Basenotes - Reviews by Late-Hit

United States

Showing 1 to 30 of 66.

Miss Balmain by Pierre Balmain

One of the great leather chypres, and one of my favorites. One little drop of the parfum goes a long way. Was it only released in 1967? It seems to have more in common with scents from the 1940's, like Rochas Femme. Superb!

18th September, 2011.

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Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior

I've tried it many times, both vintage and new. They are different, of course, but the net effect is always the same... a 'dark' variation of the basic cologne concept, ala 4711.

Now, I like lemony colognes, but aren't there a million of 'em out there? And cheaper, too?

Well, maybe that's true, and maybe it's partly because Eau Sauvage was the first to elevate the wonder of lemon in a masculine fragrance before so many other followed along. There's been a lot of 'eau' under the bridge since 1966.

Eau Sauvage is good, but no longer great.

31st July, 2011.

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Bijan for Men by Bijan

If the dates shown on the Bijan page are correct, this is actually the oldest of all the Bijan fragrances. In my opinion, it is also the best. Along with vintage English Leather, Bijan for Men is one of my all-time go-to favorites. I always have a bottle handy.

Now... Is it a powerhouse? I don't think so. It is an ample scent, and appropriately concentrated. In other words, you only need two or three squirts. However, I have also found that if more is applied, the scent just gets "bigger". It does not morph into something harsh, unpleasant or offensive.

In terms of scent, I get rosemary, nutmeg and patchouli above all else, with the usual male aromatic fougere bits and pieces lurking in the background. The notes shown in the pyramid on this page are probably among the truest I have ever seen. Overall, the effect is dry, fairly simple, very linear, and nearly unique. The bottle is interesting, too.

A good scent for an older guy, or somone younger who wants to project maturity.

31st July, 2011.

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Twill Rose by Les Parfums de Rosine

I tried it twice, several days apart. Eh... it's just a basic rose fragrance. Not notably animalic, and not particularly "masculine" either.

I used to have a bottle of Perry Ellis Portfolio for Women that I used as an air freshener in my bathroom. That's what Twill Rose reminds me of.

I can't imagine many men buying Twill Rose, or many women envying it. Unless they can't find Portfolio for Women.

13rd July, 2011.

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Ma Griffe by Carven

Oh, yes *sniffs it again* this is the parfum I was looking for!

Lovers of vintage classics like Nuit de Noel and Emeraude take note: Here's one more to hunt down and treasure.

This is what a fur coat should smell like. This is what MONEY should smell like.

29th June, 2011.

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Black for Her by Kenneth Cole

Oh, the polished onyx cylinder with the stark white label and chrome sprayer. So sleek, so hard, so mysterious. And inside it's full of something that smells like a new box of fabric softener sheets. Is this the perfume you spray on 'Motorcycle Barbie'?

Clearly, the only thing "black" about it is the bottle... or maybe your mood, if you were buying blind, and thinking you were going to get something dark and brooding.

Too bad you can't refill it.

29th June, 2011.

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Aromatics Elixir by Clinique

Darrin: Endora, you might as well show yourself.

Endora: *Poof* Well alright, Derwood, have it your way.

Darrin: If I have to smell you, I might as well see you.

Endora: Yeeeess Donald. Exactly.

5th March, 2011.

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English Leather by Dana

This review is for the vintage, since I haven't sniffed the current production.

My memory of the topnotes was confirmed by the old 'MEM' bottles I have, circa 1980... kind of soapy, citrus and a bit musty. Not very 'leather' really, but immediately recognizable and true to my memories.

But the drydown... what a surprise! Once the topnotes fade, the vintage Old Leather leaves you with a very rich sandalwood. In fact, it's one of the best sandalwood scents I've ever smelled.

For those who enjoy sandalwood, vintage EL should be a 'must have'.

21st January, 2011.

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Passion for Men by Elizabeth Taylor

Passion for Men is a very underrated fragrance! Perhaps the bottle is to blame, or perhaps the very 'unmanly' name, but PfM is really very good... and despite Luca Turin's mediocre review.

Yes, it is kind of sweet and powdery in much the same way as Jaipur Homme and Stetson. And yes, it is very inexpensive.

But you know... there aren't very many inexpensive oriental fragrances available for men nowadays. This is one of them, and if you like that sort of thing, then you should buy PfM without much worry.

16th January, 2011.

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Michael by Michael Kors

This review if for the EdP. Yes, this is a big, fleshy floral. Is it tuberose? I don't know. Overall, I think it reminds me of Donna Karan Gold, and maybe also Marc Jacobs.

