Fragrance Reviews by zenpiper

I believed the ad copy about it being soft and gentle. Nothing of the sort. It is a bit like Aspen Discovery, a bit on the sharp, aldehyde side. But it is not unpleasant. I am waiting for a better drydown, but so far it's a mediocre scent; one of Fragonard's misses. Other fragrances from Fragonard are far, far more appealing: Santal, Zizanie, Citron and Vetiver.

Based on the two other reviews I bought some on eBay for under $2.00 (well, $10.00 to ship). It is just wonderful. I don't know what's in it and I don't care. It's maybe one of the best I ever tried. Oddly it has a touch of the "automotive" and I do like that. Unique and good. It will be a real favorite.

Wanted to like it, and the drydown is pleasant, but there is nothing exceptional here. On the plus side, it's reminiscent of Cathy Carden's "Space" and also Perry Ellis' 360, so the eventual scent is OK, if not great. It just has a cheap, slightly cheesy quality, redeemed by a couple of good notes. Perfect for any NASCAR function.

Odd thing. I worked in broadcast TV for many years and had an opportunity to work with many celebs, including sports celebs. Brut is the stuff they used. Smelled fine. A little cheap, a little tawdry, but not horrible. What is odd is that these guys could afford the entire line of Creed in 8oz size, and yet selected Brut. I don't mind it, frankly, but anything more than a drop is overkill.

Not sure if I like this. It reminds me of the feminine fragrance Ciara. I dated a girl who wore Ciara and I was not that fond of her and Jacomo Rouge... well, maybe if I hadn't met her. Maybe the A*Men reference is right, but I get the sandalwood loud & clear. You might like this if you never dated Jean.

Refined and good. I came to Habit Rouge via Monsieur de Mouchoir, a better Guerlain fragrance, but about ten times more costly. There are some similarities, but Habit Rouge has a little kick to it, which I like. This is an elegant fragrance; to be worn with a jacket and tie. Just about perfect for a dinner date or a cocktail party. Just tops.

I am glad I got a 1 oz. sample on eBay; it's really good. I don't think of this as unisex or feminine one bit. Strikes me as a bit like Knize Ten; dry and austere and compelling. It also changes quite a bit throughout the day and it's always good and interesting. The only slight drawback is that it gets a little tiresome after a long day. Probably best for a night out, but not work.

Didn't like it. Way too floral at the top, though the drydown was barely acceptable. Still, not a scent that I would ever wear again. Tried it once; gave it away. That said, women might like this.

Didn't like the way it began, but then, after about 45 minutes, it settled down into a very comfortable scent. Of the Fragonards, it is not my favorite. The person who said "austere" was correct. It sure is, and it is also dry and fairly warm-smelling. This is a borderline power scent and it is very pleasant (after a while) but I don't think it's for me.

Very pleasant and good, but not the best. It begins with a fresh blast of lemon, as one might expect. Then it disappears, leaving only the barest trace of verbena. The fragrance itself is lovely, but what begins as a lusty shout dies to a barely audible whisper. It reminds me a bit of the fragrance one gets late in summer beach day after all the suntan creme has dissipated: a pleasant residue, but no more.

When I wrote about Aramis Tuscany, I said it was sunny. Santal reminds me of Amamis, but on a cloudy day. Similar notes but softer and more muted. Very appealing and good. I don't get much lemon, but a trace of sandalwood over quite a bit of warm amber. I think Fragonard may be my favorite house for fragrances. Each is unique and extremely fine. Santal may be a fine winter fragrance, but it is summer now and I like it just fine today.

(There's a fifth color: Orange). Ted Baker is bright, slightly kicky and has a great opening presence. After that, I don't know what the heck happens to it, but I don't think I like it. There seems to be some kind of "rubber" note in it, or something reminiscent of vinyl dish washing gloves. But the opening blast is good.

A really wonderful fragrance. Long ago I was working with a young woman in New York City, and she was pretty blase about everything. One day I wore Cacherel and she gave me a look that I will never forget. I asked her if she liked it and she lowered her eyes and said, "Oh yeah..." I don't know much about notes, but it's a unique scent that can warm a heart or two. It's really good.

