ted Baker

    Camphorous opening, almost harsh. When it finally settles down it's a very musky, subtle spicy woods with a bit of the green camphor let over. The drydown lasts for a while but has minimal sillage.
    17 November 2009

    Ted Baker Skinwear by Ted Baker

    I really like the opening. It alludes to a rosy chypre but deep down, it's not. More of a blanched woods and spices. Much like Calvin Klein Man with a cypress note. Dries into a light musk and woods. Fairly pleasant.
    17 November 2009

    4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser by 4711

    Simple and pleasant. There's nothing exotic about it and it's clear and open. Puffy lemons with a woodsy drydown. Cheap to purchase, too.
    17 November 2009

    Comme des Garçons 2 by Comme des Garçons

    I honestly hate this. Cumin and aldehydes do not agree with me. Sparkling body sweat? Yeah, a neat concept but wearing it is just a headache. From a distance, the florals and spices smell good but up close, on myself, is ugh.
    16 November 2009

    Velocity for Men by Mary Kay

    Fresh fruits and soapy moss with a woodsy base. Typical run-of-the-mill fresh sporty scent. Not terrible but there's nothing unique about it.
    16 November 2009

    Trophée Lancôme by Lancôme

    Green, green chypre much in the way of many other classics: Gucci pour Homme (original, Lacoste (original), Loewe para Hombre, Lancetti Uomo... sporty a litte bit but fine for everyday wear. I like a drier woods in these chypre scents for more formal wear a la Homme de Gres. Trophee is still great: light spices with sandalwood and oakmoss (sounds generic, eh?)
    16 November 2009

    Ambre Russe by Parfum d'Empire

    The opening of fruity booze is rather aromatic and slightly fizzy (small dose of aldehyde for the champagne note?). It might be over the top but it's only the opening note. What this really gets down to is a fantastically made leather and amber scent. I love the middle though, with coriander and the woodsy incense. Opulent and luxurious.. good stuff and definitely for leather and/or amber fans who are looking for a rich, deep and soft amber with slight smoky qualities.
    15 November 2009

    Brocade by Avon

    Another Avon from the 60's with aldehydes and musk. This adds in florals and some spices. I detect carnation and vanilla but it's more spicy and musky than anything. Good sillage and longevity for this one.
    15 November 2009

    Regence by Avon

    Opens with lemon and muslk. Dries into a cool sparkling aldehydic musk. Sorta soapy. It feels classic.
    14 November 2009

    Jovan Musk for Men by Jovan

    A "nothing but" musk that I refer people to when they ask "what does musk smell like?" since it's so readily available at drugstores everywhere. It's also got a nice amber sweetness in conjunction with the musk. For something so simple, cheap and synthetic, it's good and classic.
    14 November 2009

    Rosewood by Banana Republic

    Cover the name up, then the scent does wonders. A powdery woodsy sweet tea fragrance and I find it excellent. Of the others in The Discovery Collection, I'd prefer to smell this one a girl than Malachite or Alabaster (they were too harsh and I must point out that those two don't have their names as notes in their fragrances either). Rosewood is linear, and to the point but not in your face about it (unless you actually spray it in your face!). No rose but unlike the saying, this one smells sweeter than actual roses.
    13 November 2009

    Naturelle by Yves Rocher

    First smell = D&G Light Blue, most indeed! Fruity, floral and sufficiently light. Naturelle is soft and fresh without venturing into harshness. Exquisite barring the price tag. Try it!
    13 November 2009

    Pure Neroli by Monotheme

    Light orange blossoms and musk. It's bright and refreshing at first and dries down into a semi-woodsy floral and musk all the while keep a clear and bright scent. Most top notes are fleeting to begin with so I was not expecting the neroli to stay arround for long. Still, a little "better" than say, Creed's Neroli Sauvage's longevity. Pure and light.
    13 November 2009

    Tropical Iris by Jovan

    Classic Jovan; solid and just plain smells nice. Testing from a vintage mini I found. I absolutely detect no iris but there's some aldedhydic fruitiness to it so I suppose that's the tropical part. Been a long time gone, this fragrance, not much is like it from the modern times. It was probably great back then as a cologne splash.
    12 November 2009

    Aqua Allegoria Herba-Fresca by Guerlain

    Superior mint, I'd say. A note that just doesn't jive with me very often. This is a great natural mint and it also has a slightly soapy clean feel to it (not dentist/toothpaste clean). Decent longevity. I was a bit worried that it wouldn't last at all like the first of this line I tried (Pamplelune). Herba-Fresca is a must try for any mint lover... which ain't me.
    12 November 2009

    Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf

    I really like it. It's a heck of a lot like another "expensive" perfume of its ilk, Curve Vintage Soul. And even in that Flowerbomb is like Coco Mademoiselle. The citrusy patchouli drydown really gives that away. Even then it's the jasmine "florals". And another commonality is Flowerbomb shares the patchouli, musk and vanilla (what doesn't?) with Coco Mademoiselle. Flowerbomb is much more floral and sweet patchouli and is not as vibrant as Coco Mademoiselle nor as open and "clean as Vintage Soul. Now contrary to the "flower" name, Flowerbomb dries into a patchouli musk with touches of vanilla. Oh yeah, and there's rose but it's overpowered by everything else going on. The EdP is fantastic but the EdT is so mild that it just kills the essence.
    11 November 2009

    Trouble by Boucheron

    Sweet jasmine floral. A warm rich floriental but NOT a heavy scent. Very creamy vanilla, amber and woods in the drydown. Classy and mature!
    11 November 2009

    Gold by Donna Karan

    Lily. Lightly spiced lily. So smooth and substantial even for an EdT. It's like the best parts about a flower shop and an herb garden. It's slightly creamy, and definitely is a perfume but it's a great scent.
    11 November 2009

    Fath Pour l'Homme by Jacques Fath

    Lasts forever! Woodsy vanillic sweetness. One of the strongest "amber woody" scents I've encountered. You know how "fresh" a lot of recent releases (200x) are? Let's use Polo Explorer as a recent example. I like that stuff but there's the ubiquitous ozone fresh/clean accord in Explorer that's in like, everything. Fath L'Homme is that woodsy amber but strong, minus the ozonic stuff and feels retro. Notes like clove and cinnamon and definitely lavender are in this. So well made and so good.
    11 November 2009

    Paradise for Women by Alfred Sung

    Well this is something good. It's MUCH better than the men's version (does not last at all). Smelling Paradise up close there's a ton of musk but if you just let it sit there and go about your business it gives off great sillage and a much better perception of its notes. There I can get light fruity and gentle jasmine floral. Good aquatic floral for the spring and summer or any hot day really. It's a little lively but doesn't feel like you've had too much caffeine. Just enough fragrance to get you going!
    11 November 2009

    Field Notes from Paris by Ineke

    This shares much in common with both the mens version of Burberry London. Tobacco, and a sweet boozy like accord. Very airy and open much like a cafe atmosphere. (Can't tell you what a Parisian cafe is like). If you like ambery sweet tobacco you'd like this. Easily can be worn by guys. Another good one from Ineke.
    10 November 2009

    Ankh by Scents of Time

    Woodsy green oriental. Very nice opening that's not too off-putting with medicinal or "perfumey" qualities. Excellent bergamot there. A mix of herbs and woods in the heart and base almost and just barely almost makes it a "potpourri" fragrance as in it smell like generic lavender spices. Yet there's something in the base that's holding everything back and letting them develop slowly. As the scent approaches drydown, a smokey accord wafts up with a semi-sweet green incense and sandalwood accord making for a unique and pleasant experience.
    10 November 2009

    Hot Water by Davidoff

    Starts off spicy and smooth. The vanillic base reminds me of Givenchy's Pi. So this is a spicier Pi. With a touch of absinthe. It's warm, only thing that makes any fragrance hot is pepper or leaving it in the sun so don't be disappointed if it doesn't make your cold feet warmer. That or if your skin has an allergic reaction to it. Fairly mediocre actually but different than a lot of current designer releases.
    09 November 2009

    L'Eau Homme by ST Dupont

    A woodsy floral with a hint of a "sweaty" accord. Almost like a watery version of Cartier's Declaration. I enjoy the earthy herbs resting on the woodsy accord. As it dries down, the florals give a hint of a bigger green-violet accord that wants to come out but is drowned out by the woods. Light so it has mild sillage and 4 hours of lasting power.

    I believe this was supposed to be a flanker of sorts for the ST Dupont Homme scent (light golden liquid with a silver cap) and that too smells like a watered version of Declaration.

    A hesitant thumbs up because I like the smell but it's kind of forgettable.
    09 November 2009

    Lacoste pour Femme by Lacoste

    This is a soft and slightly sweet powdery perfume. The opening is a little peppery and dries into a woodsy powdery scent. Lasts for a decent time, too.
    08 November 2009

    Look by Vera Wang

    A nice white floral patchouli musk. Starts off clean and fruity and the drydown is a rather transparent freesia and musk. With a touch of patchouli, it's ok but doesn't feel special.
    08 November 2009

    Chance Eau Fraîche by Chanel

    This smells exactly like this bubble bath my mother gets in huge gallon jugs from Wal*Mart. It's peach scented. Eau Fraiche is a peach scented soapy floral with a very light transparent woodsy musky drydown. I suppose if you like Chance and wanted a light version for summer this is it. Otherwise the fragrance doesn't stand too well on its own.
    07 November 2009

    Omnia Green Jade by Bulgari

    A transparent green tea floral. Starts off with mild citrus and dries down into a woodsy musk with hints of white florals... and a little nutty as well.
    07 November 2009

    Omnia Amethyste by Bulgari

    A little sweet and a little more peppery than the original Omnia. It's closer to the Crystaline version. A blackish tea note is persistent and is mixed with rose. Hmmm, rose tea? The peppery accords mix with the woodsy base. Overall a nice fragrance.
    07 November 2009

    Omnia by Bulgari

    Sophisticated fresh yet not harsh citrusy and woody tea. A bit sweet. Very versatile and nice.
    07 November 2009

    F by Ferragamo by Salvatore Ferragamo

    Very sweet, candy shop opening. Dries down into a alto tone of white florals and musk. A bit on the heavy side.
    07 November 2009

    Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture

    One of the things to do here is to look pasy Juicy Couture's trashy advertising. Viva La Juicy is a competent and rich smelling sweet woody fragrance that is great for and evening out. Florals tone down the sweetness with jasmine. I was addicted to resniffing this several times at the counter on various occasions. I took that as a cue that it was unique and wonderful.
    07 November 2009

    Amor Amor by Cacharel

    Sweet, candy-floral with a nice berry and grapefruit note. Very typical and "generic" for the current trend of sweet, candy-like fragrances for women. Still, very good.
    07 November 2009

    Nina (new) by Nina Ricci

    This stuff is delicious. The SA had to take the smelling card away from me, I was so tempted to eat it! Nina is a deliciously smelling candy-like floral with smelling like a candy store. Casually sexy!
    07 November 2009

    Mitsouko by Guerlain

    Current formulation of the EdT review. I'll write one for the EdP and perhaps vintage extraits when I get some.

    The EdT feels very weak for a leather chypre. And the oakmoss is rather bland. I do like the floral top notes. They are not dominant but are nice and in the background, attempting to give the moss the lead. Same with some slight spices.
    07 November 2009

    Burberry London by Burberry

    A beautiful elegant floral of rose, jasmine and sweet musky sandalwoods. Just... beautiful.
    07 November 2009

    Loewe para Hombre by Loewe

    Love this. Starts off with a sharp and endearing bergamot and herbs. A heart of green vetiver and a light patchouli. The base remains the same sharp and crisp like texture from the top to the bottom into a vanilla moss. Excellent classic chypre.
    06 November 2009

    Ted by Ted Lapidus

    Incredible fragrance. Cedarwoods, spices and bittersweet tonka bean. I love it. It's a lot like Gucci Envy but not as powdery. Ted is warm and rich but calm.
    06 November 2009

    Jaguar Prestige by Jaguar

    A woodsy spicy scent that goes nowhere. Starts of cold and brisk citrus, goes into its spicy woodsy-ness and then fades into obscurity. The plethora of notes reads like V&R Antidote's. While that is sweet and powdery spicy, Jaguar Prestige is the stripped down version.

    Nothing unique about it. in fact, some of the accords remind me of Puma Create Man and other squeaky, window cleaner type scents.I remember seeing this go for $100 when it was first released. What silliness is that?

    I'm the unfortunate owner of a bottle.
    06 November 2009

    Coach Leatherware by Coach

    Coach for Men starts off with a harsh bang of dry, dry citrus. It's heart is a familiar, solid tea accord. The base id a dry cedarwoods and a faint oakmoss. I don't get the patchouli. When I first tried it, at an actual Coach store mind you, I was immediately reminded of the classy dry lemony woods of Homme de Gres, one of my favorite fragrances. I kindly asked for a sample and the clerk cordially provided myself two of them. I kept the tester card and sniffed it occasionally as I drove home. I got OK longevity from it and the same goes with a skin wear. Overall, nice but NOT worth the $75 price tag they put on it (geez, it's not like it's a Dior fragrance!).

    Initial reaction: wow, I really, really like it.
    Proper wearing reaction: it's nice
    Price Reaction: not buying, would in a smaller bottle
    05 November 2009

    Greenergy by Givenchy

    SImple. Clear. Green. Understand it MEANT to be light and fresh and it does its job well. Green top and mossy base but not extremely mossy. Just plain ol' clean green. Fond of it but not in love.
    05 November 2009

    Spotlight by Avon

    Typical white fresh floral with light and transparent woods. The freesia is squeaky and bright but that's all that's interesting about it. I'd pass.
    05 November 2009

    Special No. 127 by Floris

    Very sharp and bitter citrus opening with a large dose of rose and neroli. The neroli doesn't smooth out the rose so that's why it gets very sharp. Dries down into a green floral. Overall, very sharp! Did I say that already?
    04 November 2009

    Indentite pour Homme by René Lezard

    This transcends between too sweet, too woodsy or too soapy. I happen to like all three of those aspects. Not one of them dominates the whole time. It starts off very sweet. Then gets woody, like a rich cedarwood and the drydown develops this oakmossy soapy clean feeling with the woods still being there. It's strong overall but dries into a nice aural fragrance. Didn't seem to last too long for me but I think it's because of olfactory fatigue since there's a lot of scent to go around. Great gourmand woodsy scent.
    01 November 2009

    Armani Privé Ambre Soie by Giorgio Armani

    Herbal amber. Clove and cinnamon really comes out at first and gets to be ginger cedarwoods towards the end. The amber is just the stuff that binds all this together. Gourmandish and almost like a cinnamon and praline confectionery with cloves added.
    01 November 2009

    Nomad by Crabtree & Evelyn

    Gingery citrus. It's very nice. Along the lines of the ever popular Acqua di Gio and ck One tytpe of fresh herbal fragrances. Very generic in that respect but it ain't bad.
    31 October 2009

    Jean Marie Farina by Roger & Gallet

    Lovely cologne. Burst of bergamot, and a drydown of florals and a light woodsy accord. Nothing special but smells pretty good!
    30 October 2009

    Hot Leather by Mark Buxton

    John Varvatos minus actual leather plus some florals. I'd say this is a floriental and much like Buxton's other creation for Karl Lagerfeld, Kapsule Light. Very creamy and I was apprehensive trying this because me and leather don't get along. I love the cedarwood drydown with a touch or orris. Good stuff!
    30 October 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Series 5 Sherbet: Rhubarb by Comme des Garçons

    I like the smell of rhubarb. When I see it in the grocer I would pick some up to smell. CdG's Rhubarb opens with it but turns into a woodsy vanilla and leafy version of it later on. I like the drydown but being called "rhubarb" is deceiving. Too bad it's fleeting. BUT the drydown is good and typical for CdG. It's kinda neat to that CdG decided to put this in the sherbert series.