Although this is not a style I wear myself in public places, I do enjoy smelling these bosomy things from time to time. But a little really does go along way, so a light hand is probably in order.

If you enjoy the scent of lilies and gardenia, then seek no further!

30th December, 2010.

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Rochas Man by Rochas

The opening is strong and strange, and most likely to be appreciated by those who enjoy Joop!, A*Men and Le Male.

Sometimes I get the coffee, sometimes the vanilla, and sometimes the sharp jolt of an industrial-strength air freshener. Something like a cappuchino poured into a box of bounce sheets. And I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Several reviewers suggested that this is a good club fragrance, and I suspect they are right. For my part, I am having a hard time imagining myself wearing this to work, or even during the daytime.

Perhaps I will wear it to the Mall and see what happens...

18th December, 2010.

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Bouquet d'Orient by Girard

A spicy and dense oriental that's similar to Opium, but even more old fashioned, like something from the 1950's. Even the packaging is of a vintage style, and really very nice.

All of the foregoing is basically welcome and good, but to my American nose Bouquet d'Orient also has a persistent note of root beer in the background.

Perhaps that note might make this it interesting and different for someone who did not grow up with root beer... but not for me.

18th December, 2010.

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Alyssa Ashley Musk by Alyssa Ashley

I tried a little bottle of the new stuff, and it was nothing. Then I found a bottle of the original Houbigant, probably vintage 1980, and it was very good.

One squirt filled the room with the intoxicating aroma of sunshine and teenage exuberange. Delightful!

14th December, 2010.

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Patchouli Patch by L'Artisan Parfumeur

This is not the fierce and camphoraceous patchouli of head-shop days gone by, but rather the smell of a little garden where patchouli plants once grew... and then the patch was rototilled.

All through the dry down I am reminded of the smell of an old antique store, with bare wood floors, a lot of old books, and maybe some turpentine rags by the back door.

Yes, I like it a lot... but I'm actually surprised that more people don't hate it. Patchouli Patch is a very unusual fragrance.

7th December, 2010.

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Arden Men - Sandalwood by Elizabeth Arden

The newer version opens with a stong cedary lavender, soon becomes a quiet mix of lavander and sandalwood, and then is very soft. However, the older stuff is distinctly sandalwood from begining to end, and without much lavender at all, and the creamy sandalwood is notable in the drydown.

The new version is OK, but the vintage is really better... at least for someone who appreciates the nuances of natural sandalwood.

30th October, 2010.

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Norell by Norell

Dark, thick, pungent, green, floral... and definitely not one to overapply. Oh yes, this is a serious perfume for serious women, and Norell demands a serious attitude, and maybe diamonds and a fine dress or well tailored suit.

Normal Norell was an important New York Fashion designer, and his only fragrance was developed towards the end of his (long) career. In many ways, Norell was already 'retro' when it was introduced in 1968. Seek out the older versions, as they really are better; an edp version was also produced.

24th October, 2010.

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Spark for Women by Liz Claiborne

Somewhat like Obsession, but a little brighter and more cheerful. A bit like Organza Indecence, but much less vanillic. The spice plays a minor role and the floral elements are very subtle. Overall, the feeling of Spark is warm and comforting.

I am surprised that Spark has not been reviewed more (or loved more) because it really is a very nice fragrance. But then again, this style is a bit 'out of fashion' at the moment. It will be back again, I'm sure.

14th October, 2010.

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Cardin by Pierre Cardin

I guess I'll have to tread a line between the preceeding reviews. Cardin is floral, but its also spicey. And it is animalic in a way that shows that it is from another place and time (the 1970's). Other than that, it's not terribly unusual, from what I can tell.

For this review, my sample was a 1/2 oz splash bottle with glass stopper + plastic insert. The juice looks looks thick, dark and potent, so maybe I have the edp version? Overall, the package is somewhat 'above average'.

Anyway, it's big stuff. Anyone who likes Paloma Picasso or First will probably enjoy it.

10th October, 2010.

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GapBody Velvet Bloom by Gap

Hmmm... Not what I expected, but after sampling Coconut Tuberose I suppose I should not have been surprised. This is really very good. In some ways, Velvet Bloom reminds me of a toned down version of Samsara, complete with sandalwood drydown.

8th October, 2010.

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GapBody Coconut Tuberose by Gap

What an interesting surprise! This is dark and complex, with an unmistakable earthy background. Coconut Tuberose is very mature scent, and one not likely to appeal to those looking for a 'light and bright' floral.