"Dana Recreates Aramis Tuscany and Calls It California!" - or almost. This is a delightful, sunny fragrance, very imitative of Tuscany -- almost a drugstore version, but with a slightly sour marine note. Anyhow it's pleasant and good. Fairly long lasting (as are most Dana fragrances) and very reasonable to buy.

I don't think the name is quite right for this, since it doesn't smell like California to me; Mojo by Gendarme smells *exactly* like California. This stuff is more exotic than California. Cozumel? Iquitos? Well no matter, you can make up a name for the admirers.

I like it, but do not find it strong at all. Maybe the stuff I bought on eBay was watered down. Anyhow it's very light, pleasant and slightly elusive. Elegant without being stuffy. I'm impressed.

I am not sure if it's the same stuff that Foetidus is writing about; I have a sample vial that says Palladio/Michaelangelo. Well, no matter, I like it. It reminds me of Gianfranco Ferre pour homme; bright, light, Italian and mostly pleasant. There's an undertone of bug spray but I don't mind. Good for a party on the deck!

Pretty amazing stuff. I first heard about it from Martin Chung of Liquid Art on eBay. He said that was his signature fragrance and that is smelled like car tires. Martin was right. It starts off just horribly. But then it dries down into a fairly agreeable leather scent; a bit like Knize Ten, but way, way stronger. Extremely memorable but not for the faint of heart. (Oh, this is not for the "Light" version, but for the Regular Bandit pour homme).

Different and good. Wilderness is a singular fragrance in a way the Jovan Grass Oil, Creed Cuir de Russie and Bandit for men by Robert Piguet are all unique and not remotely similar to anything else. I wish I knew more about notes and composition, but here's a guess: subdued balsam, leather, very muted citrus. The opening is quite pungent but, after it dries down it becomes soft and really terrific. As with Bandit, I am not certain that ladies will find this scent appealing, but I think it's the fragrance to wear with a leather bomber jacket.

This stuff is good, but not as good as the Royall Bay Rhum or the St. John's -- both of which seem very potent and authentic. The Clubman seems like a nice, fairly polished, Bay Rum for landlubbers. Not much kick, and it comes in a plastic bottle. Cheap but inoffensive.

Wonderful. I bought a mini on eBay, thinking I was getting a larger size. Well, no matter; this is a terrific fragrance, though I am not astute enough to be able to describe the notes. The opening is fairly intense, and there is a note (fig?) that others may recognize, which is compelling and good. When it dries down there's an intoxicating aquatic/marine note that emerges. Just lovely, lasts quite well. Worth a mini for sure.

In reading the others' comments I wonder if we're smelling the same stuff. Rive Gauche, to me, is a powdery, sharper (more intense) Canoe, Pinaud Clubman or even Avon Wild Country - since all are in the same ballpark. The woodsy accord sets this one off, and might be considered a tad more formal. Great for a date; inoffensive and luxurious. I just don't get barbershop at all. Jockey Club yes, this stuff no. I do like it.

Comfortable; the kind of scent you could wear often and be content with. The Canoe reference was right; it's also in the direction of Clubman by Ed. Pinaud. Inoffensive, powdery, pleasant.

Orange spice, with maybe some clove in the mix. I disagree with Mario. This is a a lovely, warm, comforting smell. Good for an outing in coolish weather. Not for summer.

Great stuff! Not at all piney, but complex, mysterious and long-lasting. A bit more feminine than masculine.

Lately, this has been my default fragrance; the stuff I wear when I can't decide on anything else. It's just awfully good, unique and almost nobody else wears it (nor Bandit for men, also by R. Piquet). I disagree with those who consider it soapy; this is very clean, fresh, a a bit mysterious because it draws one in repeatedly. There is just nothing like it: unique and outstanding.

Hated the opening, but it changed into a soft, fairly velvety vanilla/iodine scent. Reminds me of Lalique. In fact, they are (to my rather inexperienced nose) almost identical. Not fond of either, even though they are well done.

