Fragrance Reviews by xmen

Leave 1000 and Joy to the ladies but all men should try Sublime at least once and be mesmerized. Masterly even by the lofty standard of Patou, beautifully constructed and, yes, Sublime indeed!

It's been a while since a single scent has so captivated me! This little known wonder from the house of Kiehl is enticingly good! Spread the words- this a classic and one of the best new scent to come out during the last few years!

A scent of exquisite beauty. A shame that it's not better known.

An absolute beauty this is! This elephant is definitely the king of the jungle in the Kenzo kingdom for me. And now one of my firm top 10 scents of all time.

Another excellent addition to the gourmand family. I sniff and sniff and I just can't stop. I just wish it's better known. It deserves a better fate than this early exit from the perfume world.

One of the best British men's scent. A shame this is so hardly mentioned when it's just so good. I just can't stop sniffing it on my arms. An absolute gem.

A super macho Spanish leather chypres. Great for those days when you want to feel like you're Antonia Banderas! But I've to give this a neutral rating as I don't think it's really that special as described by some of the other members.

One of the best gourmand scent ever. This unknown gem from 1986 achieves the perfect balancing act of sweet gourmand notes (just enough sweetness to entice) and woody spiciness for a long lasting and unforgettable impression. Though I can well imagine Rita Hayworth wearing this signature scent named after one of her most famous roles, I think this perfume is sultrily unisex. A pity that it's not better known.

Mr Clean and Boring- that description fits this scent to a T. While I like the 'clean laundry' notes, this genre has been taken a hugh step further by Prada in their more refined and interesting Infusion d'Homme. I need more excitement in my life so I have to pass this rather likable and genial scent up.

A simple English Rose scent and its beauty lies in its simplicity. A little too feminine and linear for me though. Most suitable if you want to smell like Jane Austen rather James Bond.

It's a travesty that this discontinued gem is not better known. What an absolutely stunning piece of composition! I derive much joy and satisfaction from its heavenly incense notes and white orchid has never smelled so seductive. Everyman should wear it at least once. A YSL man's classic no less (yes, I know it's marketed for women and what a mistake that was)- I even prefer this to Rive Gauche pour Homme.

A delicious creamy buttery gardenia scent that is quite addictive. The musk is not heavy at all and settle quite amicably on my skin. Good sillage and longevity. I think this Essence is a keeper in my book.

This scent smells expensive and its monster sillage and longevity make sure that you don't forget it. But this heavy rose like the other heavy-weight floral scent, Patou's Joy, just do sit too well on a man's skin. I respect it but I can't wear it- it wears me.

An airy and absolutely stunning piece of work. Rather mysterious in its charisma but short lived. I love it and want to wear it more often to understand it better.

This scent got stuck in time. It's like meeting your not-so-favorite uncle again- you know, the one who talks too loud. Krizia Uomo is sadly dated and I really don't know who wants to smell like that in this modern time.

I didn't like the last time and I still don't like it now. A rather reticent sweet scent that fails to entice and seduce. For everything good that is missing in this scent, just jump straight to Euphoria Intense and save yourself the disappointment.

A rather articificial peachy little thing. Leans more towards the feminine side but offers little else of interest aside from the rather persistent, but pleasant, peach note.

A darkhorse. But one that I love very much. The gin & tonic notes are just so unusual. A Versace scent of great interest.

I didn't like the original and dated Calèche at all so it was a surprise to sniff Kelly and to find it to be a modern and very successful remake. Totally light and airy in its tone, this regal scent is perfect for the modern man (and of course woman for whom it is marketed for). Lovely!

A classic barber-shop scent of immense appeal. Intensely good.

A classy, discreet comfort scent of some distinction. This modern scent well deserves its popularity.

The vintage eau de cologne is a class act. Superbly refined, it's a classic fougere scent from a by-gone era and it just smells so special. This will go well with a jacket and tie for a formal occasion. I love Monsieur Rochas very much and my hats off to a well-done classic.