    If you like rhubarb, check out Ciel Mon Jardin by Le Prince Jardinier. That's a darn good garden variety rhubarb.
    29 October 2009

    Un Parfum des Sens et Bois by Different Company

    Fresh, sophisticated, cedarwoods that subtle and not too intrusive. Stays close to the skin but sticks around for a while. Very nice and good for the office.
    29 October 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Series 1 Leaves: Tea by Comme des Garçons

    Well, I get the tea part but everything else is kinda... bad? It's very plasticky, like the smell of Saran wrap being stretched right out of the box. But man that tea note is nice. I just cannot get over the true synteticness and sterile facade of the whole thing.
    29 October 2009

    cK one Summer 2007 by Calvin Klein

    ck One Summer 2006 was good. Then 2007 came out and was awesome. Citrusy florals and so refreshing. Then 2008 came out (melon a hoy)... and 2009... they are ALL quite similar and are pretty much a marketing gimmick to get your money... but they are excellent refreshing fragrances for the summer.

    Take the sprayer off these and splash yourself with any of the ck One Summers. It won't be too strong I promise. I cannot see this fragrance being used other than in hot weather.
    29 October 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS series 8 Energy C: Lime by Comme des Garçons

    A lime complete with the tartness. Gets woodsy as it dries down (which is quick but I don't mind that). I felt very lethargic and decided to see if the "energy" part of the name would kick start me and it did. It's like a 5-hour energy drink but smells better (and last 5 minutes but it was awesome). I don't want a thumbs up to be deceiving so it's a neutral.
    28 October 2009

    Touch for Men by Fred Hayman

    An amberry fougere. Powdery yet "clean" but not dusty powder. Very much like a babershop-esque shaving cream or shaving soap. And the amber in this isn't sweet and must be the contributing accord for the powdery effect. Along with lavender, it's a solid "dad's shaving soap" cologne. Towards the drydown it gets a little spicy. Comparisons to Brut, Neutrogena's Rainbath and also Dana's Canoe are all in order. Touch seems to be stronger and last a little longer.

    I like the scent but not enough to get a bottle (very cheap) just because it's not quite my style.
    27 October 2009

    Lancetti Uomo by Lancetti

    A dry woody chypre with a rose note. A bit more bearable than other designer rose chypres (GFF Uomo for one in fact it's quite similar). What makes this a intriguing rose chypre is the non-animalic musk note at the bottom. Polished musk I'd say with a touch of sweet but with all the dirty greenness of the oakmoss and woods it clashes a little with the rest of the fragrance. But how interesting would things be if all was balanced equally all the time? Still, some of the notes are a little brash but still smells unique and good.

    Since it's discontinued and little hard to find, get a mini to try it out if you are a fan of rose and oakmoss.
    27 October 2009

    GFF Uomo by Gianfranco Ferré

    A harsh rose chypre that settles into a decent floral vetiver and sandalwood drydown. The rose is especially strong throughout and reminds me of the current Z Zegna Extreme.
    27 October 2009

    Sensation for Men by Jean Philippe

    Sweet fresh musk. There is a hard, plasticy accord towards the end that is a lot like the drydowns of most Creeds. Smells like ambergris but really bad synthetic version of it. Poor longevity and not very good sillage.
    22 October 2009

    Vetiver by Etro

    Going with the crowd. Dry, harsh, earthy vetiver. So raw and solid that you'd wonder where you put the herbicide. Love the fact that such a strong scent stays close to you because sometimes you just want it all for yourself. Now, after it dries down it calms a little bit but since vetiver is psychologically a calming scent for some, I think it calms down quite a lot since there is so much of it. So good and you need to like vetiver to love this. Now in my top five vetivers!
    21 October 2009

    J'Adore by Christian Dior

    I'd say, a very linear, very straightforward, very good bright floral with small aldehydic facets and a fat yet quiet fruity note right in the middle. Very nice since some white florals get too screechy and harsh. Not too loud and subtlety sometimes can make something more alluring. Really enjoy the musk.
    17 October 2009

    Monsieur Carven by Carven

    Civet, to some, it's not fun but here it's so nice that it's pleasing. The combination of moss and the civet almost gives this a powdery soap feel. The clean gentleman's fragrance of yesteryear. Lasts long and the top (aromtic spicy) to the bottom drydown (mossy civet) is very addicting. Very complex scent but the basics I described is my take on it. I don't get much of the florals. It's the overall effect that really makes this wonderful.
    17 October 2009

    Starring for Men by Avon

    The opening says "i'm gonna be a spicy fougere!" but the drydown leaves you and says "haha just kidding I was a fresh oriental!" Strangely unique structure. Moderate sillage and comes in bursts. The vanilla in the drydown reminds of Raw Vanilla from Coty. Not bad. If you see a good deal, pick it up. There are samples still floating around out there, too.
    15 October 2009

    Balle de Match by Parfums de Nicolaï

    Good lord I can't believe a bitter grapefruit note could last so long. And be that intense. Bolstered by woodsy-like accords (patchouli, incense) it really delivers a punch. Also the berry and juniper leaves a fruity freshness going. Very strange and interesting to work your nose around it. Not too enamored by it to warrant a bottle, though.
    15 October 2009

    Kapsule Floriental by Lagerfeld

    Sweet flowery woodsy scent with touches of dark spices. Violets too but they are not too harsh in this like Fahrenheit. More like the violet/vetiver accord from Curve for Men. But the overall powderiness of the woods in Floriental subdues all the other notes in the scent. More or less a sweeter version of Kapsule Woody. Longevity problems 2-4 hours it seems.
    14 October 2009

    Pulp by Byredo

    So thick yet light it confused the hell out of me. Later on I found this to be a pleasnt blended mix of fruits, florals and green notes. I think the whole concept behind the fragrance from the name to the images it conveyed to me when smelled is well executed. The apple note in particular is open and delightful and is softened by a very light peach/pear like accord; probably the peach flower in the base (a floral base?). I find this refreshing, elegant and high quality. Byredo's fragrances are EdP's so I expected something lush and I got it. Bravo! Looking forward to seeking out more from this line.
    13 October 2009

    Gucci pour Homme (original) by Gucci

    I guess I'm not getting it like everyone else. I smell a plain eau de cologne / chypre family scent with a sandalwood drydown. No leather. No big and boldness. Just ordinary and "lemony" woods. I rather liked Nobile but the original pour Homme isn't quite my bag. I'll reach for Homme de Gres when I need a dry lemony woods fragrance.
    13 October 2009

    Winter Woods by Sonoma Scent Studio

    The website description of this fragrance is very accurate. It's a warming woody fragrance with oamoss and ambergris. Nice opening, very strong yet enjoyable especially for a relaxing evening at home. However, somewhere in the middle a very animalic tar note pops out and becomes somewhat unpleasant for me. This accord thankfully doesn't stay around for long and gives way to the fantastically sweet woody ambergris drydown.

    I'd call this a fragrance for a specific mood. Wouldn't wear this daily for sure.
    13 October 2009

    Chaz by Revlon

    I found an old bottle of this stuff in my friend's father's medicine cabinet. I asked the father if I could use it and was told, "sure take it, I can't wear cologne anymore. I don't even know how long that's been in there." So I took him on the offer. There was maybe only 5 or so mls left. It was still in the box and is definitely vintage stuff; most likely early 1980's era.

    Chaz is (was?) a good cologne. Citrusy on top which lingers throught the fragrance's life and a warm but subtle oakmoss and patchouli base blossoms throughout the day. I'm really enjoying this. The juice itself is thick and a dark amber yellow. This doesn't always denote quality but more substance it seems and in this case it's just the way it is.

    Do be sure to look for the Revlon stuff and not Jean Phillipe's Chaz.
    13 October 2009

    L'Eau Rare Matale 06 by Parfumerie Generale

    Solid woodsy tea and lemon scent. Very nice pick me up in the morning. It's almost like drinking a fresh cup in the morning. But just like that breakfast tea, it doesn't last long and I for one don't like having to get "refills" of tea in fragrances.
    12 October 2009

    G-11 by Il Profumo

    Very piney on top. Feels a tad harsh for while, too. A little smoother than Pino Silvestre and the like but not as piney. The whole time it feels open and inviting and subtle yet sticks around for a while. Does feel "chemical" at times, especially at the end. Very odd woodsy drydown there. If you like green scents that are a bit powwdery, you might enjoy this.
    11 October 2009

    Kapsule Light by Lagerfeld

    This feels like M7 Fresh Light. I really get the agarwood/soapy musk. Clove is a dominant note as well but not as big as stuff in the Diptyque scents. A nice scent if you enjoy these aspects.
    11 October 2009

    Portos by Balenciaga

    When ever I try anything from the 80's (or anything for that matter), I attempt to forget where and when I am. Most times I succeed but here I cannot help but be transported back to the 80's. Just like big hair and quirky techno bands, it's the 80's. I love the aromatic spicy opening or Portos and reminds me of Bijan for Men's opening and even the middle bits. But where Bijan's big spiciness dries into a sandalwood, Portos gives you the tired and true mossy leather drydown. Quite typically 80's but not as bold and brash as the others. I wish I had tried this one first before delving into other fragrances for men of this era. I might have liked those more after trying Portos.
    11 October 2009

    Lucifer No. 2 by Damien Bash

    Very disappointing bright citrus and floral fragrance. Nice opening and just simply dies on your skin. ABsolutely no drydown whatsoever. Not evening a lingering musk or any basenotes.
    10 October 2009

    MGM Grand by Vapro International

    From what I know, this is one of the fragrances they pump through this Vegas hotel. It's a light, minty oakmossy scent with a dabbling of patchouli. It's very refreshing, really but to wear it is not something I'd do. Fantastic scent to spray around your room to liven things up a bit. Think of it as an aquatic oakmossy 80's powerhouse with the windows open.
    09 October 2009

    Opium pour Homme Eau d'Orient by Yves Saint Laurent

    Opium watered down to put it mildly. I'm sure it was well intended for YSL to market this for the Asian market or to bank on the idea of the Oriental in Europe's minds. The king spicy Opium is kicked down a few hundred notches and cleaned up a bit. Ambery sandalwood and ginger. Pleasant scent but the sandalwood isn't all that great and feels a little dull. Like the sharp top notes of anise and grapefruit, though.
    09 October 2009

    Vetyver by Parfums de Nicolaï

    Nicolai's perfumes tend to make me yawn. Meh, it's okay or something. But inevitably I need a fragrance to make me feel better about myself.

    Vetyver has the same, dull "block" in other Nicolai fragrance I've tried. It's THERE and doesn't want to go away and let me smell the rest of the fragrance. The vetiver in this concotion smells good, earthy and poignant but with a lot of that blockage. Terrible longevity for a semi-decent scent.
    09 October 2009

    Vetyver by L'Occitane

    I've been to several L'Occitane stores and have talked with the fine ladies (and men) that work there. I was on a vetiver kick once and took notice of Vetyver. I asked the employees what they thought and they wish they didn't sell it. I kinda see their point but people seem to like it.

    What I do not like about this is it's strange medicinal headiness of vetiver. Down towards the bottom it's old man in a wig powdery and earthy accords. For me, it is definintely not my style. I can not see myself wearing this daily. Same with Encre Noire but that's something I enjoy smelling.
    09 October 2009

    Maestrale by Profumi di Pantelleria

    So much cedar it burns. Very dry and bitter and very linear. I love cedar but this is too much of a good thing. A little vetiver in the bottom moistens it up a bit but makes the rest smell very dank. No sir I don't like this.
    09 October 2009

    Avant Garde by Martine Micallef

    I like this however there's something in it (possibly the musk) that puts off people around me (i.e. they sneeze a lot). I do not like that in a fragrance. Avantre Garde is a fresh musky scent that feels casual. The freshness is too much, though and feel unbalanced with the musk leaving an odd peppery note that lingers around. It also feels very robust and thick. I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a bottle.
    09 October 2009

    Maharanih by Parfums de Nicolaï

    A dull sandalwood spice that gives me a block of fragrance that I have to plod through in order to get anything I like out of it. Too bitter and stuffy for my tastes.
    09 October 2009

    Kapsule Woody by Lagerfeld

    I was wondering what the bittensweet fruity note was when I sprayed this on. Plum? Interesting. Good woody scent but it ain't no Gucci pour Homme. Still, there's a lot of cedar and mineralic/earthy qualities in it like Terre d'Hermes. Decent longevity. I like it.
    09 October 2009

    Hunter by Atkinsons

    Good. Piney. It grows on you! Fantastic patchouli and mossy drydown and it's a touch on the sweet side. Very spicy middle but it's a little fleeting there. Gives you a good aura of green.
    09 October 2009

    Wild Fern by Geo F Trumper

    A soapy shampoo. Bitter and green. Just clean clean clean before fresh was the new style of fragrance.
    08 October 2009

    L'Eau de Neroli by Diptyque

    Best BASIC neroli based cologne water I've ever tried. Bright and crisp with geranium note that is easy to detect (so if you don't like geranium don't spray this on). If you are looking of a deep neroli or something with more complex, try out Penhaligon's Castile or C&S's Neroli. This would be good for a "spritz n' wake up" type of dealie but for the price, nah. Go with something else. But I really do like this scent.
    08 October 2009

    L'Eau de L'Eau by Diptyque

    I don't too much of the cloves from the former L'eau but I find this to be an outstanding citrusy cologne water with floral herbs. A huge thumbs up from me. That is, if it lasted longer. The opening is big and bold and screams and is really good at it but gets hoarse after a few sentences. The scent is refreshing and good. I'm torn on this.
    08 October 2009

    Cabaret Homme by Grès

    Good rosy, aromatic (brisk and crisp) herbal fougere opening but is very light and bearable. Reminds me of Casran by Chopard but not as "chemical". I'm not a fan of rose scents but this is nice. Good work cologne.
    07 October 2009

    Tristano by Tristano Onofri

    Spicy woody green but highly synthetic. Well yes they all are but this one comes off as a very sour leathery fougere. Good longevity and a good work cologne as it's not overpowering. i've tried it a few times and I simply did not like how it wears on me.
    06 October 2009

    Muschio Bianco / White Moss by Acca Kappa

    Nice 'n' clean mossy frag with a squeaky clean musk. Not much else to expect from something so aptly named. Low sillage but good longevity. Decent standard work cologne.
    05 October 2009

    Lucifer No. 4 by Damien Bash

    For some reason, the opneing is like opening a new tin of Hershey's cocoa powder mix. Must be an overdose of the florals used in this. Then it dries down into a light musky tea scent. If you think you'd like a chocolate floral musk, you might like this. I do not.
    05 October 2009

    Sienne L'Hiver by Eau d'Italie

    Dry, earthy booze. Way to hot in the spice department and smells like a Greek bazaar. I get a lot, and I mean a lot of the lovie scent from this. Olives and liquor. That's not something I enjoy smelling or wearing.
    05 October 2009

    Uppercut by Everlast

    A lightly spicy and sweet aquatic with a drydown of musk and sandalwood. 4 hours of longevity. I find this very similar to Diesel's Plus Plus Masculine or Only The Brave.
    04 October 2009