I was not fond of the lemon candy opening, but it changed nicely. It's a very nice fragrance, but far, far from the sophistication of Brooks Brothers Lime. Still, I will wear it and like it.

Wonderful. Musgo Real has a slightly powdery quality which is really good. This is a fine, no-nonsense, good-smelling fragrance. This, along with Caswell-Massey Number 6, may be the one to splash on when faced with indecision.

Good thing this has been retired. Smelled just like Desenex foot powder, but not quite as pleasant.

Smells nice, but lasts six minutes and twenty-two seconds. I timed it. The Royall Bay Rhum is far, far the best of the Bay Rums.

It took me some time in my formation to understand that the first spray does not a fragrance make: what it turns into, with body chemistry added, is the final test. This stuff reeks.

A fine, sturdy and well-balanced fragrance. The Royall perfumers know how to make great stuff (except for the Mandarin which, to me, reeks). But the Bay Rhum, the Lyme and the Spice are unique and finely-crafted. You just can't miss.

The opening reminds me a little of Eau d'Hermes with its mix of chypre and citrus; then it gets darker and more complex and better than the Hermes. And yet, I am not smitten with either one. Neither seems quite finished. It is as thought the perfumer got each to a point and then just stopped. Z-14 is less mysterious but more complete. That said, 1-12 would probably be fine for afternoon gatherings or a day at the races. It's inoffensive and pleasant.

One of Creed's best for formal wear and important meetings during cool weather. Its very powerful, classy, refined and solid as a rock. This is about as good as it gets. Scent-wise, it's the equivalent of having a loaded revolver in your desk; reserved for special occasions.

I like this stuff. It is dark and mysterious and compelling and good. It draws me in again and again with its complexity. That said, this is not "me" any more than is driving around in a Ferrari. A Men is something I can appreciate and admire but I just can't get comfortable with it: what am I trying to prove? If I want power that is closer to "me" I'll go for either Boucheron or Creed Tabarome.

Nice, inoffensive fragrance, highly reminiscent of Pinaud Clubman. Perfect for a casual day, but easy to over-apply. Go easy, since it lasts forever.

I like this stuff! Ordered some Knize Ten and a little vile of Bleu Marine was in the box. (I love samples). Yes, it's sweet and common but so am I, so Bleu Marine and I are new pals. Reminds me of Halston Z-14. True, Bleu Marine is not (to me) aquatic in any way, but it's pleasant and fresh and good. Lasts well.

Horrid. Not a spec of refinement, fun, mystery or anything appealing. Subtle as a sledgehammer.

Starts off smelling a bit like powdery Dunlop tires in a nice leather bag. Then it softens into smelling like the leather bag with the tires removed but a little of the powder left: slightly musky powder. I like this stuff. Not for an evening of romance At All, but great for the club or a day in a tweed blazer. Creed Cuir de Russie is still my favorite leather fragrance but Knize is singular and powerful.

Found this while trying to locate Aqua Lime Florestan, and was a little surprised to see it. Frost Lime is one I wore in high school, college and while working at the garden store. It's very pleasant, lasts fairly well, and has some kind of slightly muddy quality in the lime. That is, the lime is not distinct, the way it is in Royall Lyme or even in Caswell-Massey's Lemony Lime. This is a softer, muted variation, maybe because it has been mixed with Aqua Velva? Anyhow it's a fine casual scent for wearing at bowling alleys, gas stations, NASCAR functions and if you happen to work in a garden store.

Not my favorite. A bit too sharp. I had hoped, as I wore it, it would settle down into something better, but so far - 2 hours later - it's still annoying. Seems to me it could use a citrus note, or more musk--or something--to lift it out of the ordinary.

Fine fragrance though all but impossible to find now. Even when it was available it was impossible to find, but worth the hunt. Clean, powdery, slightly floral - warm notes. I don't get much in the way of pine, but it's a comforting long-lasting fragrance. (It is slightly similar to Herbissimo Marjoram, which is quite inexpensive and pretty good).