It's a pity that any perfume offering by Etienne Aigner is often overlooked and none deserves more respect than Aigner Black. Oozing class and sophistication, Black is superbly assured and classy. Pretty linear, it's just lack any developement of surprise and excitement to elevate it to great. But still afterall a very fine perfume and deserves to be better known.

Who wants to smell like a ripe old plum? Well, this totally inoffensive scent will do just the tricks. Quite nice for a hot-weather wear but I really can't imagine anyone wanting to smell like a plum. So, it's my SOTD and also a scent that I'll never wear again.

A masterpiece that thankfully does not smell dated. The edt opens up beautifully after a heavy bombardment of rather dense and aggressive top floral notes. I can smell my favorite peace note beneath the bouquet. The drydown is impeccably constructed. I'm surprised to see so few reviews for 1000.

A most lovely and under looked gem from Ungaro. I think it's perfectly suitable for a man. And it just makes me smile to know Ungaro can still come out with some above average scent. Apparition is one of them. Please, please do something about the hideous bottle.

Nothing dark about this rose. This is a regal rose of great subtlety and elegance. An absolutely charmer and perfectly wearable on a man. No pun intended but Dark Rose is a rose among the thorns in C&A unbalanced lineup.

This has to be my second least favorite from the C&A line. Disappointing. An unlovely incense. Sorry, no love here.

Of all the C&A, I think this is the one I would put down my money for a full bottle. It doesn't start promisingly (like all the other C&A)- the off-putting incense 'house note' is just grating and quite repugnant. The drydown however is marvelously exquisite and this ranks as one of the loveliest lavender scent I know.

An uncommonly intoxicating and sexy scent. I seldom use the word sexy to describe a scent but Monsieur Carven thoroughly deserves the title. The combination of civet (which is obvious from the top note to the end) and mossy leather creates a most unusual and timeless scent that still commands great respect and can stand tall among the greatest men's perfume today.

I'm quite shy to admit that I can't really tell the difference between the original and the Légère version. Light this is not. The sillage is equally vivid and the longevity impressive. Many hours on my skin and I'm still smelling it. Absolutely wonderful!

One of the great masculine scent of all time. I felt like beating my chest and doing a Tarzan yodelling as I wear this. I'm sure this will be a big hit with the ladies. I have on the modern version and I can't imagine how good the vintage will be.

I love the vintage edc of Mitsouko very much and so I was very curious to try the modern edt. It's still as lovely as ever, the loveliest peace note in a perfume. And one of the greatest perfume ever made. Strangely, its the edc which has more potency over the modern frag. Now, the parfum awaits me.

One of the best and gourmand oriental ever. On me, it's just divine.

For the longest time, I've resisted wearing this scent. The name of this frag just turns me off. But what a lovely surprise when I actually spritzed it on me. I don't much care for the lavender opening but the drydown on my skin is just superb. Dark, brooding and absolutely unusual. This and Cuba are two favorite of Czech & Speake.

I dislike this one with an intensity that surprises even me. Like No.88, it strangely reminds me of a visit to a Chinese temple- smelling of the wilting flowers and fruits at the altar (in this case, stale orange). The drydown is quite nice but the ride before that has been totally unpleasant for me. A scrubber I'm afraid and I really want to like this.

A supremely refined scent. I just love to douse myself with this. My favorite Prada. Great sillage and longevity to boot.

Wow, the discordant and gutsy top notes can certainly knock a horse down. It's really repugnant. But things got better, much better, as it mellows down to a very classy dark tobacco and gorgeous drydown. A truly complex scent and also very memorable. Certainly bottle worthy.

The vintage classic that is Chaos is simply a stunning piece of work and surely ranks as Donna Karan's finest. I'm in awe.

I adore it. From the same creator of Hypnotic Poison, Bulgari Black, Jaipur Homme and Lolita Lempicka, Annick Menardo's take on a Kouros flanker shares something in common with her earlier creations. It's the sweet smell of success. I can detect the unmistakable hint of the original Kouros in the background while Annick masterly orchestrated a heady mix of gourmand and wood for the most successful Kouros flanker in my opinion.