    Lalique pour Homme by Lalique

    Lalique pour Homme is a subtle yet classy style of scent. Reminds me of the following frags in different ways: Caron's The Third Man, Habit Rouge, Chanel Allure, and even Mitsouko (current edt version). There are chypre elements and the mossy drydown is quite prevalent on my shirt but not on the skin. On the skin it's more vanilla and lavender like Third Man. Sometimes a little bitter and peppery like Allure but not so much amber. Also, there's a powdery or dusty citrus quality like that of Habit Rouge but not so strong. Again, Lalique is subtle and good for a perfect gentleman's office cologne. I enjoy it as such.
    03 October 2009

    1903 by J Peterman

    A great scent for the gentleman. Slightly powdery but smokey. Fantastic drydown of very masculine bases: tobacco, woods, leather. With the notes listed above, the elemi comes across reminiscent of Oscar for Men (2000), very strong yet lightly minty woods. Great all around cologne.
    02 October 2009

    Ô de Lancôme by Lancôme

    Basic citrus "eau de" something or other but the floral heart really plays a huge role in this. Really wonderful drydown. Floral and refreshing with a soft yet deep green base.
    01 October 2009

    Eau de Lierre by Diptyque

    This is without a doubt very green but not piney green. Leaf greens. With musk. Very nice, different and full of the smell of bitter ivy. You gotta love ivy in order to really like this. Beautifully done but I'm not a fan.
    01 October 2009

    Bowling Green by Geoffrey Beene

    Love the opening of amazing lemon and soapy lavender. It just feels great and wonderful to wear. The rest kinda peters out but lingers for quite sometime. I like the seamless transition from citrus top, green middle to the soapy mossy drydown. This is something to put on in the morning to wake up. Very energetic and I like it.
    30 September 2009

    L'Eau by Diptyque

    Augh. I put this on thinking it would be a regular l'eau something or other. Freaking clove bomb. It's like I went to the Willy Wonka Factory, ate some clove candy and turned into a clove.
    30 September 2009

    Honoré's Trip by Honoré de Prés

    Burst of bitter citrus in the beginning like grapefruit, then a little peppery musk. Then nothing.
    30 September 2009

    Clear by Neil Morris Fragrances

    With all due respect, Clear is a floral grapefruit that's as interesting as a Glade scented airfreshener. Use this fragrance as such. Doesn't agree with my body.
    29 September 2009

    Aegean by Neil Morris Fragrances

    I find it difficult to talk about this scent. It's nice at first but turns really sour on me. A little floral and musk but I get nothing else.
    29 September 2009

    Henry Cotton's in Red by Henry Cotton's

    This is the clean and soapy of the line. Basic lavender and moss scent. Terrible longevity but still smells great.
    29 September 2009

    Le Seducteur by Martine Micallef

    At first I had no idea what to make of this. A minty piney scent? A powdery musky woods? Both? This, oddly, is Polo Crest + Cartier Declaraion plus a light Lutens base. The deep musky woods is what gets me loving it BUT the dusty, earthy sweetness puts me off a bit. I guess I'm not a fan of honey. So from the top down I got cool spices (mint and herbs), woods and then earthy, pine and honey and... maybe some leather. Very unique and strange. I don't absolutely love it but I highly recommend everyone to try it out. As of this writing, a bottle of Le Seducteur is $230 for 100ml and is backordered already.
    29 September 2009

    Henry Cotton's in Green by Henry Cotton's

    A lovely mossy patchouli scent. Smokey and woody but very light and enjoyable. Opening is appropriately green with herbs and a touch of leaves. I could hardly get any of the middle at all. The drydown, like I said, is mossy and the patchouli is woody. Comfortable and casual.
    28 September 2009

    Borneo 1834 by Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido

    A patchouli and spices based scent. The cocoa (powdery chocolate) really puts me off in this one and is not really chocolate. More like thick syrupy honey. So thick you'd wonder what kind of flowers the bees are pollinating. This is more like B*Men rather than A*Men. Absolutely a must sample first because he opening is really, really chokingly bad but the drydown is ok. Not a fan of this one.
    28 September 2009

    Henry Cotton's in Blue by Henry Cotton's

    A delightful little aromatic spicy fougere much in the same vein as the 80's powerhouses. This is much more subdued and wonderful for those who like the lighter scents. I do like those spicy fourgere but some are just to harsh but are still quit amazingly good. In Blue gives those who need a softer side of the 80's. The current formulation is what was tested,
    28 September 2009

    S-ex by S-Perfume

    Man this is light. I was worried that my nose was broken but now relieved to read that everyone else has the same experience. I get little out of this but it's a nice light scent that stays close to you. It's very bland with little identifiable scent. Very avant guard like CdG and the like. I used to think that the abstract perfumes were amazing but from the top to the bottom S-ex doesn't get any from me.
    26 September 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Series 3 Incense: Avignon by Comme des Garçons

    Truly faked incense. It's good. I don't get the incense connection as the other reviews seem to talk about. And I have nothing more to add.
    25 September 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Series 2 Red: Harissa by Comme des Garçons

    Light peppers and woods. I'm not a fan of this because it lacks depth, longevity and everything else that makes me like a fragrance.
    25 September 2009

    Opera IV by Roberto Capucci

    Interesting aromatic, lightly fruity, herbal rose fragrance and dries down into a very light mossy woods. I find this similar to Z Zegna or Casran by Chopard. Light and refreshing but doesn't seem to last long on my skin.
    25 September 2009

    Gotham by Neil Morris Fragrances

    Amber and leather dominate this and they are quite potent. The opening is bitter and a touch peppery, light herbal pepper like finely crushed tarragon or another leafy spice that's peppery. And, hey, rose! Argh I don't like rose... but the rose is calm here and sometimes mingles with the peppery accord. Very nice. Just too much strength for me. But... just let this drydown for you and see how it goes. Seems like everyone gets something a little different.

    I'm torn. I like this yet I will never ever find a use for owning a bottle but I'd recommend it for others. Namely those that like the strong stuff from years past but needs something that is more... modern? I like the quality. I like the texture. It's on the animalic side yet feels "fresher" (maybe "not as loud"?) than something other leather and amber scents that just turn on me. On a guy? It's masculine. On a gal? It's feminine. On the weird person in the corner muttering to himself? It's unisex.

    I will give one very positive, very subjective comment: it's darned sexy and it depends on who wears it.
    25 September 2009

    Escentric 02 by Escentric Molecules

    Ambroxan and the orris notes made for an even more minimalistic version of the newer DKNY Men. Just add calone to this and you get DKNY Men. I rather like this but it feels less of a scent and more of an exploration of a single note. Decent sillage, actually and leaves a small cloud around you if you will. Most modern perfumes are aromachemical but Escentric just takes the small stuff and charges 2x as much.
    24 September 2009

    L'Instant de Guerlain Pour Homme Cristaux d'Agrumes by Guerlain

    What I didn't quite like about L'Instant I like about this flanker. Bitter grapefruit was added to the top for a brisk, fresh opening. The rest is the same as L'Instant but lighter. I believe this was released as a summer flanker. I wore it on a hot muggy day and still got a little choked up on the leathery greenness of the sandalwood drydown. Brighter, cleaner, fresher: it's what it's all about these days but I like it. Only reason I see to to seek this out is to want a lighter L'Instant so take my thumbs up with that in mind.
    24 September 2009

    Versailles pour Homme by Jean Desprez

    Aside from a crisp, bergamot opening, there's nothing else I get out of this that I like. The drydown reminds me of a stale bottle of Stetson. Versailles is a floriental with a bitter drydown that smells old. Yes I'm using a subjective term so let me define it. Old as in stale and expired. It just sits there on the skin and doesn't develop into anything other than a bitter resinous accord with too many base notes.

    Hate to compare it to something I can only remember but it smells like the backstage of my university's auditorium where the practice rooms were. Needless to say, I never wanted to practice there ever.
    22 September 2009

    Soprani Uomo by Luciano Soprani

    A brief yet very pleasant green leather and okamoss scent with dabs of subtle herbs in between. Longevity was rather lacking. Smooth yet spicy and good to wear in the early fall or late spring when it's slight warm but not too cool out. The opening is sharp bergamot but that quickly settles. I find this to be somewhat generic in the spicy aromatic fougere genre.
    21 September 2009

    Modern for Men by Banana Republic

    Slightly minty and peppery woods and a brisk vetiver-esque accord in the drydown makes it feel clean and fresh.
    20 September 2009

    Very Irrésistible for Men by Givenchy

    When first applied, Very Irresistible is very minty and piney to me. As it dries down I feel as if the scent wants to be three different baked goods at once: nut bread, praline or some kind of chocolate. So now we have a mint chocolate pastry with nuts and it's being washed down with a cup of coffee. Soudns like my mornings! Try the Fresh version, they cleaned up the oddities in this concoction.
    19 September 2009

    Bellodgia by Caron

    Bellodgia is still in production now. I happen to have a bottle of the formula that was in production in the late 60's or early 70's. It is marked Eau de Cologne Bellodgia.

    Bellodgia starts off very musty and confusing so I recommend putting it on a couple of minutes before walking out the door. When this settles, it becomes THE epitome of what a carnation would smell like if it was a spice. Cinnamon, cloves and herbal spices mix with the soft rose-like accord of carnation and settles into a floral mossy and animalic musk.
    18 September 2009

    Afire by Neil Morris Fragrances

    Does not agree with me at all! The burning sensation gets to me and the very very fizzy citrus note is too much. Then it turns into a fizzy milky berry and praline like accord. The feeling of sour apples cannot leave my skin for this. From NM's website, this is the scent of passion... I'd be turned off my someone wearing this.
    13 September 2009

    Rainflower by Neil Morris Fragrances

    Too much flowers! Well, too much of a good thing can sometimes be detrimental. I feel that the clear crispness of the body of the fragrance is thickened too much by all the floral components as well at the musk at the base. It indeed does smell like a garden after a light rain but only when the flowers are in bloom. I don't know who'd want to smell like wet flowers. Good for a room freshener.
    13 September 2009

    Coral by Neil Morris Fragrances

    You know when you first walk into a small store and you get the smell of something? That something is the indication that a store has candles for sale amongst their other goods. It just hits you and you know from that scented soy or wax smell that there are candles somewhere in the store. That's what Coral smells like, a candle store. The plethora of all the candles' scents merging into one aromatic cloud and it's confusing. Simplified, a fruity sandalwood and musk.
    13 September 2009

    Zephyr by Neil Morris Fragrances

    Feminine in my opinion. Fruity and airy and very fleeting. I feel that this is a snore because it's very typical of other stuff that's out there already and I'm looking for unique niche stuff when I comes to... unique niche lines.
    13 September 2009

    Mandarina Duck Pure Black by Mandarina Duck

    Pure Black is sweet and thick like tree bark. Has an herbal coffee/psuedo tobacco quality to it. It's more like chewing tobacco. Kinda thick and resinous... like tree bark. I'm also reminded a bit of Joop! Go Electric Heat (of all things) with Go's "dense" feel of green cedarwoods. Also comparable to Jil Sander Man (the purple rectangular bottle) with the tobacco and woods accords. While not "pure" black, it's still as thick as a black fragrance could be without getting into Serge Lutens territory.
    13 September 2009

    Red Shirt by Star Trek

    Red Shirt is kinda strange at first. Starts of crisp and clean but gets a very fruity leather and musk in the end. Seems to go from bad to worse in a way! I rather like the whole concept here. It's not a very complex scent but the stages it goes through before it dies gives it character. NOw this stuff isn't truly amazing or wonderful and it has very low-key quality ingredients but for a clever marketing gimmick, it's very humorous. I'll gladly wear this with my "Ensign Expendable" red shirt on!
    12 September 2009

    Gendarme by Gendarme

    Review for the "cologne spray": Clean, slightly soapy scent. If Nivea's unscented aftershave had any smell, I bet they would use this. For a clean scent, I'd rather have Mulger Cologne.

    Review for the EdP: Definitely much better! Not just because it's stronger but the formula seems to feel much better on the skin. Instead of a fresh out of the shower scent, you get an invigorating CLEAN AS HELL smell. Fresh lemons, soap accords and... leather? OK not really. But the EdP makes me like an alternative to most other aquatics that throw in sweet stuff or woody stuff into their fragrances. This stuff I gladly have next to my Mugler Cologne.
    12 September 2009

    V pour Homme by Valentino

    This is a refined vanilla with heavy woods that teeters on the herbal patchouli and incense-side. It even has an aquatic edge to it that I find unique. A romantic entourage of everything you need.
    12 September 2009

    Very Valentino pour Homme by Valentino

    A pleasantly sweet tobacco that's very musky. I get all basenotes as the top notes are quite fleeting and it's the basenotes I bought this for. Inoffensive and good for a first date type situation. I feel that this is very sensual as it stays close to skin and is very quiet.
    12 September 2009

    Ponn Farr by Star Trek

    Aquatic fruits and florals. I get mostly peaches and berries. Really interesting and not half-bad. Good thing this is light because on Vulcan the atmosphere is brutal! Smell good and prosper.
    12 September 2009

    Stetson Black by Stetson

    I think this stuff is strange. It's a conglomorate of other popular colognes. Like Gucci II pH, Fahrenheit, even some traces of Le Male. Really weird I was very briefly and vaguely reminded of these. Odd spices on top and could be "violet leaf" instead of what's listed here. Weird leather drydown, almost fruity and brash. Like Kiton Black which is smoother. I't s OK, I don't hate it but I'm quite confused by the fragrance's execution on my skin.
    10 September 2009

    Ambro by Jacomo

    Opens up brisk and cooling and settles into a lightly spicy vanilla. Yes, to me it's like Le Male at the end. The lavender is not so harsh and the sweetness is bottomed out by a good dose of woods and a very pleasant hint of patchouli. I kept getting flashes of a combination of A*Men + Le Male but in very, very quieted tones. Specifically, the tones that I like A*Men and Le Male for, herbal woods and sweetness respectfully. This is a very nice, refined (meaning light for its olfactory family) woodsy oriental.
    09 September 2009

    Eryo Blue by Yves Rocher

    Very fresh take on orientals and holds true to its moniker. Definitely a bluer scent than Eryo. Toss in just the right amount of calone in an oriental and you get this interesting stuff. Does not seem to last long enough on me to warrant a purchase but it's fairly nice for the price nonetheless. Very casual.
    07 September 2009

    Eryo by Yves Rocher

    A fresh take on the oriental family of perfumes. Sweet but with resins that are not too thick and loud like Obsession or Opium. Spicy yet clear, must be the mint but it's done very well. Mint is a major turnoff for me but here it seems to calm everything down into a nice sweet and spicy fragrance. Great price for the oz.
    07 September 2009

    X for Men by Clive Christian

    Thick and rich spices and very oily. Kinda reminds me of a Christmas store as it's a little piney with cinnamon. This smells a lot like a Avon product I tried recently so I wonder about the cost.
    06 September 2009

    1872 for Men by Clive Christian

    I little peppery (very airy) a little orangey and a touch green. I don't understand the cost rationale behind this one. Nice blend and all but it's not something you'd save up to buy.
    06 September 2009

    Wild Country Musk by Avon

    This is an obnoxious musk. Fresh, clean and open but I don't seem to like this. I like a sweet musk. This is definitely closer to "real" musk.
    06 September 2009

