Basenotes - Reviews by mamcnyc

United States

Showing 1 to 6 of 6.

Eau Sans Pareil by Penhaligon's

I was so excited to read that Penhaligon's was re-launching Eau Sans Pareil, it was one of my all time favorites. Today I went into Saks and tried the new version. What a disappointment - it smells nothing like the original. Its become very ordinary. It reminds me of Quercus - not one of my favorites. Note to perfumers, if your going to relaunch a fragrance, do just that. If your going to radically change it - call it something else. I still have a few precious drops left from the original, I guess they will truly be precious now!

6th August, 2011. (Last Edited: 4th September, 2011.)

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Duel by Annick Goutal

When I read comments from people stating that a particular fragrance makes them sick, I often laugh - how could that be? That is until I tried Duel, I cant believe that it actually turns my stomach. Perhaps it just doesn't mix with my body chemistry, but it is extremely unpleasant on me. If you are a Goutal fan like me, experience Mandragore and Mandragore Pourpre, both are amazing!

25th June, 2011. (Last Edited: 21st August, 2011.)

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Acqua di Cuba by Santa Maria Novella

Absolutely love this fragrance. Never thought I would like it as much as I do. It does go on strong (which I like) and softens over time. I am not exactly a "nose", but the deep dry down reminds me of my favorite fragrance Penhaligon's Hammam Bouquet.

10th September, 2010.

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Timbuktu by L'Artisan Parfumeur

First, let me say that this is not a scent for everyone. Its either a love it or hate it. I absolutely love it. A woody floral incense. Unique among scents. One day when I was wearing it and getting my hair cut, the stylist commented that the fragrance I was wearing had a 'paper' scent. I don't quite get that, but of all the fragrances that I have ever worn, Timbuktu has the most wonderful lingering effect. I know it sounds odd, but If it remains on a sweater, it never turns old or dirty, just warm and inviting.

24th June, 2010.

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JHL by Aramis

One of my all time favorites. A masculine cross between Youth Dew and Cinnabar (2 of the best fragrances ever!). First purchased it in the 80's and have loved it ever since. I personally enjoy unique and distinctive scents. It's opening of cinnamon and patchouli can be quite powerful, but the dry down is soft, warm and almost powdery. As someone, mentioned, it must be applied in moderation. Not a NYC summer scent.

24th June, 2010.

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Hammam Bouquet by Penhaligon's

Quite simply, the world's greatest fragrance. I have tried many high-end fragrances over the years, but I always come back to Hammam Bouquet. No fragrance has ever done this to me. I simply cannot get enough.

When first applying, it can be intoxicating, but during the dry down it becomes warm and inviting. In a few hours a soft floral emerges with a touch of musk. By the end of the day a very subtle fragrance lingers that is completely different from earlier in the day. By this time, the name says it all, it is reminiscent of old books, powdered resins, and ancient rooms (Penhaligon's description, and right on target).

4th March, 2009.

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Showing 1 to 6 of 6.