A patchouli-heavy gentleman scent of yesterday. I don't think it has aged well. Not particularly likable on my skin or suitable for a hot country like mine. At least the vintage juice is much potent than the washed-out dilution that is the modern version.

While I don't much care for the original Varvatos, Varvatos Vintage is really something special. It has at its heart a most inviting 'pumpkin spice' note that entices and seduces. I readily surrender. Great sillage and longevity on me. Surely one of the best releases of the last 5 years.

Is this marvelous juice not done by Ellena??? It's got all the hallmarks of a great and accomplished Ellena's work written all over it. Light yet uplifting, quiet yet beautiful, a scent of lightness and transparency. An absolute ambrosia of a men's scent. Classic indeed.

Luca Turin was so taken by this gem that not only did he give Maurice Roucel's Missoni a well-deserved 5-star but also enthused that "I'll make sure I have enough of this perfume to last me a lifetime." I am so glad I listened to LT and bought a tester bottle blind and it is ravishingly superb! The chocolate note is excellently realized and the overall structure achieves what LT termed "harmony and melody' in a perfume composition perfectly. Strange that this wonderful frag is so rarely mentioned here in BN. A shame really when it's so, so good. It deserves a better fate.

One of the prettiest and softest non-feminine foral. On my skin, it is a snug and warm scent that I can't resist sniffing. Sadly under-rated. I wish more men will wear this.

Incense and musk and everything nice! Another beautiful creation from Kenzo. So unisex that I hope I'd not see Kenzo Amour pour homme. I amour (love) this very much.

Sometimes great expectation precedes great disappointment. And Derby, one of the great Guerlain does not disappoint. Not one bit. From a vintage vial (strange, the box read copyright 1983 but Derby was only launched two years later?), Derby is honestly one of the greatest leather chrypre scent that I have the pleasure to smell. I really, really love this classic and shall guard my 2ml vial with my life.

A very virile, hairy and potent 80s scent. Slightly loud and dated now. For this kind of scent, I think Lauder for men is more sophisticated and interesting.

I was ready to dislike this. It can be had cheaply and the rather girlish bottle potents something cloying and outdated. Well, I was wrong. While I wasn't completely wowed over by the rather fascinating light oriental floral of the eau de cologne, the drydown is one of the most ravishing I've smelled for a while. Really beautiful. Cheap and beautiful- yes, that is possible!

I have a sweet tooth for gourmand scent. And HM pink Butterfly (edt strength) is simply mouth-watering gorgeous. I can't resist sniffing my arms constantly. Today, I think I smell good enough to eat. lol. And that's a lovely thought.

A scent of uncommon beauty. Minimalist rendition at its best. Who would have thought that the essence of a humble mango can smell so divine? Long live, Ellena!

If you love sandalwood, and I do, Arden Men should be in your wardrobe. Pretty lenient, this eau do cologne scent has surprisingly strong sillage and longevity. If you want to smell as if you've just stepped out of the barbershop, all clean and lightly powdered, you can't go wrong with a genial classic like Arden Men. I ardently love it.

Warm, woody comfort scent. I feel like locking myself in a room, throwing away the key and just spending the whole day with my nose close to my Nemo-perfumed chest. A truly alluring scent in a truly hideous bottle.

My little guilty pleasure- even now, months after learning from reading Basenotes and trying so, so many different scents and hopefully evolving my sense of smell. Black XS is a little vulgar (how can it not be with such a monster sillage and longevity?), sinfully synthetic but, hey, when it's that good it's simply irresistible. I feel happy wearing this and that is the single most important incentive to wearing any perfume in my book.

I remember I was at an airport duty-free recently and I was testing all different scents like crazy- chanel no.5 Eau Premiere, Egoist Platinum, Nasciso for Him and Michael for Men. I ended up liking Michael the most. There's something special about this scent, at once elegant and stately. In case you're interested to know- my least favorite that day among the distinguished group is Egoist Platinum.