    Avon Musk for Men by Avon

    Musk? Yes. Oddly foresty and pineconey. Other than that, rather ok. Decent musk.
    06 September 2009

    Unscripted by Patrick Dempsey

    Wow. A mix of several good designer colognes. Most notably Fahrenheit and Marc Jacobs. Figgy, leathery, spicy, woodsy. The patchouli in this really makes this different than other Avon related releases. It's almot like B*Men, toned down but the other accords really make it different than B*Men. Very nice and smooth and recommended fot cool weather wear or the club.
    06 September 2009

    Undeniable for Men by Avon

    Warm and spicy. The spices in this are more on the gourmand side. I detect cloves for one. Sweet cloves and ginger and a little bit of woods. Maybe some cinnamon. Woodsy and ambery base. I'd have to say this is fairly interesting for an Avon fragrance.
    06 September 2009

    RPM Intense by Avon

    Oh interesting. This is almost, and I really mean almost was Chrome amped up when I first smelled it. I wish it were. It ends up being a watery fresh sporty woods that's clean with a touch of lavender. After all that, it's not very pleasant with cleaning product like accords. Might work good on clothing, though.
    06 September 2009

    HisStory by Avon

    Starts off powdery fresh and clean. A litte spicy (peppery, not herbal) and sweet. A tobacco leaf and amber note much like in Antonio Banderas for Men is in the base. Not bad but could be a little harsh to some.
    06 September 2009

    Triumph by Avon

    A failed attempt at a Cool Water clone. Triumph starts off with that classic watery fougere but has way too unbalance lavender notes to make it a good clone or even a good fougere. It's also a lot cleaner and woodier but after all that, it's still a bad execution of a decent fragrance.
    06 September 2009

    Stetson Fresh by Stetson

    Run of the mill "fresh" for sure. Reminds me of a slightly spicier ck One. In fact, this could be called ck One Fresh and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the Stetson or Calvin Klein brands.
    06 September 2009

    Gai Mattiolo Uomo by Gai Mattiolo

    While being one that loves light, aquatic scents... this one leaves me scratching my head. Clean and watery indeed it is but for me it's so watered down that the only thing I can think of to use this for is bed sheet refreshener. I have Febreeze for that which also softens the fabric.
    31 August 2009

    Mat; Male by Masakï Matsushïma

    Minimalist herbs. It's cool but warms up after a while. Lightly salted and mint. The drydown is good. It's a very clean, herbal feel to it. That's the part I like. Very hesitant thumbs up as the opening really distracts me from the rest of the fragrance.
    16 August 2009

    Gucci by Gucci pour Homme by Gucci

    Allure's younger, less endearing brother. A fruity in the opening and violet amber accord that leaves me feel wanting. Not entirely terrible. There's a tobacco note towards the end that makes it worth a wait.
    02 August 2009

    Tiberius by Star Trek

    Peppery musk, you won't get over the fact how awesome you'll smell!
    27 July 2009

    Aigner Suede for Men by Etienne Aigner

    This is very soft and sweet. It's like the smell of a new suede jacket still sitting on a rack in a very expensive department store. Soft sweet and a little bit spicy woods in the drydown.
    24 July 2009

    Lacoste Challenge by Lacoste

    Fruity opening. The drydown is rather nice but rather ordinary for fragrances these days. The drydown is a typical spicy, ambery woods but a little "fresher". I like fragrances that have this ambery woods but like others, I think enough is enough. To perfume houses/industry giants: stop trying to copy yourselves. Especially when the woodsy drydown is just that and nothing else to make it interesting. I can't say I totally hate or think it's the worst thing ever, though.
    22 July 2009

    Soul by Curve for Men by Liz Claiborne

    Mind numbingly dull. Pale woods with a remixed Curve base. The violet leaf and vetiver base of Curve is what made the original good. Violet and herbs with not very good floral-like sandalwood doesn't make Soul very nice.
    22 July 2009

    Rich Suede by Stetson

    For what it is, a cheap/drugstore scent, it smells nice. It's a little spicy, woods on a lightly powdery and smooth texture. I figure it's cologne strength as it has little power but it's nice for what it's worth.
    22 July 2009

    In Leather Man by Etienne Aigner

    Very active and fruity in the opening. Almost like Kiton Black or Guess Suede. Then it goes into the "leathery" part... just like Kiton Black. But unless like the other fragrances, this is very weak, zero sillage. The leather is a little bit sweaty but it's so vague... so transparent it makes me wonder what the big deal is. From begining to end it goes from high hopes to big disappointment. I've worn it a number of times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating that indeed this dissipates all too quickly to be enjoyed.
    21 July 2009

    Eau de Badian by L'Occitane

    Meh. It's an anise opening for sure but I don't get much of anything afterwards. L'O's stuff is hit or miss and this is a miss for it. Especially since is disappears from detection in minutes.
    20 July 2009

    Joseph Abboud by Joseph Abboud

    This is very spicy. But not extremely spicy. It's gentle but there's a lot of it. But it is also not strong. Spices, woods and a bit of a sticky ambery drydown. I find it unique but lacking a good punch.
    19 July 2009

    J'S Extè Man by J'S Extè

    Deep, dark and robust patchouli, vanilla and woods. The opening is a tad green and floral but the drydown is long and pronounced with the aforementioned notes. Very strong.
    19 July 2009

    Dolce Riso by Calé

    Creamy and sweet. Very rich tonka and vanilla base. Dolce Riso is a wonderful if yet fleeting scent.
    19 July 2009

    Deep Forest by Bogner

    This is a pleasant scent. Powdery yet sweet and subtle herbs and mosses. Very green and warming. Great woody drydown.
    19 July 2009

    Carré d'As by Parfums de Nicolaï

    Opens up nice and citrusy but heads down the usual lane of cleanness like Dolce & Gabbana pour Homme with a touch of leather. Don't need to repeat this.
    19 July 2009

    Baladin by Parfums de Nicolaï

    It's classy but familiar. Soapy clean like D&G pour Homme and a touch of leather. Versatile and you can wear it anytime.
    17 July 2009

    Antonio by Antonio Banderas

    Woody and sweet. Heavy amber/sweet musk and doses of sandalwood and various subdued woods (for example: fir, bamboo or cashmere woods). At first I thought this smelled like very sweet tobacco, but it's a sweet woody amber scent. I like it.
    16 July 2009

    Borsalino by Borsalino

    Sharp, biting citrus and herbs. Lots of herbs. So much in fact that I get a little sneezy from it. At its heart it is a leather and oakmoss scent. An ok scent to me since its definitely not my style.
    15 July 2009

    Adolfo Dominguez by Adolfo Dominguez

    After the initial "sweaty" herbal and citrus top, dries down into a melony sandalwood and cedar woods base.
    14 July 2009

    Takis by Farmacia SS. Annunziata

    I really like how deep, dark and woody this seemingly linear vanilla is. All the other notes take a backseat on my skin and I get such a rich, dark woody vanilla that all the other notes that are listed here are irrelevant. I like it because it's the kind of vanilla I like: woody, second to vanilla combined with incense.
    13 July 2009

    Racer by Pacoma

    This odd little number opens with a... odd accord. It's chemically harsh and difficult (for me) to gather what's going on. After it settles in a few minutes, it became a very pleasant and light woodsy patchouli at the heart. Dries down in an hour or so into a aura of light cedarwood. Very nice right there. Absolutely horrid longevity. I mean, it's not just because I can't smell it anymore due to olfactory fatigue or I'm being way too judgmental, it's because after 3 hours, poof, nothing. Even on clothing. This gets points for being a solid, yet light woodsy patchouli. Kinda like Gucci pour Homme light with an herbal patchouli added.
    08 July 2009

    TBA by True Religion

    This seems to be the placeholder for the new fragrance for men that comes in a half anf half bottle where the top half is seuded and the bottom half is sort of a rustic metal.

    To me this is a culmination of every modern men's fragrance ever made since Cool Water in 1998. Cool Water plus Acqua di Gio. Somewhat an aromatic fougere in structure and also an acqatic floral. I has the same features and smells like the Acqua di Gio clones most notably like Halston Unbound (powdery version) and Perry Ellis 360 Red (spicier version). But True Religion is also Cool Water but more of the green herbal fern that makes a fougere a fougere.

    So after all that... it's relatively boring. Redeeming aspect is the opening of a decent melon and the bottle. The drydown feels a little watery peppery. The "true" thing here is that Acqua di Gio and Cool Water, even if they are the first, smell and feel much better to wear.
    06 July 2009

    Amouage Silver Cologne by Amouage

    Fantastic citrus opening but it all goes downhill from there. The woody florals at the heart reminds me of Paco Rabanne pour Homme and feels like the cologne should shift into an oakmossy base. Instead it shifts into a plethora of other commonly used basenotes instead of a good, solid oakmoss. Here we have a dominant patchouli going at it with the florals and a breezy sandalwood. This gives a strange allusion of an oakmoss base and really confuses the wearer if they are used to more traditional perfumes like myself. A hefty price tag for something that needs getting used to... I think I'll pass, especially after trying it 4 or 5 times in different ways. The last downside is that it does not last long at all.
    05 July 2009

    U Para El by Adolfo Dominguez

    To me, this a lot like ck One but with a more green, fruity bottom accord. It's fresh and clear, however, doesn't seem to last long on my skin. Good for a daily use cologne.
    02 July 2009

    Adlon Homme by Berlin Cosmetics

    This is a spicy, powdery, oakmossy treat. It is so harsh and abrasive at first that one wonders if you need to wash it off. During the day, it's oakmoss extraordinaire and two sprays really feels like too much. As it dries down, it softens up. After a long day, you get spices for the drydown. A very subtle spicy version of B*Men's drydown minus patchouli. It's one that needs to grow on you.
    30 June 2009

    Ambra Nera by Farmacia SS. Annunziata

    Smooth rounded amber. Loads of vanilla but not overly sweet. Okay, yes it's very sweet but not to the point of death by vanilla. Wanes and dries down into a faint glimmer and sticks with you. Soft and gentle like a breeze full of vanilla scent in the fall.
    24 June 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Series 3 Incense: Zagorsk by Comme des Garçons

    All the melancholy, ambiance and starkness of a church and a hospital in a fragrance.
    24 June 2009

    Pino Fifty by Silvestre

    Headshop herbal patchouli bomb! Then dries down into a woody patchouli, nice and smooth. But the opening is very harsh but I like it. Reminded me of a lighter B*Men or Animale Temptation. Though I wouldn't wear it everyday.
    24 June 2009

    Nautica Oceans by Nautica

    As far as aquatics go, I really like them. Oceans is not for me at all. I get the most boring aquatic yet and it just pushes the dislike for this fragrance family even farther than ever. Soapy and mildly fresh, reminds me of a very weak Geir Ness with out the sweetness. Erg.
    23 June 2009

    90210 Feel Sexy Him by Beverly Hills 90210

    Whoa. A rather complex fragrance out of nowhere. Herbal, medicinal and tobacco-like patchouli (not quite headshop patchouli but it's not natural smelling patchouli and feels more like a cheap cigar) is what the fragrance gets down to. In the opening you get green and herbs. Lots of them in fact that it drowns out the patchouli base that's rather dominant in the later stages. And then you get patchouli and the end! If you like cigars and patchouli this would be a surprising fragrance for you!
    22 June 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Series 3 Incense: Jaisalmer by Comme des Garçons

    Minty incense? That's what I get. Smokey and cool. Fresh and woody. Not bad.
    21 June 2009

    1920 Extreme by Bois 1920

    Amazing stuff. Boozy and bitter. Green bitterness. And it changes a lot. Sometimes it's sweet, or herbal or boozy. And sometimes a patchouli note. Interesting.
    21 June 2009

    Sutra Ylang by Bois 1920

    I feel that this is oriental in nature. A little bit green with woody amber and herbs. Feels like a fuller Obsession for Men with a touch of Pino Silvestre (without pine notes) but not as heavy. Very pleasing and suitable for cool weather.
    21 June 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Luxe: Patchouli by Comme des Garçons

    Thick tar like patchouli. Herbal and far from the headshop patchouli however still makes you think of that style of patchouli. Long lasting. Too rich for my blood in both price and scent.
    21 June 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Series 3 Incense: Ouarzazate by Comme des Garçons

    Whoa someone put a woody incense in a bottle of Mugler Cologne.
    21 June 2009

    Jade by Olivier Durbano

    I smell a deep, dark twisted tea and tar. Very unusual and smells medicinal. I'm not discounting the scent because of that but I know I don't like the heavy tea in this. I can't be too eloquent on this.
    21 June 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Series 1 Leaves: Lily by Comme des Garçons

    No way can I give such a lovely scent any bad criticism. An airy, green lily with a little bit of pepper. Very nice!
    21 June 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Guerrilla 2 by Comme des Garçons

    Also I get is a rosy berry and very perfumey scent. Nothing very amazing or outstanding. In fact, it's a generic feminine fruity floral.
    21 June 2009

    Lucifer No. 1 by Damien Bash

    Thick ambery. Heavy rose. Unquestionably oriental. Possibly for those who are fans of aouds. Not me. Too much for my tastes.
    21 June 2009

    Vétiver by Creed

    Refreshing vetiver and is a conglomerate of everything masculine. It's still slightly grassy and has a fruity citrus vibe to it. Also a little creamy. Then it gets mineralic and boring but it was nice when the top lasted.
    20 June 2009

    90210 Energy for Men by Beverly Hills 90210

    I wore this on a dreary day, hoping the Energy moniker would give me a pick me up. Guess not. There is no vibrantcy or energy whatsoever. Just a dull sandalwood note.