Desire Blue has a bright fresh opening and then fades into a sweet alcohol-rub kind of thing. Perfect for NFL linebackers or anyone else with a single eyebrow.

My cousin brought me a mini from Paris and I just put some on now. I don't like it. Sharp and sour. It improves in the drydown, however. It will ultimately disappear and I will like that best of all.

Fun to read the other reviews. YSL was something I wore in the '70s but wasn't crazy about. And - as with some of the others on Basenotes - found Eau Sauvage more to my liking. Now I don't care for Eau Sauvage at all, and may revisit YSL. I think it was first discovering Hermes eau d'Orange Verte (which, when first launched, was called, simply, Hermes) that gave my nose a real lesson in fresh citrus.

But, back to YSL, it always smelled like fine lemon soap to me - but then my nose was young and foolish, so I might like it better now.

If this is a classic, then I had better get my nose fixed. There is no complexity here. As one reviewer noted, it's missing something - maybe a smoky incense note, or whatever's in Creed's Vintage Tabarome. That said, it's OK to wear to a football game; it's not unpleasant. I get the feeling that the perfumer got this fragrance to a point and said, "Time for lunch!"

Great stuff! I was completely unaware of this nice fragrance until today when I was in Lord & Taylor looking over their trayfull of goodies. Most of them were known to me, but Boucheron was not. Sprayed it on a card - very nice. Sprayed some on myself and spent the rest of the day sniffing the back of my hand. It's really terrific, and (surprisingly) leave Chanel Pour Homme in the dust. It's elegant and friendly, a very unique combination. Not sure if it would bump Mouchoir de Monsieur for sheer class, but it is really something.

Royal Blue is a lovely, light, slightly sweet/powdery cologne with a mysterious undercurrent that draws one in. There is a sharpness and a subtlety I find very appealing; as though the perfumer started with Canoe and then made it darker and spicier. It lasts well too. This is not a formal fragrance, but well suited to a casual outing or maybe a movie date.

Addendum: This stuff calls me back again and again; it has become a real favorite. Took some getting used to, but it makes me feel very happy to wear this. It lasts well, with a lovely glowing sweet scent.

Of the Royall Scents I have experienced (Lyme, Rhum, Spice) the Mandarin is the worst. It is a terrible fragrance. Cheap, stinky. The others are lovely. Not this. Steer clear.

Elegance, class and wonderfully inviting. About as good as the perfumer's art ever attained. Not sure what's in it but wow. The best.

Here is what I think happened: Hermes had a few vats of Mediterranean Garden and Nile Garden left over and mixed them together. The first blast is the cedar/fig stuff and then it softens into the (what is it? Tuberose?) of the Nile. But, in the mix, something good happened: Hermes Terre is far superior to either of the Jardins. It is more subtle, complex and more appealing. This is a lovely, rich, casual scent. Just great.

Love the opening citrus notes--very refined and elegant. Then it turns into a kind of soapy thing. Not sure if this bottle is old or stale or if the British gents of 1905 really smelled like this. It's not my favorite but I do wear it once in a while.

I like this stuff. I like the opening better than the dry scent, which reminds me a bit of Bois du Portugal, but slightly lighter. The opening is a real blast!

This is about Caswell-Massey's "Lemony Lime" since there was no category for it. The Lemony-Lime starts off with a blast, similar to Royall Lime - fresh citrus with a whiff of hard candy flavor. But that quickly dries off and what is left is a very charming, subtle fragrance. As with many of C-M's fragrances, this is barely a whisper on the skin, but it's great. Also, there are the subtler, warmer notes of C-M's Number 6 in the bottom register and the provide good balance to this nice warm-weather scent.

This is really amazingly good, and unlike the Signoricci I have. There is a warmth and complexity here that just draws one in and I get something different each time, always terrific. It has a raffish formality; playful and yet refined. Oh boy!

