Reviews by sjohnjay

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    sjohnjay
    United States United States

    Showing 1 to 30 of 105.
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    Andy Warhol by Bond No. 9

    Dreadful.
    The scent is sickly sweet and suffocating, yet fruity and bland. No big deal, and no surprise from Bond these days.......but THAT'S just my opinion of the juice.
    I probably wouldn't have even noticed this stuff if it weren't for the offensively tacky bottle it comes in. Trash-art has reached a new low.
    Old A. Warhol would probably be rolling over in the grave if he had any clue which sewer his image has been dragged through.

    29th January, 2012.

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    Andy Warhol Montauk by Bond No. 9

    Yep, another EDP-strength shampoo/body wash scent from Bond.
    To be fair, it smells OK...if you like Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise.
    Do yourself a favor and buy Beyond Paradise; it sells for 1/10 the price, and you can wear it without suffocating yoursef and everyone in a 10 foot radius.

    29th January, 2012.

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    Original Cologne by Creed

    Rice powder? Pfffftttttt (scoff, scoff).......Whatever!
    All things considered (especially the $600 pricetag), this is abysmally insipid.
    The best compliment one could give this stuff, is that it smells a bit like a weak and inferior rip-off of D&G Pour Homme (which is not exactly a firecracker in my book, either).
    While I (honestly) am not picking Creed apart, or slamming their efforts just for the sake of doing so- I have to say that this has not ONE single redeeming quality.
    If you fancy the idea of a "classic" EDC-type thing, Royal Water and Selection Verte have this genre covered already.
    I was actually eagerly anticipating the U.S. release of this stuff several months ago. I was even half-minded to blindly purchase a bottle via the official Creed site. Thankfully I was able to locate some sample vials prior to making a $600 mistake.
    By far the most half-assed outing from Creed to date.
    Try before you buy.

    5th September, 2011.

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    Clean Shower Fresh for Men by Clean

    You get what you pay for here, and I think the name says it all.
    A good scent to wear to work.
    Don't overdo it on the trigger; The first couple hours of wear tend to have a massive citrus/soap projection.
    If you like the way Irish Spring soap smells, this may be a safe blind buy.

    30th July, 2011.

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    Joop! Splash by Joop!

    This is not unpleasant, per se.
    Also- it's a welcome and long overdue departure from the expected sweet/woody/resinous formula that Joop has been known for all these decades.
    On the other hand, it is no less sweet and candy-like than all the other Joop offerings we have become familiar with.
    This time, the ultra-cloying sweetness is centered around melon and saltwater.
    Bottom line: Sure this offering IS different than all of its older siblings.............Just not different ENOUGH to make it necessary to own in 2011.

    21st July, 2011.

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    Wolfgang Joop! by Joop!

    I am impressed and surprised; this one is very overlooked and underrated.
    Far more mature than anything else Joop has released to date.
    In my opinion the BEST Joop!
    It starts out with a big blast of what I think is strawberry; this lasts for maybe 30 minutes strong, followed by a gradual tapering off into the heart and base notes, which are linear and indistiguishable from one another (assuming a "heart note" actually exists).
    From here, it is warm, rounded wood and spices.
    Lush and masculine.
    It reminds me of Mont Blanc Presence, except better, insomuch as it is richly rounded, as opposed to the jarring and chaotic clashing of Presence.
    Definitely recommended.

    21st July, 2011.

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

    I don't know about the similarity to a catholic church, since I've never been in one.
    One of CDG's best in my opinion; high quality, realistic, and ultra-rich.
    Beautiful murkiness, and a great way to set a mood.
    I am amazed at just how wearable this is (gothic garb is not requisite).

    20th July, 2011.

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    Dover Street Market by Comme des Garçons

    This is better than neutral; not because it is original for CDG (it is NOT),
    but because it is a bridge between the dusky/smoky incense series, and the gorgeous and freshly alien-vibe of CDG 3.
    Heavier and woodier than CDG 3; would actually make a decent substitute, since CDG 3 is quite difficult to come across these days.

    20th July, 2011.