    I will quote John Cleese from Monty Python to describe this scent: "Our experts describe you as an appallingly dull fellow, unimaginative, timid, lacking in initiative, spineless, easily dominated, no sense of humour, tedious company and irrepressibly drab and awful."
    18 June 2009

    L'Eau du Tailleur by Maître Tailleurs

    I love these L'eau d* something others. They're all the same with very subtle differences. This one is quite natural smelling of citrus and woods. Spicy and light, great summer wear for a pickmeup. Very classy and modern.
    17 June 2009

    Bulgari Aqua pour Homme by Bulgari

    Decent fresh aquatic. Nothing special other than the fact that it's the aquatic that aquatic haters love to love.
    16 June 2009

    Babor for Men by Babor

    Babor is a skin care company so, like fragrances from L'Occitaine, Bath and Body Works, Yves Rocher, Zirh, and The Body Shop, I didn't expect too much "wow" from Babor for Men. Babor starts off with a minty citrus but it's not a chemical blast, more like a puff. Leaves a lightly spiced woody base. Pleasant scent and feels like a lighter Lacoste Booster (minus Booster's anise). I wouldn't mind receiving Babor products as a gift but I would go out and buy the fragrance. Unless you really like mint and citrus and have to complete a collection.
    16 June 2009

    Acqua Azzurra For Men by Gianfranco Ferré

    While there is a huge dose of the aquatic chemical calone (the so called wave accord), this is a very mature aquatic. The calone is very prominent but the other notes floating around make for a nicer smelling aquatic than most. Very floral at the heart and if the base was more vanilla or patchouli I'd swear this was a fresh floral instead, maybe something like Nautica Voyage. There's no denying the fact that calone aquatics are nothing new, Ferre AA is a different take on the matter... that is if you like aquatics in the first place. Overall, one of those scents to refresh yourself with which I reach for every now and then.
    16 June 2009

    La Nuit De L'Homme by Yves Saint Laurent

    I don't remember the original all hat much aside from the fact I liked the bittersweet tonka bean. This seems to have a similar top but the base is cedarwoods and a woody grass. The cardamom sticks around for a while giving Nuit a darker overtone but towards the drydown everything lightens up with cedarwoods dominating. No bad. A little too subtle for that "night Out" kinda thing. F pour Homme Black, which is somewhat similar, does a "night out style flanker to the original" thing much better taking the original and making it the same but darker and giving it a passionate zing. La Nuit does not totally fail since it's not a bad scent (since I like cedar) but it falls a little short coming in fifth place in a ten racer race.
    15 June 2009

    Only The Brave by Diesel

    Well, from what I got I liked it. A fresh, sweet amber and cedarwood. It felt so generic. I tested this out quite a few times. Nothing as groundbreaking as the uber-tacky bottle. I have a bottle of Chopard Homme and it's fresher but has that same cedarwood and musk/amber base that's in like everything that's new. So in all, I like it but it's the same ol' same ol' fresh n' sweet junk that's already out there.
    15 June 2009

    Biagiotti Due Uomo by Laura Biagiotti

    A fresh oriental. Wait, what? This feels heavy yet light. So light I can barely smell the darn stuff after a while. Like an hour tops. Has accords ofincense, but a fresher woodsy incense and spices and herbs, except fresher and spicier herbs and spice. Also a tonka bean like base probably listed as patchouli and vetiver. But so darned light. I even wore this in 80 degree weather and it just didn't turn on at all. Perhaps good when you need something subtle and light but I gotta have something that holds my interest for even a minute.
    15 June 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Series 1 Leaves: Calamus by Comme des Garçons

    The perfume of the sweet flag grass leaf written about in Walt Witman's Leaves of Grass collections. It is a green floral milky fragrance that would be great if you were surrounded by nature out in the middle of nowhere with just the grass and reeds buzzing in the wind. It's a nice smell.
    13 June 2009

    Xpec Original by Xpec

    A floral chypre... for men? Yeah yeah florals are for women; marketing I say! But that doesn't make a floral chypre directed towards men any less surprising. I really like this opening. It smells more like aldehydes rather than straight tuberose and spices. The drydown is a very formal smelling oakmoss. I'd feel very out of place if I wore this to anything else other than a suit and tie event. Great stuff but is probably an acquired taste.
    12 June 2009

    Oriental Lumpur by Les Néréides

    Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

    This stuff is DRY SPICES.

    Ever move into a pre-owned home? Upon moving day you open up all the drawer and cupboards in the kitchen and without a doubt, you know which drawer was the spice drawer. It's too bad I don't have a pleasant memory of cooking spices. I do cook but spices in a fragrance like this should be left for cooking. Ugh.

    Or if you've ever been in someone's home that smells exactly like what they cook everyday...

    Ginger seems dominant here. Reminded me of Gucci Envy for Men but without the formal suit and tie powdery accord.
    11 June 2009

    L'Etre Aime Homme by Divine

    Spices/herbs and foody and felt like I spilt my mother's chicken soup on myself. Other than the top notes, nothing else is interesting about this. Typical woody amber found in most designer scents. Don't like it.
    10 June 2009

    Alegria Hombre by Adolfo Dominguez

    Fresh? Check. Uhhhh, I suppose that's that. Alegria is close to the word "allegro" which means fast and that's the gist of the fragrance. I own Angel Schlesser and agree with the comparison. Schlesser lasts a heck of a lot longer. Plus it's a little like the infamous aquatic Acqua di Gio but without the cologny feel.

    Aquatic fresh spices. I usually give fresh stuff a fighting chance but some part of this feels weak. But humble. It's good but I wouldn't get myself a bottle.
    09 June 2009

    Flowing Man by Puma

    Well, it's Puma, what do you expect, Comme des Garcons' avant-garde approach with the craftsmanship of Guerlain and the richness of a Serge Lutens'? Adidas, Lacoste... give these guys a break. They're sports colognes. After a sweaty tennis match I sure as heck want to spray myself with a heavy oriental like Shalimar! Yes indeedy! *sarcasm!*

    Perfectly simple smell. A huge "duh" to say it's highly synthetic. It opens with a crisp greenish citrus and has the base of a very small clean woody patchouli and musk. An herbs and spices accord in the middle which is really enjoyable, mixes with the woody drydown and, wait for it.... flows right into the rest of the drydown. Not bad.
    09 June 2009

    Citrus Bigarrade by Creed

    Eh, nice citrus. Good for a refreshing burst but that's it. Great in the heat of course.
    08 June 2009

    Joop! Thrill Men by Joop!

    Sweet and spicy sandalwood. Very simple. I don't get any fruits in this. Oddly doesn't last long for a Joop! fragrance. This like like Angel Men's B*Men is to the original Joop! Homme.
    08 June 2009

    Storm by Neil Morris Fragrances

    I'd say it's a fresh fruity floriental. Nice and unique but doesn't hold my interest. If I wanted to describe this scent with imagery using the name, a tropical sea breeze just before a rain shower.
    07 June 2009

    Hyle by Farmacia SS. Annunziata

    A squeaky clean musk that feels aquatic but with more depth. Not "fresh" and lasts a long while, too. Spices and peppery notes are subdued and wedged inside the musk and airy accords making for a wonderful blended perfume.
    07 June 2009

    Aigner Black for Men by Etienne Aigner

    I suppose I'm not a fan of this. I had wanted to try all of Aigner's scents, Black was my first choice in first to sample. Very sweet opening. Reminded me of the smoothness of Armand Basi Homme (black and white rectangular bottle). But for some reason I cannot smell if anymore after a while. And it doesn't even creep up on you and it's not due to overapplying. I like the sweet soft leather in this but I will stick with others for longevity and potency. Good if you need something more subtle for a few hours, otherwise, I'm not too eager to go and get myself a bottle no matter how much of a fan of Aigner I am.
    06 June 2009

    High... for Men by Patrick Cox

    Neat. It's an airy aquatic and smells very generic. However, it's one endearing quality is taht it feels open. Probably how it got the name "high". Other than that, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between this and other aquatics.
    06 June 2009

    Lalique pour Homme Blue / Faune by Lalique

    Yup, Allure Homme was the first thing I though of along with the other reviewers. Allure lasts longer and has a more ppery note. If you did not like Allure this might be a better alternative. I find this lacking in fullness and overall feeling. A woodsy, amber and spicy drydown is Faune... but Allure has a great tonka bean accord that makes Allure better in my book.
    06 June 2009

    Centaures Cuir Casaque by Pierre Cardin

    Extremely powerful leather with a fizzy powderiness. Like a very strong soap made from tanning liquids. There's a line from a song that I forget the name of that goes "aging black leather" and Cuir Casaque reminds me of that line. If you like the strong and powdery type of leather, here it is!
    06 June 2009

    TL pour Lui by Ted Lapidus

    Rich warm woodsy oriental. Excellent cedarwoods much like Gucci pour Homme. Long lasting yet subtle. Elegant and casual masculine scent.
    06 June 2009

    Rodier pour Homme by Rodier

    No power, yes, but it makes up for being a wonderful smell. An aromatic fougere with musk. Subtle and perfect of the office.
    06 June 2009

    Nino Cerruti by Cerruti

    Fresh clean herbs and green notes. Been looking for it to sample since all the rave reviews made it compelling. Well, I rather like Cerruti's modern offerings. 1881 is somewhat in the same realm as this original men's scent. Subtle florals in the heart. Inoffensive but for some reason, I can't see the appeal for this discontinued fragrance.
    06 June 2009

    Oud Cuir D'Arabie by Montale

    Yeah, try before you buy. Oud fans would like this. Leather fans would like this. Rose? Yeah, Montale NEVER has a fragrance without a rose. Too dry. Too bitter. Too bleak. Not an enjoyable fragrance. Not because I'm more of a fan of "fresher" scents that make you feel good this is just something to not wear. To me, the overall effect is "rusty old car".
    06 June 2009

    Agua de Sandalo by Adolfo Dominguez

    Clean, wet sandalwood that feels a little sweet and peppery. A little flowery. A nice fragrance but doesn't hold my interest for very long.
    06 June 2009

    Ninety.SIX by Cinch

    Fresher and more youthful than Cinch Classic, 96 feels much more crisp and cooler but retains the standby musk note. Woodsy citrus accords dominate with the musks. Very interesting and a nice change of pace fragrance.
    05 June 2009

    Cinch Classic by Cinch

    Here's a blurb from the Cinch website: "The Cinch brand launched in 1996 as a premium quality jean and shirt brand for the western male consumer." From what I can figure, they are based in Colorado.

    Cinch's fragrances are produced and distributed by the Illinois based company Romane.

    The above is probably why I felt like I was putting on something extremely familiar when I tested Classic. I recently tested out a number of Romane's colognes and they all have a similar musk accord. I was racking my brain about it until I looked at the back of the box and "Distributed by Romane" yelled at me.

    Cinch Classic is nothing BUT that Romane musk accord. The website claims to have woods but it's nothing but that musk accord! It's very harsh at first but it dries down into an "aura" of the fragrance and lingers about. Very similar to Dakota by Romane. I reluctantly like this since it's dirty fun and the imagery of being a yeehaw ride'em cowboy for a day is interesting.

    I went out of my way to try this and I say it was sorta of worth it. Curiosity got the best of me. The bottle was very expensive and is most likely due to the fact that the Cinch brand is on it. If it was directly from Romane, I bet a bottle would only be $20.
    05 June 2009

    Exclusive by Ronald Esper

    This stuff makes me feel great! Good smell. Exotic fruits but doesn't smell like a fruit stand. Drydown is a mix of tonka bean, musk and cedarwood accords. Fantastic!
    04 June 2009

    Ambre Fétiche by Annick Goutal

    The most interesting amber I've ever smelled! I really like ck Obsession and after smelling Ambre Fetiche, Obsession is like water. So powdery, so spicy, so... ambery! Brazen at first and you can smell the unique "salty" accords that I get from almost all of Goutal's frags. This stuff lasted for over 12 hours. It's still on my shirt the next day. Really rich and good stuff. Wear it liberally in the heat of summer! (just kidding)
    04 June 2009

    Blue Stratos by Parfums Bleu

    I was all ready to come here and simply say "British Old Spice" for this greatstuff... only to find out that it was originally made by Shulton. I have some of the aftershave which is a liquid not a gel/balm. I prefer balms but this liquid seems to be a lotion of sorts and does not dry this skin. It smells wonderful: lemony Old Spice, a light oriental. And very "manly" as the girls say.
    03 June 2009

    Pharos by Alain Delon

    Fruity and chemical in the way that Hugo Boss does all their stuff. Calvein Klein's Escape meets Hugo. Ugh.
    02 June 2009

    Ultimo by Romane

    Le Male clone complete with the annoying lavender.
    01 June 2009

    Ybris by Farmacia SS. Annunziata

    What an odd fruity tea... it's sweet and fruity. It's dark and fruity. It's fruity. Dang. It's also quite strange. Has a slight edge to it that turns me off slightly. Otherwise a finely made scent.
    31 May 2009

    Kama by Farmacia SS. Annunziata

    Rose and musk. And then just musk. And a little patchouli. There's not much to this scent and it's not as interesting as the others from this house. It's a very rich and good musky note, I will give it that much.
    31 May 2009

    Aurora by Farmacia SS. Annunziata

    Ah, this must be the "overly spicy it's a little annoying" scent from this house. Ginger and cinnamon combined with a light pepper and nutmeg make for a "Christmas pinecones" accord. The overall effect is peppermint potpourri. It's not heavy so it makes for a good and wearable perfume however it's not my style.
    31 May 2009

    Regina by Farmacia SS. Annunziata

    None of these notes listed stand out but that doesn't make Regina less interesting. Excellent "blend" since you can pick out the notes you want. Rose mixes with iris. Or you can make the iris mix with the ylang-ylang. Honey? Yeah, goes with everything and it's not overdone. Only one listed here that's a little enigmatic is the rice note. What does rice smell like? I've often wondered if a rice accord in a fragrance is an interpretation of cooked rice, rice paper, rice wine (aka sake) or the huge rice fields in Asia. None the less, this is another great offering from this house. In my opinion, will work great for women but would suit gentlemen well who wear rose scents with ease.
    31 May 2009

    Perla by Farmacia SS. Annunziata

    An elegant sweet ambery vanilla. Has touches of a ylang-ylang or neroli like accord (sometimes it smells overripe banna and sometimes it's orange blossoms). Very much like current designer scent offerings in the "sweet floral candy" realm of things along the lines of Nina and Viva la Juicy (not as woodsy). Perla does it a little better by using somewhat more "natural" feeling ingredients. Bright and cheerful and very decent.
    31 May 2009

    Guess Men (original) by Guess

    Hmmm I swear I reviewed this one before. I remember liking it but now I do not as much. Oddly "dirty" herbalness and citrus. It feels like a fragrance from long ago but it's only from 1991. Weird that it was discontinued. Probably bad sales. There are plenty of samples floating around eBay and various online fragrance stores if you are into trying out discontinued stuff. I've seen full bottles go for up to a hundred dollars.
    30 May 2009

    Intrigant Patchouli 08 by Parfumerie Generale

    If you like patchouli you do need to try it. Smooth amber patchouli. Very strong but not overpowering. It's almost a straight up patchouli but is a little sweet. Crazy stuff. There are attempts of spices, vanilla and other typical Parfumerie Generale accords to soften the patchouli but they are just background noise and the patchouli remains.
    30 May 2009

    parfums*PARFUMS Guerrilla 1 by Comme des Garçons

    If you've ever been in a greenhouse in spring where the flowers, herbs, plants and various grasses are in full bloom, then you've smelled the essence of Guerrilla 1. Heartfully floral but it's the aroma of flowers and their leaves indicating they are ready for pollenization. I worry a bee might try to pollenate me if I wore this!
    30 May 2009

    Cravache by Robert Piguet

    Reviewing the reissue. Classic EdC style with a more floral heart and a great and pleasant mix of herbs and citrus. Inoffensive but formal. Very nice.
    30 May 2009

    Fireside Intense by Sonoma Scent Studio

    I had a brief and pleasant exchange with the perfumer and she said that this is more animalic than Fireside. It's a little stronger, much more musky and smells more of burning wood in a campfire. Except this time, you are outside in the dessert with the scent of coyotes and wildlife around you. The perfumer knows what she is doing but you gotta like her style. Well conceived scent and probably suited for those who love the animalic family of fragrances. If I had to choose a time to wear this, it would be for intimate situations in late fall. Smells perfect for that time of year.
    30 May 2009

    Labdanum 18 / Ciste 18 by Le Labo

    Musky butter? Well, Le Labo is famous for producing perfumes that only slightly resemble the names they give them. It's a mix of powderiness, sweetness, pepper, musk... very strange and in the league of oriental perfumes suited for the ladies. Decent.
    30 May 2009

    Armani Privé Vétiver Babylone by Giorgio Armani

    Fresh and light lemony vetiver. In fact, I don't think there is much vetiver in this but it's still has that "green" quality that a vetiver scent has especially towards the drydown. But this is where something else overtakes the vetiver. The name might be deceiving for those looking for a hard-edged vetiver scent but this is a nice, rounded lemon and green scent. My guess is that Armani wanted this "Prive" because the mainstream market probably couldn't handle something a little different on the deptartment store shelves. Too bad for the public.
    30 May 2009

