Fragrance Reviews
Fragrance Reviews by bakhmet
Showing all 12 reviews
Mitsouko by Guerlain
At first, I was so-so on this fragrance. I wore a couple more times and now I'm hooked. It started off strong on me, but dies down to something that lingers very nicely in the background, not obtrusive. I can see why people call it "animalistic" since it does seem quite "raw" on myself, and not spicy at all like some of the reviewers say. This is truly one of those fragrances that changes with the wearer, and the aura is so organic. I love this fragrance, but would not go trigger happy on the spray. It is meant to augment one's natural aura, not overpower it.
08 November 2005
Habit Rouge by Guerlain
Another winner from Guerlain. Do not judge on first spray, but let it sit for at least a few minutes and you will smell why it can be so popular. Dry, yet slightly sweet, not cloying (unless you are judging on the first spray up the nose), very fresh but in a "fresh linens out of the dryer" kind of way - so very warm. This is perfect for the coming days of fall and winter. I would not have a problem wearing this to the office, or at home, or out to dinner. I can see this fragrance on many different types of guys, so it's adaptable, but I wouldn't go too young. I'm not talking age, but maturity. That said, it doesn't exactly scream old fogey either.
25 October 2005
Chanel Pour Monsieur Concentrée by Chanel
I got this by mistake. I had originally bought the travel spray of Pour Monsieur EDT, but the bottle was defective (when I pushed on the top, the whole thing came out of it's sheath). I exchanged it, but wanted the bottle instead and got the concentree version by mistake. It definitely is different, but on me, it smells stronger and lasts longer than the original EDT. It is more lemony in the beginning, and then gives a sharper woody smell as it dries down. It is very nice, I am not complaining. I also disagree that it is an older gentleman's cologne. I am in my twenties, and I find that a good fragrance is a good fragrance, no matter what the age (or gender, if you are open to wearing colognes designed for the opposite sex). I find this very suitable for office, weekend, or evening wear. Despite being stronger than the original, it is still quite subtle.
25 September 2005
Vetiver by Guerlain
Took a risk with this one and bought it over the internet based on curiousity. I'm glad I did, because I love this one. It's simple, fresh and feels like I can wear it anytime of day, for any season. Also, great to wear to work. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and this really seems to be an "appropriate" fragrance for the area. Very green.
08 September 2005
L'Instant de Guerlain pour Homme by Guerlain
Very nice, the first of Guerlain's that I have tried and I like it. Bought a bottle. Slightly sweet, powdery, woody, smooth. I look forward to trying some of their other scents. I would not compare it to Vera Wang for Men though. I tried that too, and although I love the scent of VW, it was much weaker than L'Instant.
28 August 2005
Pleasures for Men by Estée Lauder
This was probably the first cologne I really, really liked. However, that was when I was younger, and before that I had an unfound dislike for colognes (like I said, I was a young, and stupid). Anyway, this cologne is fresh, hint of floral, very light. Surprisingly, it does last about half a day despite the lightness. I would say this cologne is great for a "beginner" because it is so tame. However, when I recently put it on, I found it weak (no it wasn't old). Maybe I've just "been around the block" a few times and really seen what's out there? Not bad, but not spectacular either.
19 August 2005
Le Mâle by Jean Paul Gaultier
For the past what, 10 years, that this fragrance has been around, I have avoided it - I have no idea why. I tried it on this past weekend at a store and really liked it. It will be too sweet for some, however, I just happen to like the smell of baby powder and this is kind of what it is like, except that it's definitely not for a baby. It has great staying power too. To me, this cologne would depend on my mood and probably the season (probably better in fall/winter cool rainy days). Not one I would wear everyday, but good one to have.
19 August 2005
Platinum Égoïste by Chanel
What can I say about this one? Mmmm...mmmm.....good! It definitely has the smell of usual "department store". You know, walk into a department store and general wall of cologne hits you, however this one has a definite edge. Very modern, yet classic, fresh with a hint of warmth. Chanel is definitely living up to the name with this one. Generally good stamina to last all day. I find it good for daytime office or evening wear and even wore it when I was in university. As always, try before you buy.
19 August 2005
L'Eau D'Issey pour Homme by Issey Miyake
My advice about this one: if you first tried it on - and actually liked it. Buy the smallest bottle that you can find. I found that while I liked the smell, I actually became sick and got a headache after several times of using it. I am not sensitive and have never been sick of colognes, but this is the first one. I am not that great at identifying smells (probably making me a lousy cologne reviewer) however, there is one part of this cologne that seems to steamroll over the other pieces. I had no idea it had so many notes - I could not smell them. I think it might have been the vetiver. Anyway, you have been warned.
19 August 2005
Kenneth Cole New York Men by Kenneth Cole
Wow, not many likers for this one. I happen to like this one. It is definitely more on the fresh side. For some reason, this one lasts all day on me (one of the only colognes that does). Also, happens to be the one cologne that friends of mine will put on if they are over, on a whim because they also love the smell - men and women. Most of the above reviews are right, there is nothing overly special about this, however this is a great cologne if you work in an office where you don't want to overpower the canned air around you. It is very non-offensive.
19 August 2005
Sienna by Crabtree & Evelyn
This is something of a favourite of mine - something to wear when it is colder out because it is so warm. I've definitely had compliments on this one. Not spicy, but more on the sweet side (but not sickenly sweet like L'eau Issey for men). Actually, smells like a good old bar of soap - clean, not too overpowering. Generally lasts the whole day on me. The packaging has improved (they changed from the splash to the spray a few months ago) and that makes application so much less messy, enables you some control. Should you choose between the aftershave or cologne, I would chose the cologne, it has more staying power.
19 August 2005
Lime, Basil & Mandarin by Jo Malone
This is definitely something different. I first tried it at a department store and wasn't extremely taken by it, however it did grow on me. Also, definitely for someone who likes a fresher scent - but definitely not too citrusy or too flowery. The top notes hit you with the lime, and the lingering herbs are something that goes between green and peppery. I just wish it lingers longer. The only down side to this scent is that it doesn't last more than 3-4 hours on me - and I sit in an office all day. However, I think it is a must have for any collector.
19 August 2005