I am quite disappointed with this one. The top notes are gorgeous but the scent deteriorates into a very pedestrian ubiquitous aquatic finish. Not one of Versace's best.

I am not getting much love from this one. Much as I hope to like this, especially after reading all the positive reviews, I just felt that while it is a respectable citrus scent, there's nothing here, not even in the beautiful opening, that will induce me to reach out for it more often. I just wish Ricci Club is a little more colorful, more vivid. Longevity is quite poor. I also have the concentration- this is a little better but still it doesn't do much for me.

An unexpected delight. This one is so superior to the men's version in every way that I wonder aloud why Gucci bothered with the men's version. Gucci is also very unisex, so getting this one instead of pour homme is for me a foregone conclusion. For the edp strength, the longevity is quite respectable.

One of the nicest and easiest green perfume to wear. Never fails to elicit a happy feeling from me. Luca Turin gave this 5 stars. And I happily agree. Give me a five, Dr Turin!

Pretty pleasant. Kind of nice. Inoffensive. Adjectives that apply to hundreds of mainstream frags can be easily heap on this rather lightweight Rochas offering. Aside from a robust essence of chocolate which is very irresistible, the development that follows just bore me to tears. I love Rochas but Desir pour Homme has to be the weakest link. I shall be kind and give this a neutral rating. One thumb up for being inoffensive and one thumb way down for being so very average.

Vanilla Intense. And very nice, totally gorgeous vanilla this is. I just love it.

M7 is way ahead of its time. The most misunderstood and maligned perfume by YSL. Who's afraid of agarwood and mandrake root? Well, I was many years ago and recalled with horror at my first initiation to M7. How can a perfume smells so thick and unpleasant. Many years later, through M7 fresh, I have returned to confront the original juice. My god, either my sense of smell has got more sophisticated or M7 is an extraordinary scent which I didn't understand and appreciate until now. Either way, M7 oozes class and sophistication. It is so, so good.

A quite resilient fruity fragrance. I like it but there's a lingering vanilla accord that is rather overbearing and quite off-putting after a while. In sum, a rather pleasant scent but some accords are a little too strong for me to give it an unqualified approval.

A pretty decent variation on the Angel theme. But ultimately pointless and joyless. I didn't enjoy as much as I'd have like. Strictly for the hard-core Angel fan.

A scent for the discreet, tasteful gentleman. The top notes come roaring out in lustful seduction and it quickly settles down beautifully in a restraint, sometimes too restraint, fashion. Longevity is a little wanting but otherwise a perfect scent for the office.

I wasn't impressed with this highly praised Gigli scent. I find it pleasantly herbaceous with average sillage and a rather mild medicinal smell. Another case of high expectation that was not met.

Super macho scent. Starts off very strongly (I do get a little woozy sniffing the top notes). It settles down pretty nicely to a subdued herbaceous drydown. Outstanding sillage, pretty average longevity but I will give this a thumb up for daring to be different.

Cartier does make some of the most beautiful perfumes. Take Must de Cartier (for women- vintage) for example. Such a captivating, heady blend of the most romantic notes. A scent of great seduction. Not cloying at all. I love, love this very much. Even more than Cartier pour Homme. Just heavenly! A must for all Cartier's lovers.

A Japanese's version of Eau Sauvage but only half as good. A fine citrus all-around but nothing special.

You can't keep a good classic down! An unpretentious, totally outstanding fougere scent of some distinction. Though this is an 80s retro scent, it still smells as timeless as today. One of Calvin Klein's best creation.

This is for the review of the extreme version-starts off with a energetic burst of bright and sparkling sweet notes and stays quite linear throughout its course. I love it. And for a scent that is extreme, I just wish it can be more intense in its longevity and sillage. Afterall a very commendable effort by Zegna.