    Agrumi Amaria di Sicilia by Bois 1920

    These notes don't lie. Bitter citrus (grapefruit) and a hint of berries. Light woods in the base and an overall floral effect permeates. Wholly and unmistakably Italian in flavor and style. Great refreshing scent.
    30 May 2009

    Chancellor by Romane

    Immitative... it's Cool Water... which is like Eternity... but it's not as green so it's like Cool Water... but it's not as good...
    29 May 2009

    Steel Spur by Romane

    Instead of a top to bottom scent, this feels like a complete mix of everything all at once. Florals and a musk are very prevalent here and makes Steel Spur a little animalic. Herbs, citruses, woods... I think everything's in here except incense or smokey notes. Good thing this isn't strong because I think my head would be spinning! It does have a slight drydown and a vetiver/musk sits on the skin. By the way, this all happens in 2-3 hours. Smells OK.
    28 May 2009

    Shogun by Alain Delon

    Acqua di Gio -> Mugler Cologne. That's what the evolution reminds me of. Opening is a fresh, sweet citrus. A little more lively than good ol' AdG. The drydown, which I'm enjoying even as I type this, is a slightly steam clean style vetiver and sandalwood like Mugler Cologne. Actually, it's more like Paul Smith Story minus a bitter accord. Also, a little goes a long way with this. I overapplied this and sneezed all day, but just a few sprays and no sneezing!
    27 May 2009

    Carbon by rue21

    At first, I thought this was some kind of weird Dior Homme knockoff with a lot of freshness thrown in. It is most definitely not. It's different but underdone and needs more to hold my attention. Carbon is a fresh MINERAL smell. Mineral in the way that the Comme des Garcons perfumes are like... only a hell of a lot more fresh. Damn this freshness! For the kids maybe? Maybe a few pumice stones decided to take a bath?
    26 May 2009

    Alain Delon Pour Homme by Alain Delon

    I don't get anything in the opening at all. It feels all very weak. Though in the drydown the scent is more prevalent. The drydown switches between a really odd squeaky clean soapy sandalwood and a vetiver. I like quieter scents but this one whispers and mumbles its intentions.
    26 May 2009

    Black by rue21

    Very fresh. Very, very fresh. Clean sweet woods. It's a great scent for a different take on other stuff "for the kids" however there is absolutely NO lasting power on this. I've tried numerous times to get this to even give off a little sillage or even hold in the fabric of my shirt.... no luck. BUT it is indeed a very nice refreshing sweet woody scent.... there's just nothing to it.
    25 May 2009

    Dakota by Romane

    Other Romane fragrances held my interest long enough to fully review them. Dakota does not. What I did get out of it was a fresh and green cologne. Nothing more. It was very crisp in the top and I was looking forward to the rest of the drydown. There was, however, none to talk about. Boring. Look at other fragrances from this company if you're looking for something a little more than just a "smell".
    23 May 2009

    Old West by Romane

    Musky, musky, musky! But in a light way. A strange way of queitly saying yee-haw. The official site says "laurel, lavender, bergamot, and sage combine with the bottom notes of oakmoss, frankincense, and musk". I smell mostly the oakmoss and musk and a touch of the lavender or something green and herbal. The oakmoss note here has the same quality and feel as Wilderness. It's cheap too but it cologne strength. Lingers around and is a good comfort scent if you like a light musk.
    22 May 2009

    LP No.9 for Men by Penhaligon's

    A spicy oriental fragrance with vanilla and patchouli in the base. The clove in this really kicks.

    Is Opium pour Homme too strong for you? Try LP no. 9.

    Is LP no. 9 too costly for you? Seek out a bottle of Everlast Original 1910. It's about ten bucks.
    22 May 2009

    L'Eau D'Issey pour Homme Summer 2006 by Issey Miyake

    There's a skunky feeling to this that I just can't shake off. I do not like it however I recognize the fact that it's a lighter version of the original (in which I'm still figuring out why it's high on people's favorites lists).
    22 May 2009

    Impérial Opoponax by Les Néréides

    Sweet, powdery woods. Amazingly classy. Amazingly good. Amazingly nice in all the ways possible. It's strong but not cloying.
    22 May 2009

    Vanisia by Creed

    Spicy oriental floral however seems very weak for something in this genre. It's a little like Midnight Poison's rose on a sandalwood base.
    22 May 2009

    Pino Silvestre by Silvestre

    A smokey pine woods. Cheap and effective. Strong as heck!
    22 May 2009

    Sergio Soldano for Men (Black) by Sergio Soldano

    I dare say this is Chanel no. 5 FOR MEN (minus the baby powder accord). Sparkly bergamot, spicy floral heart and a wonderful citrusy patchouli. This is reminscent of other "stinkers" however this feels more together then the others I remember smelling. I really like this stuff for being so sparkly.
    22 May 2009

    In The Library by CB I Hate Perfume

    Sweet parchment paper. Being in a library is more than just the smell, it's the feeling of overwhelming information and finding a private corner to read in. The scent here doesn't envelope you as the atmosphere in a library would. This should be a much larger scent then it currently is.
    22 May 2009

    Cedro by Campos de Ibiza

    It's a green herbal spiciness to it and a bit of citrus. The mix of spices and the base cedar gives me the illusion of violet leaf like in Fahrenheit but spicier.
    22 May 2009

    Bois Farine by L'Artisan Parfumeur

    Whoa. Now woodsy fragrances I like but this just not sit well with me. Nice woods but the iris heart smells like flour.
    22 May 2009

    90210 Just Sexy Him by Beverly Hills 90210

    Peppery florals and a spicy, musky patchouli. I think someone mixed Allure Homme with B*Men! Actually quite decent and is a sexy "skin scent", staying close to you. Cheap and nice.
    22 May 2009

    Stefano Ricci by Stefano Ricci

    This is one of those "I've smelled this before" type of scents. It's a combination of Hugo's lavender, Allure's tonka bean and Lacoste pour Homme's sweet rum notes. Woods, musks and a light bergamot. This stuff is very light and great for a simple office scent. Good thing I got a sample. I have no idea how much this stuff actually costs!
    21 May 2009

    Burning Leaves by CB I Hate Perfume

    In my prison cell I bide my time,
    Always thinking,
    Always busy cooking up an angle,
    Working on the tiny blueprint of the angle,
    Sketching out the burning autumn leaves.

    No one understands.
    No one knows my plan.
    Why the dancing, shouting?
    Why the shrieks of pain?
    The lovely music...
    Why the smell of burning autumn leaves?
    20 May 2009

    Daddy Yankee by Daddy Yankee

    Daddy Yankee starts off very fruity and "generic fresh". The generic freshness, most likely a heavy dose of calone, perpetuates amicably throughout the life of the fragrance. The drydown is an unexpected cedar woods and suede. So, Daddy Yankee starts of fresh and vibrant and evolves into a droning yet pleasant fragrance. Overall, very light. Pleasant when you just want a scent on you. As far as celebrity fragrances go, this one doesn't take home any awards but caught my attention as being better than expected.
    20 May 2009

    FCUK Connect Him by French Connection

    Amber woody. Very generic but not totally a "scrubber" but not totally "good". Nice and light slightly sweet woody fragrance.
    19 May 2009

    Z Zegna Extreme by Ermenegildo Zegna

    Strong. Dominant note is rose and it's a very herbal rose. The original Z Zegna is a citrusy herbal scent and this is the same, turned up and rose added. The vetiver and patchouli notes are also stronger but the herbal rose is all but nothing in this. Also, oddly, Dior's Midnight Poison's rose and patchouli dominant scent is very, very similar. This is very strong!
    19 May 2009

    Pino Blue by Silvestre

    Odd that I find a "sporty" floral scent for men from Pino. Bitter citrus on top (almost piney like the original Pino), floral heart, and transparent woods underneath. I was looking from something "new" and unknown in a discount shop and seeing and passing up other well known designer stuff, I saw this for $20 and asked to try. I immediately purchased as I like sharp aquatic scents. Pino Blue was different enough to purchase.
    19 May 2009

    IZOD by IZOD

    Yet another citrus-marine scent from a clothing designer along the lines of Nautica, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and other sporty designers. Bitter grapefruit amd cucumber notes that make the opening fizzy. A clean note at the heart, which smells like dryer sheets, softens the sharp top notes and smoothly transitions into a lavender and incense. Kinda bizarre, actually. Warning, the sprayer isn't well made and pops off rather easily. I recommend to keep the cap off. I read that a women's version was to come about but the company Gemini cut off all connections to IZOD (and Van Heusen) and immediately ceased all sales which is why, even at the higher-end department stores, you saw this on discount (which is how I bought it). A major commercial flop due to bad business but I actually like this fragrance.
    19 May 2009

    Cool Water Freeze Me by Davidoff

    I'm a huge fan of the Cool Water series. and I feel like this is a rip off. Coty's Avatar with the Cool Water drydown to stick in your fridge. For the most part I like the Cool Water variants but this gimmick is just plain silly.
    19 May 2009

    Exceptional Because You Are for Men by Exceptional

    Quite ordinary but that doesn't make it bad. Creamy spices, reminds me of 212 Men plus a little of Ferrari Black. Oakmoss, spices, musk. Fresh, slightly aquatic and clean. Fleeting. I'd rather wear the women's! I've used this off and on since I first started ordering from FragranceNet.com. I've been using it as a room freshener. Going through some other samples I found a mini of the new Love and Luck from Ed Hardy. It smells very, very similar to Exceptional but much stronger and has more of a presence. It was the oddest thing.
    19 May 2009

    Chukkers by U.S. Polo Ass'n

    Very odd that this reminds me highly of Kouros Sport Cologne. Musky, oakmossy and "sporty" with strength. Interesting in the curious way. There are a lot of samples floating around for a couple of cents but no bottles.
    19 May 2009

    Fyor Homme by Fyor

    A disturbingly pale chypre. The opening is that of a typical men's perfume from the 80's but very, very, very weak and watered down. No thnaks.
    19 May 2009

    Mandalay Bay Blue for Men by Vapro International

    The smell of a pleasant hotel room on the seaside. Fruity, and breezey. Not a perfume to wear but a nice room spray. It took me back to the time when I visited Hawai'i as a teenager. A great memory.
    19 May 2009

    Jil Sander Man by Jil Sander

    Amazing. A bit smokey. Smokey and sweet. Smokey and sweet cedarwood. I could compare this to Ungaro Apparition Homme Intense but Jil Sander Man is in a league of its own. Great!
    19 May 2009

    Aigner pour Homme by Etienne Aigner

    A Cool Water flanker plus a leather note. Aigner pour Homme begins very sharp and cool with bitter citrus and mint. Dries down through herbs into an aromatic leathery fougere. I'm also reminded of Stardust by Llewellyn but there's no powderiness to this. Crisp, cool, and very mild leather with a touch of woods. Pleasant.
    18 May 2009

    GrigioPerla Attitude by La Perla

    Very small citrus and steam clean vetiver style scent like Mugler Cologne or Essenza di Zegna. Heck of a lot weaker than those so get them instead.
    18 May 2009

    Vetiver Eau de Cologne by Zara

    Zara makes a really good AND cheap (cost-wise) vetiver scent that eliminates the tobacco accord in Guierlain's Vetiver that a couple of people find so "old man" smelling and makes a youthful, more vibrant vetiver. There's more citrus in the top and it's not as complex but a darn well-made vetiver scent for that "go to" feeling when you have no idea what you need to wear to the day. Fantastic.
    18 May 2009

    Apparition Homme Intense by Ungaro

    Apparition Intense is a vetiver and licorice heavy fragrance with a black tea note. Intense is different from the regular Apparition in that it's not as synthetic and ugly smelling with the licorice wood note. In fact, the licorice is played down in Intense while other notes are given the spotlight. Good, because the licorice was really bad.

    Longevity? Yeah it's got that. I'm still enjoying it after four solid hours. Good, solid vetiver and woody drydown. Worth the $20 or so at the discounters.
    18 May 2009

    West Broadway by Bond No. 9

    This seems repugnant in the way that Cartier's Declaration is a little bit like body odor. Declaration didn't come across like that but West Broadway makes me reevaluate Declaration now. This mix of fruits and musks don't give me a good impression of a good perfume. A fruity musky wood that just doesn't sit well for me.
    18 May 2009

    Moschino pour Homme by Moschino

    Leathery moss! This is the end-all of "end-alls" of the masculine leather chypre family. It isn't as strong as other predecessors in the family abut it is the most stable. It's there, stays there and never waivers to far from its initial scent of lavender, oakmoss and leather and I find the bergamot really bitter here.. Smokey and herbal at times, the sillage is average. The mace note listed gave me some watery eyes but do not let that discourage you from enjoying a solid men's fragrance. I had the pleasure of sampling quite a few discontinued fragrances from the 80's and 90's and by far this is my favorite.
    17 May 2009

    Shalimar by Guerlain

    Absoultely beautiful. The EdP is a deeply woody vanilla with touches of animalic qualities. Best oriental style perfume made. The EdT is not very good and is nowhere near the amazingness of the EdP.
    17 May 2009

    Maserati by Italart

    Very linear like the pyramid indicates. Much like Drakkar Noir, this is pure oakmoss but it's not green or woody, just pure oakmoss. Not too strong and is quite pleasant. Good stuff.
    17 May 2009

    Gianfranco Ferré for Man by Gianfranco Ferré

    Citrusy, woody. Green and slightly powdery. Very strong especially in the heat but not too strong. Good lavender and floral heart. Refined and sophisticated.
    17 May 2009

    Aoud Damascus by Montale

    Yup, typical rose and oud. Rather weak considering the other offerings. I still don't like any of Montale's ouds yet.
    17 May 2009

    Attar by Montale

    Very wain sandalwood and roses. Weak yet ethereal. This is one oud I could enjoy but I don't think there's any oud in it at all. OK overall.
    17 May 2009

    12 by Jean Couturier

    Spicy, herbal, lots of bergamot on top. After a while it smells like a smoky carrot soup. This is the epitome of generic 80's scents.
    17 May 2009

    Ambre by L'Occitane

    Obsession for Men stripped down it the amber and it's quite good. Perfect for layering on other fragrances that need a bit of sweet, spicy and woodiness. Also wonderful to fall asleep to.
    17 May 2009

    Imperial Jade Emperor by Agatha Brown

    I spent as much time as I could with this trying to figure out if I like it or not. I do not. It's too creamy and sweet for me. It's oddly like Le Male's sweet vanilla and lavender accords minus the essential vanilla that holds Le Male together. Plus there's a lot more floral stuff going on in this which also reminds me of Fleur du Male's creamy florals. The black currant berry-esque note really sticks out and ruins the fragrance for me for an otherwise nice blend of woods and musks.
    16 May 2009

    Kolnisch Juchten by Parfums Regence

    Thick and rich dark, animalic, sticky leather, tar, patchouli and incense notes. This stuff is so butch it makes Robin William's chest hair look like Patrick Stewart's head. The list of ingredients would suggest that this would be overpowering but it's rather average in that aspect but average is a good thing when considering something so dark. Mazzolari Lui too much for you but need something equally as masculine? Try this supposed 300 year old formula.
    16 May 2009