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    Play by Comme des Garçons

    An unexpected offering from CDG.
    Too mainstream to be considered niche; too off-center to truly be a mainstream scent.
    Very pleasant citrus that lasts from top notes, all the way to the dry base.
    Highly mesmerizing and addictive, as the saffron combines with citrus to create something highly unique.
    Projection and longevity are mediocre.

    20th July, 2011.

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    Sélection Verte by Creed

    A necessary upgrade of the classic/standard "Eau de Cologne" formula.
    Better than Guerlain Imperial, simply because it LASTS on the skin.
    The subtle mint note is great, too!
    If you are a fan of classic EDC's, and own too many of them, THIS could replace ALL of them.
    To summarize- This is definitely not "ground-breaking", but it is a high quality CLASSIC.
    I recommend!!

    24th April, 2011.

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    Black Jeans by Versace

    Hahahahaha!
    I hope you like bitter/dry GERANIUMS!
    It lasts long, and smells different than anything else.
    Good for a wear on a cool, overcast day.

    24th April, 2011.

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    Aqua Motu / Motu by Comptoir Sud Pacifique

    If you like this, I recommend Fire Island, by Bond No. 9.
    Fire Island is far superior, in terms of quality of ingredients, projection, and longevity.
    Both create the same vibe.

    7th April, 2011.

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    S-ex by S-Perfume

    Simply, and subtlely, striking!
    I DO get some salt, LOTS of malt, and a TON of long-lasting & ultra-quality "skin musk".
    I have found a new favorite, which will undoubtedly be used in heavy rotation this summer.
    I am impressed by this.
    I find it to be the most amazing and creative fragrance available.
    Did I mention I really like this?

    7th April, 2011.

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    Bois de Santal by Creed

    The "civet" note is definitely there, yet short-lived.
    The rest is extremely soft, rich, and long-lasting.
    A very fine take on sandalwood.
    Worth owning, if you can find it!

    3rd April, 2011.

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    Aventus by Creed

    Extremely masculine and sophisticated. Excellent longevity.
    Easily the best male CREED offering in 20+ years.
    Good for day & evening wear.
    Aventus has an awesome oakmoss base, which stabilizes everything on top.
    I *hate* apples when used in fragrance, so I was apprehensive about Aventus.
    Fortunately, the apples are done tastefully, lending a supportive note, as opposed to being a prominent note.
    This will probably have to satiate all male CREED fans until 2027; as their good releases are increasingly fewer and farther between.

    9th October, 2010.

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    Original Vetiver by Creed

    This was my very first CREED purchase, made back in 2005 or so.
    I was totally enamored with it, and the love lasted for about 3 or 4 weeks.
    Now I can take it or leave it. Basically, its a richer, full-bodied version of Mugler Cologne (higher quality, too).
    It smells clean, soapy, and invigorating, and it has adequate longevity.
    It also has a tendency to be a little bit brash.

    20th September, 2010.

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    Zeste Mandarine Pamplemousse by Creed

    Holy balls!
    This is an interestingly abstract rendering of a "pamplemousse" fragrance.
    delicate white flowers are tempered with robust and musty grapefruit.
    Also, there is a really in-your-face coriander-ish accord (much like the one present in EROLFA).
    Most suited for summer wear.
    Very classy and dignified scent; it does not smell dated, considering it was introduced in 1975.

    20th September, 2010.

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    Silver Mountain Water by Creed

    My favorite part about SMW, is its monolithic, everpresent "beeswax/honey" accord. SMW is even superior to kouros, in this regard.
    I also love its inky/petroleum vibe.
    In recent years, a handful of shamelessly blatant rip-offs have surfaced in the mainstream (and non-mainstream) markets. Each one (regardless of commercial success) is an abysmal failure.

    20th September, 2010.

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    Royal Water by Creed

    This, to me, epitomizes CREED's signature MILLESIME base. You know, the metallic ambergris, and stuff.
    I attribute this to the fact that Royal Water really has nothing else up-front, than the sheer lemon-limey facade. Once that gives way, Royal Water reveals a concise package of everything that CREED-haters hate about CREED.
    Pretty good!