8th October, 2010.

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Givenchy pour Homme by Givenchy

To me it seems a lot like CKIN2U (with a hint of iris?) and so I'm not surprised there are so many lukewarm reviews. CKIN2U was not a real big hit... but I enjoyed it.

Just like CKIN2U, I'll have to give Givenchy pour Homme a neutral since it just doesn't project or last as it should. But it is a good hour of fun on a dreary day.

6th October, 2010.

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Façonnable by Façonnable

Strong opening, not entirely pleasant or inviting, and in many ways like a hundred other things. Looses the sharp edge after awhile and then slowly fades down to a leathery base... and if you sniff closely you can sometimes detect sandalwood... but it doesn't project that way.

I can't say it's wimpy and I won't say I hate it, but I think you can find other more interesting things.

6th October, 2010.

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Choc by Pierre Cardin

Wow, this was a surprise... not floral, not spicy, not really fruity. Oh I know... It's Z-14 pour femme! Very unusual, to say the least.

5th October, 2010.

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Friendship Garden by Shulton

I found an unopened 4 oz bottle. It's a clean, light aldehydic floral with a hint of lemon... a bit like No. 5 with lemon zest. My sense is that Friendship Garden was intended to be used as a light splash, and not for formal wear.

I can easily imagine the pretty bottle sitting in the bathroom for use when guests came to visit. Aunt Bea would certainly approve!

4th October, 2010.

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Zazou by Douglas Hopkins

A pleasant fruity thing. It makes me think of pomegranate juice, for some reason. Kind of tasty. I like it.

3rd October, 2010.

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Arpège by Lanvin

I've picked up many different vintages and concentrations of Arpege. Of course, they vary, but which differences are due to reformulation or age is difficult to say.

Is Arpege 'old fashioned'? I really don't think so. Clearly, it's not one of the pop-tart florals of recent years, but it is NOT outdated. Arpege is like a tribal carpet, a solid mahogany table, or a well-tailored wool suit. These things may not match the style of everyone... but none have ever been completely out of style, either. Like Arpege, these classics will always be in demand by those who understand them.

For the most part, other reviewers have captured the essence of Arpege. It's bright, subtly woody, and neither overtly floral or notably animalic, Arpege really is one for the ages... right up there with No. 5 and a few others.

I think the secret of using Arpege to it's best advantage is to use just a little. A small dab on the wrist, and then enjoy the evolution and the beauty of this fragrance while it gently radiates. Often it seems, there are more compliments when the volume is set to 'low'. Classics don't shout.

3rd October, 2010.

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Tabu by Dana

Ha, Ha... Well, I guess this is where I won't stay 'hooked on the classics'. I've tried and tried, but I just can't abide Tabu.

Yes, there is something like 'root beer' in Tabu. But the vibe I really get, and the thing that actually makes me feel a little queasy sometimes., is the similarity to the way a vat of beer smells when the barley is being boiled (long before the yeast goes in and fermentation starts). It's compelling, but not beautiful. And it's strong and penetrating, but not pleasant, even in very low doses.

I have the creepy feeling that Tabu is what evil smells like in eveningwear. To me, there's nothing else quite like it. I guess the world only needs one.

3rd October, 2010.

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Dolce Vita by Christian Dior

Hmmm... Although I was somewhat amused by the early hint of b.o. (cumin?) that at least one other reviewer noted, I was actually shocked by its quietness. Really... it seems rather weak.

During the drydown I also started to get the sense that I had smelled it before. Gres Cabaret came to mind, and so did Chopard Casmir. The woody fruitiness of Dolce Vita is similar to these two, bit without the sillage of either.

Final analysis: It's pleasant and lasts well on the skin, but you don't get much 'bang for the buck'.

2nd October, 2010.

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In Black by J del Pozo

It's an interesting fragrance, but there's something lurking in the background that I find somewhat disturbing.

It's hard to describe, but somehow it reminds me of the smell of spaghetti sauce, or perhaps the empy plastic container of the spaghetti sauce.

However, In Black is very unique (though I also get the connection to Black Orchid).

Not sure about this one...

29th September, 2010.

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Corduroy by Zirh

Wow... More proof that people really DON'T smell things the same! This bit of fluff actually has more reviews than many 1st class products... and yet it's always on sale at discount stores. On the bottom shelf.

Corduroy is an entirely ordinary and perfectly conventional fragrance that no one will remember or care about in a few more years. The bottle is boring, and the hair and body wash is kind of cheap smelling too.

I can't hate it, but there's nothing to love.

27th September, 2010.

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