    Polo Modern Reserve by Ralph Lauren

    Very nice. It's neat that the original perfumer was tapped to make a modern take on his old formula. Part of me thinks that this is the new formula and will phase out the Polo Classic. Very clever by Polo if that's the case because it smells very similar but definitely like a reformulation. As for Polo Crest clone... Modern Reserve seems more green and oakmossy than anything. Fresh aromatic leather and pine is what this is. After sampliong a few times I have decided that Modern Reserve is an awesome scent.
    16 May 2009

    Nasomatto Absinthe by Nasomatto

    Fuzzy wormwood. Reminds me of M7 Fresh minus the "Fruit Loops" accord (though that's really a stretch to even compare.) After a while, absinthe gets to smell musty like a wet basement after hard rain. good quality. Not so good wearability for me.
    15 May 2009

    Zizanie by Fragonard

    Very powdery and musky. Has an old world feel to it like what I'd imagine to be the scent of powdered wigs of elder statesmen.
    14 May 2009

    Armani Privé Bois d'Encens by Giorgio Armani

    Freshly milled pressure treated lumber... you know, those grey-ish looking wooden poles? They are doused in chemicals to make them more durable in the weather and against insects. The sawdust that is kicked back by cutting these releases a harsh, almost toxic cedar odor. I prefer woody scents even stuff like Hinoki and LesNez's Let Me Play the Lion but Bois d'Ences does not a pleasurable association. It is not a forest. It is not a beautiful log of wood. It is not the distant aroma of a lumber mill's sawdust. It is the smell of the machine in Fern Gully destroying the rainforest.
    13 May 2009

    Wilderness by Avon

    Oddly starts off harshly wooody-herbaceous like another fragrance of the same moniker from Romane. Dries down into an sweet mix of patchouli and musk... and then musk.... in two hours. It was okay.
    13 May 2009

    Thallium by Jacques Evard

    Very similar to Sculpture Homme by Nikos. Very fresh vanilla. Nice knock-off style fragrance for really cheap but doesn't smell cheap. Oddly nice for the price.
    12 May 2009

    Chocolate Greedy by Montale

    Chocolate powder mix! Like Hershey's or Ovaltine or soemthing that you put in milk to get chocolate milk. Smells like the powder. This stuff is teneacious and there are times that it seems like it wants to go elsewhere like into a dark floral territory or to a fruity woods but simply remains a chocolated vanilla bar. If it were richer and creamier I would find this delicious but wearing your dessert I'd go for something lighter liek Rochas Man, A*Men or Third Man.
    11 May 2009

    Full Speed by Avon

    Fresh and woody with a bit of an orange to it however it goes "full speed" into noting quickly. Avon is hit or miss. This is a miss.
    11 May 2009

    7:15 am in Bali by Kenzo

    Very interesting light scent. I think this was made for travelers and it's very, very apt for its intended use. Sweet and fruity on top and it dries down into a light and pleasantly light woody vanilla. Its lightness is to be expected from Japanese based house Kenzo. I really like it but I have Del Mar and its flankers to do the same job for me. Thumbs up nonetheless!
    11 May 2009

    Eau du Sud by Annick Goutal

    Citrusy and salty but a touch spicy with basil. Very refreshing verbena or peppermint note brings it all together. Fantastic to wear in spring. Very enjoyable.
    10 May 2009

    Shiloh by Hors Là Monde

    Woody and bittersweet. Citrusy floral in the opening. Quite a remarkable combination of accords from both Chanel no. 5 style aldehydes and classic chypre structures. The herbal textures with cedar really are pronounced on me and the airy sandalwood base is long and enduring. Part of me thinks that this is a spicier and woodier original L'Interdit. Very nice and I'd give it a thumbs up if the sandalwood wasn't do dull.
    08 May 2009

    Zipped Sports by Perfumer's Workshop

    Over ripe citruses on the top. The opening is just OK. However, it immediately takes on a disgustingly transparent woods and herbal texture close to an air freshener that's been in the car for years.
    07 May 2009

    Pal Zileri Sartoriale by Pal Zileri

    I am immediately reminded of two Gucci fragrances: pour Homme and Envy for Men. Very soft, woody drydown with touches of soft spices. Top note of bergamot is very nice and makes for a wonderful opening. Incensey a little bit which attributes to the woodiness. I really like it however I feel that there's a severe longevity problem but that doesn't hinder me into saying it has a lovely smell.
    07 May 2009

    Kiton Napoli by Kiton

    Fruity and creamy. But... the subtle peppery spice inside the cream makes this really nice. I've gotten "smells good!" comments on this and that's really saying something because I hardly ever get these sorts of comments. Burberry Brit is a good comparison but Napoli is less powdery and peppery and creamier. Good stuff for me!
    06 May 2009

    Artisan by John Varvatos

    Orangey, spicy, woody. I don't get the citrus blast (I've read it in a number of other reviews) but more of a smoother orange blossom/neroli type top opening. The middle is quite like Gucci Envy's ginger but not powdery and the drydown is a nice smooth spicy woods. JV wanted to make a lighter fragrance for warmer weather but it seems to fall short in that aspect as it still feels too heavy for such after the orange blossom dries off. Still a nice orangey gingerwoods.
    01 May 2009

    David Yurman Eau de Parfum by David Yurman

    This would be nice in a Glade air freshener.
    27 April 2009

    Un Jardin Après La Mousson by Hermès

    Calvin Kelin Man with added melon. Too green and feels very cold and "small" to wear.
    25 April 2009

    Chloé (original) by Chloé

    Playful mix of everything floral but it doesn't get too much. Bright and vibrant, Chloe makes for a youthful scent. Dominant florals are a fresh ylang-ylang, a dullish jasmine and standard rose. That all sounds boring but the mix is well made.
    24 April 2009

    Ysatis by Givenchy

    Takes a little getting used to, but it makes for a great, luxurious perfume. A sophisticated fruity oriental with musky and woody tones. Brilliant to wear back in the 80's, still brilliant to wear now.
    24 April 2009

    Brooklyn by Bond No. 9

    I liek the word "griity" here. It really described the scent. I think it's due to the geranium leaves plus some leather. I like the woody notes here. Makes it feel dry and gritty as well. But overall, I'm not for this scent. Unique, yes but I can't shake the feeling that it's familiar. I likened it to ck One when I first tried it but I knew that was wrong. Then I thought it was similar to Banana Republic Classic but that was brinier. The concept is the same: make a truly unisex scent with just enough edge to it to make people think it leans a tad feminine or masculine. Well it worked and it feels like it leans to the feminine side. Like a bad girl scent. Unisex frags usually share a few things in common like citrus and wood notes. I've worn this several times and cannot comes to llove it. It just feels all wrong on me.
    24 April 2009

    Burberry the Beat by Burberry

    Not only does this have a "soapy" top, but it's a plasticky soapy top note. Fades into a wet woods and non-abrasive florals coupled with a crisp fruity note I can't identify. Maybe that's it, this is a fruity iris and tea scent? The tea note feels vibrant instead of dulled like the Bulgari tea house note. Rather ho-hum in some aspects but would be good for a young gal in an office, I suppose. I can't tell if the model on the sample card is a girl or a really-good-at-hiding-their-gender drag queen.
    24 April 2009

    1881 pour Femme by Cerruti

    I can pick out the rose and musk most of all, possibly because I am most familiar with them. 1881 is very fresh and clean but with a "lightly scented laundry detergent" feel to it. Not that that notion is bad, mind you. Everyone loves to have fresh, clean sheets right out of the dryer. Instead of your skin, wear it on your clothes and1881 Femme will bolster your clean laundry into a vibrant freshness for the whole day.
    24 April 2009

    Jil Sander Style by Jil Sander

    A well put together floral woody fragrance. More woods than florals. The lighter white florals mix with the heavier florals to make for a soft, elegant floral accord. Even though there's no woods listed in the pyramid, it come across as a sweet floral woody fragrance. Lasts long, too. Would work for an office setting if it wasn't so strong. Guys, if you liked Dior Homme, you might like this.
    24 April 2009

    Dunhill Black by Alfred Dunhill

    I was excited for this release and was hoping it was "better" than Dunhill London (which was OK but probably the most horrible longevity of anything I've ever tried). When Black was released, being in the US, it took me a lot of searching to get a sample. Eventually I got a few official vials from a kind Basenoter who went to Harrods. Black was an exclusive there. A week after I got these samples I saw Black in a discount shop... already!

    So I was geared for a disappointment. How did Dunhill's newest stuff "fall off the truck" so quickly?

    I quite like it. It's yet another fresh masculine so be prepared for that. It's good in its own merits where this green nettle accord is very aquatic, green and herbal with a small white floral heart note. Black, the word, suggests dark and mysterious, or even something dirty. Dunhill Black is neither. It's rather quite upfront about what it is and being fresh it's clean and polished.

    Better than Dunhill London. Not surprising that Dunhill coughed Black out so quickly after London's release.

    Very casual and youthful. It's a reluctant thumbs up. It's quite nice but nothing groundbreaking.
    24 April 2009

    Chic by Carolina Herrera

    Goddamn. I liked this when I tested it at the fragrance counter. I took a sample home and now it just rotten. Smells like a shoe a day after you polished it.... that lingering shoe polish odor (like Kiwi brand) in combination with the faux leather of the shoe. Synthetic, cheap and smack of harsh herbs and florals.
    23 April 2009

    Vetiver by Carlo Corinto

    Soapy, and somewhat barbershop creamy vetiver. However, I can not get past the mothballs accord that puffs up once in a while. Grandama's backyard closet is not what I want to smell like. Good vetiver accord otherwise. I'd compare it to Escada pour Homme with more vetiver.
    23 April 2009

    Samouraï 47 by Alain Delon

    Doesn't last long and feels watered down. What I got was a boisterous opening of sweet woods and fruity notes but just dies after 2 hours. Still trying to figure out what 47 means in relation to the movie it's named after. I didn't get a bad sample either since I got it direct from the company.
    23 April 2009

    Labyrinthe Libertin by Le Prince Jardinier

    Lots of stuff going on here but overall it's a light citrus with a herbaceious and floral feeling to it and a tiny bit musky. It comes off as powdery but very, very, very light powder... more like a smooth wood. It's all very light and while it's a beautiful yet complex fragrance, longevity is a huge issue. Spray a little more than usual with this one. I really want to give it a thumbs up but lasting power took a turn for me.
    22 April 2009

    1 Million by Paco Rabanne

    On me, it's not cloying. It's not overly sweet. It's really nice. It's got a cedarwood drydown that's enjoyable. It's a long lasting fragrance. It is a tad flowery with a patchouli base but the sweet, ambered woods really are more pronounced on me. Paco's answer to Le Male or Rochas Man?
    21 April 2009

    8 88 by Comme des Garçons

    Watery peppery scent, smells like a nondescript washed "perfume" like any number of women's scents from the dollar store.. Weak and uninspired. Sharp, sour, metallic, green... all notes that don't say "love me". Dries down into a talcum powder like rub but without the powdery texture, this amber base feels really dull.
    20 April 2009

    Note Ambrée by Martine Micallef

    Disturbing amber on an ugly bed of ylang ylang (which is the more dominant note). The top note of bergamot is harsh and rather off-putting and unremarkably dreary. The over-ripe banana scent of ylang ylang turns into a mush of dirty amber. It reminds me of the nursery rhyme "Ring A Round The Rosies" where it's about covering up the stench of death with flowers. Now that's a harsh assessment but I simply do not like this fragrance. It's very unpleasant smelling to me because (insert 4 paragraphs of self-righteous reasoning).
    19 April 2009

    Little Black Dress by Avon

    Eh, nothing much to it. A single note floral as simple as a little black dress with frills. Maybe, just maybe has some oriental notes in it but they are so wan that they are undetectable. Not a bad scent overall.
    19 April 2009

    Avon Soft Musk by Avon

    Cheap ol' synthetic musk that smells really nice. Woody basenotes.
    19 April 2009

    Rouge by Christian Lacroix

    Noir, the new Lacroix scent for men under Avon, was a bit of a surprise by how nice it was. Rouge, surprised me as well. Noir was a woody spicy and Rouge is a floral spicy. Very, VERY harsh at first. I was thinking I didn't liek it but the "perfumey" element died off after a while and left this wonderful spicy floral scent with a touch of berry. It is nice and all but it didn't last on the card.
    19 April 2009

    La Chasse Aux Papillons Extreme by L'Artisan Parfumeur

    Fresh, green and spicy white florals.I haven't tried the original so I do not know if this is "extreme" or not. Simply a beautiful array of pink peppers and white florals.
    19 April 2009

    Into the Blue by Escada

    Slightly sweet summer scent with a citrus and melon top and florals. Very similar to a lot of men's summer scents with the name blue. Heck, I wouldn't mind wearing this!
    19 April 2009

    Cashmere Twill by Acqua di Biella

    Green fruity woods. Starts off with a distinctive berry and citrusy accord. The middle is very watery with florals. The drydown is interesting that it feels mostly masculine with vetiver and cedarwood. An interesing take on an aquatic fruity floral.
    19 April 2009

    Manoumalia by LesNez

    Smells somewhat "dirty" to me. Like dust on a flower. Seeing the notes, that makes sense to me; sandalwood sawdust. It's not a dominant note but it mingles with the ylang ylang a lot. I love ylang ylang and it's well played here. Goes along well with a grassy note but overall it's the sweet ylang yalng that makes the scent. A well crafted and more artisan scent.
    19 April 2009

    Black Cashmere by Donna Karan

    Deep and spicy with a lovely resinous amber accord. It's smooth and warming with notes of nutmeg and saffron and a tone of pepper cedar. A touch of florals in the middle (carnation and rose) give the scent a familiarity that makes it likable by many though the spiciness could put off a few. Sweetened a tad with vanilla and amber, makes the scent even more likable. Patchouli and a deep woody note makes the overall scent much more darker. Makes for a sexy fragrance. For cool weather only.
    19 April 2009

    Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior

    Spiced almond woods. Interestingly gourmand but really not that special to me. Slightly resinous and has the same wet textures as foudn in the other perfumes Annick Menardo has done namely Lolita Lempicka and Body Kouros. Just a tad too nutty to really like a lot but would be great for a lady that like the warm scents for the cool wheater days.
    19 April 2009

    Paco Rabanne Pour Elle by Paco Rabanne

    Delightful light rounded fruits with a white floral heart and a sweet vanilla and ylang ylang base. Also a little peppery with the ever present pink pepper accord I see in other perfumes nowadays. Well rounded fruits, florals and a touch of vanilla. Probably good for an office scent.
    19 April 2009

    S de Scherrer by Jean-Louis Scherrer

    Interesting little rose, vanilla and musk scent. A little bit of each world: florals, fruits, oriental, sweet and some pepper on top. Not overbearing but incredibly light. Not bad but there's probably better vnaillic rose scents out there.
    19 April 2009

    Crystal Noir by Versace

    A white floral. A very light white floral that sort of resembles gardenia but not quite; more along the lines of a mix of some kind of fruit (mango? peach?) and some musk and woods. Despite its lightness, it feels dark and sensuous. Pleasant floral-esque scent with going into "scented candle" territory.
    19 April 2009

    L'Instant de Guerlain by Guerlain

    A beautiful oriental fragrance that's not too heavy. Neroli, spices and vanilla... just a wonderful scent of sweet florals and amber. I really enjoy the feminine aspects of this scent.
    19 April 2009

    Sycomore (new) by Chanel

    I smell s similar vetiver vibe like those from Mugler Cologne, Original Vetiver and Paul Smith Story. It's much closer to Paul Smith Story where it's dirtier, a little dry and kidna smokey. Other than it being a little more concentrated, Paul Smith Story is way cheaper but lacks the dry woodiness of Sycomore. So for the price, you're buying a simple woody vetiver scent.
    18 April 2009

    Perceive by Avon

    Fresh, HEAVY white florals and lemon accords which combined can give off a terrible aroma of the janitor's closet. This would work rather nicely if it was in EdT conc but as an EdP, it's too much.
    18 April 2009

    Shanghai Butterfly by Nanette Lepore

    Oh man... this is just D & G Light Blue but with no character or personality whatsoever.
    18 April 2009

    Armani Privé Cuir Améthyste by Giorgio Armani

    Violet and leather really, really get to those who can't stand them. Here, it gets to me a little. But I can see the appeal. A nicely made leather scent that's sweet. And there's a rose note too. Rose and leather seem to be coupled like woods and amber or vanilla and lavender. The more I smell Cuir Amethyste, the more feminine it smells. It gets fruitier with age but stays with its main accords of violet and leather.
    18 April 2009

    Gerani pour Homme by Gerani

    Italian spices with a woody bitter tonka bean drydown. Very floral at times but studded with light Italian spices. Very nice. Very hard to find.
    18 April 2009

    Acqua d'Estate Essenza by Ermenegildo Zegna

    Definintely lighter than the original Essenza di Zegna. But of course there's more than a few versions. I have the 2006 and 2008 versions and they are essentially the same. A "steam clean" style of scent like Mugler Cologne or Paul Smith Story. It's more lemony and fizzier than Mugler Cologne. A good scent for the hot temperatures.
    18 April 2009

    Joop! Go Electric Heat by Joop!