A fine gentleman scent no less but stop short of being great. Some great scents you smell once, you'll always remember. Not so with Escada Homme. It's got all the right notes but just lacks that x-factor to distinguish it from the crowd. Nonetheless, this is surely Escada's best men fragrance.

The best interpretation of a vanilla scent. A peerless classic. To think that I was actually indifferent to it at firs! This is one scent I will rush into a burning house to rescue- never mind that my local shop has got dozen of bottles sitting in the warehouse.

Well put together. Perfectly respectable. But ultimately and unforgivably boring.

A rare and wonderful Spanish gem. Rare because it's not often you get to smell a top-notch leather chypre that emits one of the most masculine opening ever in any perfume. Kind of macho and one of the best and under-appreciated green cologne.

This is another successful anise-based scent that is beautifully done with vanilla and sandalwood so impeccably blended. Such a pleasure to wear. My favorite Lanvin.

Some basenoters commented that this scent evolves memory of a visit to a Chinese temple. And they are right! Speaking as a Chinese who used to pray at the local temple, the surprise of No. 88 is that it smells like stepping into a Chinese temple with the soft whiffs of incense mixing with the thick aroma of exotic flowers on offering. And that itself might not be a good thing. For me at least. I don't want to smell as if I just stepped out of a temple. Or a church for that matter. But the rose note in this scent I can live with. More so than the heavy rose in, say, Alain Delon's Iquitoes or Paco Rabanne's Tenere. So, yes, do not buy this blind!

Once in a blue moon, you will be smitten by a scent that completely bows you over. Or simply make you speechless with awe. L'Essence de Déclaration is such a gem. The hypnotic orange opening is just magical. From the tour-de-foce opening to the dry down, every note is beautifully and immaculately constructed. Jean-Claude Ellena admitted that this is among his best work. I have to agree. This masterpiece deservedly belongs to one of my top 5 list in my wardrobe where there are more than 200 contenders.

This classic belongs to the league of extraordinary gentlemen. Ok... I'm exaggerating a little but, make no mistake, all the raves about this masterpiece is spot-on. But am I the only one to detect the musky civet note (or is this just the sexy leather note?) and this note renders the whole scent with a sheen of sensuality that is almost sublime. I'll put this one on for this weekend's party and I will be a hit with the ladies, I'm sure. Shame about its discontinuation.

This is my favorite Gres scent. While I remain unimpressed with Cabochard and Homme de Gres, Cabaret is surprisingly much more wearable with a more appealing palettes of colors in its notes. When you look at the gaudy bottle, you may not want to take it seriously. That would be your lost. A sweet and wonderfully delicate unisex scent, it deserves to be better known. I don't how many stars Turin gave this juice. For me, it's a well-deserved 4-stars.

I have just affirmed my love for one particular floral note- and that is iris. The masculine floral, or specifically iris, that is so beautifully done in Dior Homme is exemplified here by Hermes. It processes surely to me what is one of the most captivating opening notes by Hermes. Simply spellbinding. Yes, I wish the opening can linger a little though. And why is marketed as a feminine scent is beyond me. More men should try this. The return of the floral scent for men starts from here.

This is touted as a bracing skin spray. How apt. It's bracingly seductive, uplifting but like most skin sprays, cast only a brief spell on its wearer. But during its short period where it weaves its magic, this is one potent stuff. One of DK's best offering.

A compulsively addictive fruity scent with a smoky candied heart at its center. You can't help sniffing L'Anarchiste on your arms. A shame about its longevity especially since it is so. so good. A classic juice in a classic bottle. I'd have given this a five-star if not for the longevity issue.

Something is amiss in this well-mannered flanker. The essence of what makes Opium homme parfume ticks is drastically pared down. So what remains is still a respectable, nice-smelling scent minus the berry notes which I love so much in the parfume. But why settle for a carbon copy when you can have the beautiful sexy beast that is Opium pour homme edp?

The homme version of eau de Patou is indeed peerless. The rich, crisp notes of lemon and lime pervades and seduces and one readily submits to its charm. Not a false note in this scent. One of the best timeless citrus scent ever made.