    20th September, 2010.

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    Royal Scottish Lavender by Creed

    There is nothing feminine about this fragrance; it is neither soapy OR light, and has nothing in common with Himalaya. This is CLEARLY masculine, as it is a classic, old-school lavendar.

    20th September, 2010.

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    Epicéa by Creed

    Epicea shows its age; not necessarily a bad thing.
    Smells like (surprise!) russian evergreen forests.
    It's classy and dignified, because of its subtle and somewhat mysterious transparency.
    Unfortunately, longevity seems to be an issue here.

    20th September, 2010.

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    Citrus Bigarrade by Creed

    To my surprise, this really lasts on my skin.
    Either that, or this is another CREED that varies in potency, batch to batch.
    It should also be noted, that: Beyond the beautiful and deliciously accurate citrus notes, lurks one of THE BEST musk bases in perfumery!
    Extremely classy and sexy.
    Simple, yet SOOO well-done!

    19th September, 2010.

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    Bois de Cédrat by Creed

    Ultra-zesty, invigorating lemon note (one of the best....CREED or otherwise)!
    On the other hand- Its lack of lasting power makes Bois De Cedrat kinda difficult to get hot & bothered about.

    19th September, 2010.

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    Brooklyn by Bond No. 9

    Impressed by this one; I consider it quite unique.
    The initial accord of geranium+cardamom+grapefruit reminds me of "fresh carrot".
    I think Brooklyn is very masculine.

    16th September, 2010.

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    Harrods for Him by Bond No. 9

    Paper-thin, lacking severely in complexity.
    Harsh, ugly topnotes give way to cheap smelling barely-there heart notes. No base whatsoever.
    This is probably best kept exactly where it IS: In relative obscurity (unless you shop at Harrods).
    An embarassment, indeed.

    28th June, 2010.

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    Andy Warhol Lexington Avenue by Bond No. 9

    The quality, as in all BOND stuff, is there.
    This is problematic because of the glaringly mismatched notes.
    All beauty is irrelevant (i.e., trampled, crushed, raped), thanks to the overbearing, overwhelming anise accord.
    I would not enjoy smelling this on a woman.

    28th June, 2010.

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    Bryant Park by Bond No. 9

    Likeable scent from bond.
    Almost serves as a semi-feminine counterpart to CENTRAL PARK.
    I have used my bonbon samples of this myself, and had no trouble pulling it off.
    My verdict: pleasant, unisex, transparent, and high quality.

    28th June, 2010.

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    Gramercy Park by Bond No. 9

    Sharp green opening.
    Gives way to coconut-rum, creamy booziness.
    Pleasant, yes.
    Poor longevity, and lacks any true 'hooks' or 'punchlines'.
    Not very impressive.

    28th June, 2010.

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    High Line by Bond No. 9

    I just have a difficult time accepting this as BOND's "new" fragrance; it smells way too generic. It also is a near-clone to Astor Place.
    I also recall this being THE MOST advertised and media-touted fragrance by BOND in a long time.
    Pleasant as springtime wear, yet it veers toward the feminine end of the "unisex" spectrum.
    As for the "rhubarb": Don't get your hopes up. It's nothing to get overly excited about.
    Bottom line: BOND No.9's latest showcasing of high-end mediocrity.

    8th May, 2010.

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    Saks Fifth Avenue for Him by Bond No. 9

    Absolutely beautiful.
    At first, this struck me as another "faceless" copy issued by BOND. (i.e., in the vein of some garbage from Hugo-Boss, Armani, or Polo)......I recommend not throwing your sample decant away; it may grow on you....like it did on me.
    It took only a few wearings to realize its depth and complexity.
    It's a really multifaceted aquatic, and I can even detect a subtle hint of mint.
    This "aquatic" is very atypical, and strikes me as more of a warm/vegetal aquatic, than what one may expect from this typically passe genre.
    My only complaint RE: Saks Fifth Ave is the (relatively) weak longevity.
    Definitely a worthy contender.
    A unique genius of an aquatic!

    8th May, 2010.

    Showing 1 to 30 of 105.

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