    Honestly not bad, not bad at all. While I didn't quite like the original Go (thumbs down but wasn't wretched), Electric Heat makes Go a little more tolerable. From the press release the notes are: lavender, limette, mint, violet, saffron and cedar. It's very sweet and fruity in the opening, middle fades into a sweet wood which I attribute as Joop!'s house note and the drydown is a simple cedarwood. Cedarwood (or whatever aromachemical they use) accords really seem to love my skin. They come out really well and turns a sweet wood into a spicy and sweet wood. The sweetness is exemplified due to the already sweet and fruity top. And I like it this way.

    Sweet but light but also woody, Go Electric Heat is what I'd call "trashy fun". It's not linear as described above because it goes through distinctive phases: fruity -> sweet stuff -> spicy woods. Graphics on the bottle are silly.
    17 April 2009

    Curve Connect for Men by Liz Claiborne

    What an odd mix yet feels like a classic fragrance. "Modern" but has an old school feel to it. I say modern because it's not near strong and ballsy enough to be an 80's powerhouse or a truly smooth and complex tobacco scent. The pyramid is minimal and the scent matches the pyramid. Tea (a citrusy one at that) -> light n' sweet aromatic tobacco that's a tad green -> a typical bitter tonka bean and a very light woody base. Just might be a good stepping stone frag from the fresh aquatics into the stronger scents for a newbie or a younger person. It's a neat play on the original Curve as instead of violet, it's tobacco. Overall, the tobacco really stands out. I was very apprehensive to try my sample I've had around for almost a year but turns out this scent is OK.
    16 April 2009

    Essence by Avon

    Reminds me of KC Reaction on a woodier base. Lasts just as long as Reaction, too (which is really short anyways).
    16 April 2009

    Burberry the Beat for Men by Burberry

    This green/teal colored juice is a crisp vetiver and other green notes and very peppery throughout. Aquatic in a way but has an odd woody drydown. Very, very peppery so if you like pepper you'd like this.
    15 April 2009

    Silver Mountain Water by Creed

    Bright and metallic with a tea note shining above everything. Very sparkling. I think this is Creed's take on the modern unisex scent. Much like the way ck One is constructed using a bright citrus, SMW uses tea and the Creed house note of metallic ambergris (toned down a lot) to make the bright metallic tea accord. Dull and inky at times but brightens up every once in a while. I would file this one under "youthful classic".
    15 April 2009

    Quiksilver by Quiksilver

    At the risk of sounding like an advertisement... this is an aromatic woody and marine-ish fragrance. Fruity mint on top and a woody finish. Not half-bad though if you're not up on marine frags you most likely won't enjoy Quicksilver. It's along the same lines as Bulgari Aqua Marine and even sorta has that tea note. Not outstanding but nice especially from a surf company. Tip: don't wear it during wet weather, you'll feel waterlogged.
    14 April 2009

    Davidoff Adventure Amazonia by Davidoff

    Delightful. Instead of a warming spice like the original, this feels cooler somewhat. Very fruity on top. Dries down into the same Adventure drydown of sandalwood and other woods. Too bad they didn't "fix" the longevity problem. But I loved it at first sniff!
    13 April 2009

    Boss in Motion Edition Electric by Hugo Boss

    A minty like tea note mixed with a decent sandalwood accord. I expected that with a dominant tea note for this to be a little more lively. It's a little too dull to be electric and "in motion". A rather pleasant fruity orange note in the middle is the only thing going for this. Overall pretty ho hum.
    12 April 2009

    Theorema Uomo by Fendi

    Fresh and clean and reminds me a bit of Mugler Cologne and Paul Smith Story's vetiver based clean scents. Much greener however with a slight fizziness to it. Feels less casual than the playful Mugler Cologne. nice.
    11 April 2009

    Salvatore Ferragamo pour Homme by Salvatore Ferragamo

    An odd one. Figgy, lots of clove and the drydown is a clean, soapy vetiver and cedarwood. This would be a nice change of pace to wear once in a while.
    11 April 2009

    Swiss Guard by Swiss Guard

    A slightly soapier and powdery Cool Water. Aromatic fougere at first and oddly dries down into an oakmoss. Not bad but fairly generic.
    10 April 2009

    360 Degrees Blue for Men by Perry Ellis

    Ah ha! Drakkar Noir. I was wondering what this reminded me of. I detected a huge spicy (lavender) oakmoss and sandalwood and couldn't quite put my finger on it. That's what this is, a spicier alternative to Drakkar Noir and it's not too potent. In regards to the original 360, Blue seems to make the original spicier and tone it up a bit but is not too all together and "with it". Average about everything and I happen to like Drakkar Noir.
    09 April 2009

    Acqua di Acqua Homme by Marina de Bourbon

    Not fair! Now I need to add to my "Three Blues"! These include Sander for Men, Gucci pour Homme II and Hugo Boss Dark Blue. Acqua di Acqua shares similarities between those three. A lightly peppery myrrh and a little sweet. THe drydown seems to last a long time on me. Nothing outstanding but it's very, very nice.
    08 April 2009

    Vetiver des Sables by Montale

    Call me crazy but is this what you get when you mix Cool Water (or Montale's Marine Fourgeres) and Terre d'Hermes (or Montale's Red Vetyver) with a raw vetiver ingredient? It's aromatic like Cool Water's fougere but has that bitter orange peel feel like Terre d' Hermes. Dies after a while and doesn't feel like it evolved at all. Didn't leave me out to hang dry nor did it make me giddy to wear it again. Meh,
    07 April 2009

    M; Men by Masakï Matsushïma

    Sad this lives for so short of a time. It's a wonderful citrus opening with qualities like Guerlain's Vetiver but it's missing key components making it NOT a vetiver scent (even though there is vetiver). Maybe I'm rambling but when I first sprayed this I thought it was Guerlain. No wait it's Vetiver Glacee! No wait... M; Men? What the heck? It's a lovely light-hearted scent and stereotypical of most Japanese designer scents. It simply doesn't last long enough to be enjoyed thoroughly. What a great opening act. Too bad the headlining bad was terrible.
    06 April 2009

    Soleil de Capri by Montale

    I remember reading a review in LT's book for a completely different scent (Versace Man Eau Fraiche) and is perfect for this one:

    "Light Blue, but with the light off."

    Which I'm sure he meant the men's Light Blue. Soleil de Capri is the women's version but with the light off. I can't say much else about it. True it has a bright citrus opening of florals but the light goes out quick and was are left with the dull dusk of fruit. Doesn't do anything else for me.
    06 April 2009

    Skarb by Humiecki & Graef

    This has a lot of rough edges on it. It's wet and woody a lot like Nasomotto's Duro but mixed with the same house's Absinth. In fact, I thought I got the wrong sample out. Skarb also has biting edges like Mark Birley (must be the carrot seed accord? ha). Whoa, this scent is all over the place: deep woods, high pitched fruits and myrtle and an odd blabbering "freshness" amongst the dirt. Schizophrenic to say the least. There's also some woody incense (not the smoky kind) in there. If incense and woods is not your thing, stay away or at least try a little. Sadly, this disjointed Stravinsky-like ballet of aromas seems to disappear quickly. Methinks it's just too much to handle for me.

    Skarb means "treasure" in Polish and a little bit of research tells me that Humiecki & Graef is based in Poland and Skarb is supposed to represent "the Slavic soul".
    06 April 2009

    Pontaccio 21 by Gianfranco Ferré

    First, my main complaint is that did not last at all on me. It was rather brash in the opening with citrus and herbs but I paid no attention to it. I did not like the opening at all but I wanted to wait for a really great drydown like with other Ferre frags. This one did not sit very well. No drydown on me. not very exciting and unforgettable.
    06 April 2009

    Paradigm by Avon

    Paradigm is a wonderful mix of Italian like woods and spices. Appropriately enough is that on the sample packet I received of this, there's a rather dapper Italian man on it. one of the few scents from Avon that I've found surprising considering the fragrance company. Cheap with a thumbs up.
    05 April 2009

    Trailblazer by Avon

    Old style albeit weak leather and tonka bean chypre. Don't know when this was released from Avon but I feel as if it's not one to pursue to find a bottle of since there are better and many more leather chypres out there.
    05 April 2009

    Verde Bosco by I Profumi di Firenze

    Very, very bitter grapefruit and green on a Cool Water-like (fougere) base (at least on me). Aromatic, simple, pleasing and uplifting. Good stuff.
    05 April 2009

    360 Degrees Pure for Men by Perry Ellis

    This feels like a stripped down version of the original 360. Woody florals but much lighter than 360. Has a very "cologny" feel to it. Lasted about 4 hours so it's ok, I guess. Nothing special.
    05 April 2009

    212 White Men by Carolina Herrera

    Being a non-fan of the original 212, I find White to be a very decent change. Milky tobacco and spicy vetiver. However, the lavender/floral-like heart doesn't sit well for me. But the overall scent is quite nice.
    05 April 2009

    Ambre Gris by Pierre Balmain

    Rich, deep and resinous. A great blend of tuberose, ambery notes and a musk. Love the smoky woods in this. Overall, a vanilla-ed rose. Nice scent.
    05 April 2009

    Private Collection - Cedre Sandaraque by Parfumerie Generale

    A gourmand cedar, like eating a praline cedar cakelog topped with almonds except you got it all over yourself. Aside from fans of this house, who'd want to wear this? The drydown is too spicy and still foody. I just feel uncomfortable wearing it.
    05 April 2009

    Nasomatto Duro by Nasomatto

    Leather and woods. Very thick in composition (and price! good lord!). Very strong and long lasting. Feels like a retro modern scent, like those leather chypres from days of yore but made with aromachemicals and different accords namely some oud. So, we have oud, leather and woods and together, while nice smelling, won't be appealing to all. Try before you buy (as with all fragrances). I love a good woods based scent but I'm not too keen on this one due to price and a tad too much oud.
    05 April 2009

    Mister by Jasper Conran

    Opens up like L'Anarchiste minus the "ashtray" accord that a few mention. Very fruity and has tonka bean in the drydown. When I read the name and designer I thought that it would be a discontinued 80's type of scent from an unheardof (by me) designer. Seeing that it's a more recent release I feel that it's a retro style scent. The tonka bean and a wood accord is a huge player in this overall gentleman's cologne.
    05 April 2009

    Tuscan Soul by Salvatore Ferragamo

    Light herbal spices on a floral heart with a whimsical drydown of light iris and fig accords. Very Italian, very unisex. When I first tried it, I thought it was an Italian-spiced perfume meets the American made ck One. Very night and casual. Very, very "spring. Love it!
    04 April 2009

    Alessandro Dell'Acqua Man by Alessandro Dell'Acqua

    Watery soapy floral accords that feels very, very synthetic. A very badly made sandalwood aromachemical was used in the drydown and I don't like it one bit. Good thing I sampled it first instead of going off the reviews and buying it blind.
    04 April 2009

    I am King by Sean John

    Wow. This stuff is BITTER in the opening. I'm wondering if that accord has anything to do with the creator's attitude towards his critics? I kinda liked Unforgivable and its Black flanker... but this just is too harsh. It's also very, very familiar. Instead of wearing something that has a very BITTER grapefruit-esque accord, go with something more upbeat like Cinique's Happy for Men. This is a very judgmental review and not very analytical... I just really don't like this stuff.
    04 April 2009

    Mandarina Duck Man by Mandarina Duck

    Orangey and peachy top with a bitter grapefruit accord mixed in. If I didn't know better, I'd swear it was beginning to become a wonderful fruity aquatic like Versace pour Homme. It then turns to a herbal heart keeping the fruity qualities like Z Zegna. This is neat and unique but these accords don't last long and goes into a bland drydown of vetiver and musk rather quickly. Nice for a "refresher" pick-me-up type scent but not something I would wear daily.
    04 April 2009

    Jaguar (new) by Jaguar

    To avoid any confusion, I am reviewing the fragrance that is housed in the bottle that is pictured: translucent light blue glass with plastic chrome trims.

    THis stuff opens up with a very airy sweet orange-musky note. The sandalwood at the base reminded me of a very, very, very, VERY weak Joop! Homme. After smelling and knowing Joop!, Jaguar is a kitten in comparison. Simple and light: good for office wear. Very "clean" but not in the "fresh" way. The accords are semi-transparent; like I can sniff through them.
    03 April 2009

    Hugo Element by Hugo Boss

    Huge dose of calone. I'm sure you can purchase calone for cheaper than what's in this bottle.
    02 April 2009

    White Musk for Men by Body Shop

    Fresh woody n' slightly sweet musk. A good all around musk and very comforting. Nothing unique but it's well made.
    02 April 2009

    Baldessarini Del Mar Marbella by Baldessarini

    Like a breezy tropical island. You can smell the aroma of the fruits hanging from the branches from the next island over and you wish you were there. But it's the combination of ocean breeze and that fruited island that makes the place were you are smell so good.

    Imagery aside, a fresh airy fruity and cedarwooded scent with average longevity and sillage. Fun for summer!
    01 April 2009

    Guess by Marciano for Men by Guess

    Fantastic real blend of spice, woods and amber accords. I say "real blend" because it feels like the whole fragrance appears at once much like Bulgari Black. Sometimes sweet, sometimes spicy and sometimes woody, you smell the different facets but then blends all together. Moderate scent strength and sillage makes fro a great "aura" type of scent. Really pleasant and much different than the current Guess offerings.
    01 April 2009

    Jubilation XXV by Amouage

    I've tried this several times and don't remember a damn thing about it except my recurring thought of, "a basic incense fragrance costs HOW much?"
    30 March 2009

    Amor pour Homme Tentation by Cacharel

    I'd like to call this: Allure Homme Fresh. It combines the freshness of Amor with the tonka bean drydown of Allure. Really nice on a suit jacket but is horrible/doesn't last long on skin. Otherwise just a generic ho-hummer.
    30 March 2009