This one does not disappoint. A lovely assured gourmand scent that is reminiscent of Lolita Lempicka Au Masculin. Some would argue that if you have the Rochas, you probably don't need Au Masculin. I would say go for both as the top notes might smell familiar but the differing dry downs for both are masterly constructed and bound to give many hours of pleasure. Price for either of the scent is cheap. The price for the pleasure derived from it. Priceless.

Cumin or not, this scent is a challenge to wear. It smells like a 'lady love purse' (I read this mildly amusing expression somewhere) during its initial stages. And this smell comes on very strong indeed. But it is never vulgar. The later stages where it finally settles down, Kingdom does redeem itself- it's rather beautiful in its own right. And what a most amazing bottle!!!

"I really want to like this!"- this common refrain has been heard too many times in BN. And it's quite appropriate this cliches is used to describe this scent. The opening is just horrible. Smells like a cockroach repellant (and I am not one for hyberbole). And this note just won't go off for a good hour. It does get better after that- but only so much. The 'boozy' and depressed 'fruity' notes linger and overstay its welcome and, for once, I can't wait to wash it off my arms. Mine is the vintage version. I can't imagine the horror that is the reformulated juice.

A pleasant grapefruit plus yuzu-tinged scent of little interest. But ultimately forgettable. This one will not stand out in the sea of men scents in the market today.

The best moments in Santos remind me fleetingly of Ungaro ll- and that is saying a lot. The sweet lavender opening is among the best in my recollection. Though the drydown is a little too subdued and common for my liking.

A powerhouse 80s frag that wows me over. Having read all the reviews, I expected this one to be loud, obnoxious and overbearing. Yes, it's loud especially in the complex opening but it turns out to be an outstanding and timeless scent, and never overbearing like a lots of 80s frags tend to be. This one puts many, many recent men releases into shame.

After a heavy rotation of about 100 frags, it's a revelation of sort to realize that this classic by Chanel still stands head and shoulders above all the others. A timeless masterpiece and, I must add, an essential addition to any self-respecting wardrobe. An instantly recognizable woody scent like no others, great sillage and great longevity- all the hallmarks of a supreme fragrance.

I like to call this my Dior Homme Ice. Sharing similar delightful powdery iris note, this sweet irresistible unisex scent shares more than just the same perfumer- Olivier Polge. It is all the more memorable for its simple and clean elegance. Sheer pleasure to wear.

I hope Kenzo Power will win the Best New Release for a men's scent 2008 in basenotes.

One of the most interesting marine scent (and I don't even like marine scent to start with) anchored by a delightful banana note. Not the whiff of fresh peeled banana but the oven goodness of a well-baked banana cake. I never knew banana can smell so sexy. This is another under-rated gem.

Once a great leather chypre, this heavy weary unisex scent does not age well at all. Smell nicer on my clothes (after spraying on my chest and pulling the shirt over) than on my skin. My shirt loves this more than I do

It didn't smell at all like Dior Homme. The initial citrus blasts reminded me of.... of Higher.... of Allure.... of anything except Dior Homme. In fact, Kenzo Power smells more similar to Dior Homme, like an ice version of DH. But where is the iris in this flanker? At least with the other flanker- cologne, it has managed to retain some facets of DH dna.
I don't think I'll be buying this flanker (lovely bottle though). As a citrus frag, it is only passable. I am holding my breadth that the other flanker- DH Intense would not disappoint me as much as DH Sport did.

Nice initial cirtrus burst. Nice sandalwood drywood. Overall- nice. But in today's world where there are hundreds of frags waiting for your attention, being nice just doesn't cut it anymore. This one bores me to tears. Give me Insense anytime.

A disastrous scent of epic proportion!

The houdini of modern scent- it was in and out of my skin in less than two hours.

A whimper of a scent. Spineless. It dares not be different. A clone of other many mediocre juices out there.

Coming from Gucci, we expected more.