Basenotes - Reviews by jbthorpe

United States

Showing 1 to 7 of 7.

Kadota by Michael Storer

I enjoy sweeter fig fragrances and this is definitely a sweet one. I think the fig/date/"jammy notes" (as described by Michael) are fantastic and delisciously sweet. Tere is a faint hint of green hiding in amongst the fruity notes that is very pleasant and not overpowering. This scent has great projection and sillage and seems to really last forever. It is fairly linear on my skin which is fine with me since it smells great from opening to finish. Once again, another stroke of genius from Michael.

11th May, 2011. (Last Edited: 21st May, 2011.)

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Monk by Michael Storer

EDP formulation:
I did not like this one when I first sampled it. A few later I decided to give it another try and low and behold I actually really enjoy it now. I do get quite a bit of the citrus in the openiong, but not a "bright, cheery" citrus but more of a "dark, foreboding" citrus (if such a thing exists). As the fragrance developes I start to notice the cocoa and incense coming to the forefront and on my skin these two notes remain dominant for the duration of the ride. I absolutely love the cocoa note that Michael uses in Monk. It is not the nasty synthetic chocolate note that has been popular in men's designer fragrances lately. It is a smooth, creamy cocoa powder smell that is very natural and works very well in this fragrance to temper the other notes. Try this one before you buy as it may note suit everyone out there, but I find it to be a wonderful scent.

11th May, 2011.

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Winter Star by Michael Storer

Great fragrance that is a bit spicy, somewhat minty, creamy, "caramelly", and extremely sexy with its musks and civittone note. It is somewhat linear but is a smooth, sensual fragrance that lasts quite a long time. It is definitely unisex and WILL draw compliments from complete strangers. I'll state it again, this is a very sexy fragrance. Best for romantic wear, but can easily be worn in the office if applied lightly. My favorite scent and my new signature fragrance. Michael is an absolute genius!!!!!

3rd May, 2011. (Last Edited: 26th May, 2011.)

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Silver Black / Onyx by Azzaro

This review is for Onyx.
I liked the green apple note in the opening and that's where our love affair ends. This one quickly developes into a nauseating, headache-inducing, soapy monstrosity that won't go away. This is probably one of the worst fragrances I have tried in many years. This was a blind buy for me and I got it at a hugely discounted price, but feel that this was the biggest waste of $15 ever. One that I'm definately getting rid of.

16th November, 2009.

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Pi by Givenchy

One of the first fragrances I fell in love with. I have since tried many better constructed, less harsh-smelling fragrances, but I still get a lot of enjoyment from Pi.
Pi starts of with harsh, spicy citrus notes that quickly settle in. The sweetness of the Benzoin crystals soon kick in and you get a toasted marshmallow smell that lasts for quite a while.
I like the EDP much more than the EDT since it (EDP) is not as sweet, but has a much more woody/nutty vibe to it. I own both the EDT and EDP and often wear them together for a perfect sweet/woody mix. Sillage and longevity are outstanding.

16th November, 2009.

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Mitsouko by Guerlain

A definite try before you buy - and I would suggest you take your spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, significant other, etc. with you when you try this one. I love the EDP but rarely get to wear it since my wife passionately loathes this fragrance. I can't even spray it on in the house without her getting nauseated and gagging - so be careful with this one. Please go easy on the trigger as well since it can be very offensive to others.
Mitsouko opens with spicey, mildly peachy notes. The peach is more of a dried, spiced peach and not the "fresh" peach note found in many women's fragrances these days. It does have a slight makeup, old lady feel to it if overapplied, so again go easy on the trigger. Once it settles in the spices become more gorgeous and eventually the woody notes and oakmoss take over. Sillage is outstanding and longevity is great, the way a true classic should be.
I don't know if I'd go as far as Luca Turin to state that this is the best fragrance ever (the A-Z guide), but this is definitely one of the best I have ever worn and is by far better than most out there.

16th November, 2009.

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Eau Parfumée au Thé Rouge by Bulgari

This starts with a slightly peppered tea note that I really enjoy. I get no citrus whatsoever, just the tea note that eventually fades to virtually nothing. When I had thought to give up on this one, mysteriously as if out of nowhere the sweet fig notes come on with a vengence. The fig is neither overpowering nor offensive, but very sweet and very pleasant. I purchased this fragrance because I was interested in the heavy tea notes and mostly because I love fragrances with fig. This is as easily worn as a masculine fragrance as a feminine - don't let the pinkish tinted bottle fool you. Sillage is ok and longevity is fair. This one is safe to spray away as it is a lighter scent (summer frag for sure) and is very inoffensive. My only regret with this one is that it is only offered as an EDC - no option for purchasing an EDP or EDT.

15th November, 2009.

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Showing 1 to 7 of 7.