This is a great fragrance, though the opening reminds me of Herrera (of which I am not fond). But then it becomes a wonderful, elegant experience. To me, this is a formal or semi-formal fragrance, or maybe for the office or an important meeting. Not to wear to the grocery store. Oh wait. Anyhow, it's one of the best I ever experienced. The noses at Lauder (who also make Aramis and Tuscany) have some savvy and sense. Too bad this is discontinued, but, as we know, that happens all too frequently with things we cherish.

The first time I smelled Jovan Musk I thought it was great. That was back in the Disco '70s when I was young and didn't know beans. (I now know some beans). I think young guys (and some women) would just love this; but it is nothing I would wear these days unless I want to make my friends wonder what the hell happened to me.

O the horror, the horror!

Tops. I think I was in college when my parents gave me a bottle of this and it was a real thrill. Still is. I don't know if this is the "original" Bay Rum but there is none better. I am out of stock at the moment and have some Caswell-Massey St. Thomas Bay Rum, which not as punchy, pungent and rip-roaring as the St. John's blend. I tell you, lads, that St. John's stuff will make you want to put a sabre between your teeth and climb the rigging. Oh arr!

Wonderful. I got a huge bottle of splash for everyday after-shave use and it's terrific. What I like about it is that it *doesn't* last terribly long, so by the time I am dressed I can put on something a little more interesting and long-lasting. I really need to try the edt, but the splash is just delightful. It is sharp, crisp and not overwhelmed with lavender - there is just enough. There's also a "sec" quality to this that I especially like. As I said, this stuff is wonderful.

I see that the launch date is 1992 for Yardley Original. Hm. I had a bottle of "Yardley" in the 1960s and it was among my first "real" colognes. It was spicy amber with a bit of sharpness to it that softened sweetly after 10 minutes. Not long after that I received a bottle of Yardley "Black Label" and that was a whole new world; much more complex and refined. But I am a loyal sort and the Original Yardley remained in front on the dresser. It was (and may still be) a wonderful masculine fragrance without being overpowering or cloying. Very fine; top marks.

This is fresh lilacs in a bottle and extremely well done. There is no complexity nor subtlety: it's simply lilac water. It is bracing, refreshing and invigorating. Extremely good on a hot day. However, this is not a fragrance to wear out. This is for you to splash on after a shower, or swimming, and to enjoy for the 30 minutes or so that it lasts. Highly under-rated in my opinion.

As a young man I was given the whole set and used most of them. They provided a fine introduction to the world of fragrance and were (in memory now) very well made. I recall the Irish scent, green in color (what else?). It was light, slightly sweet and distinguised, a bit like the old Caswell-Massey Greenbriar. It did not last long; none of them did. The bottles were lovely little spheres.

Maybe the worst fragrance (leather or otherwise) I have ever experienced. After the thrill of Creed's Cuir de Russie, the knock-you-sideways Knize Ten, and Creed Vintage Tabarome - this stuff is a bottled nightmare. Demeter makes some wonderful stuff, but not this.

The old Greenbriar was a light delight: bracing, crisp and refined (but not formal). My girl-friend like it also and used it nearly as much as me. Sorry to hear it has changed. The old version was early cool Spring in a bottle.

There is something about this I don't like, maybe the sharpness. That said, there is something about this I do like - probably the softer notes. Oddly, I bought a knock-off spray cologne of this stuff in a Dollar store that I much, much preferred. I bought the real thing, hoping it would be as good as the knock-off. The knockoff was softer, sweeter and more accessible. The formality of the real Ferrera, along with its sharpness, just doesn't work for me.

If you're heading into farm country, or where there are trucker drivers with stained teeth, you'll blend right in wearing this stuff. Not for the faint of heart, and yet, it's a top drugstore seller.

Someone gave me a bottle of this stuff for Christmas and I wore it to be polite. There is nothing particularly good or memorable about it, but it's not terrible either. Strikingly so-so.

Awful. I don't know which R.L. fragrance is the more horrid, Polo Sport or Chaps. I think these fragrances were created by a temp.

It's unique, strong and I like it. That said, I don't wear it often. It's a formal scent, or one that goes with a jacket and tie, or for a business function. Of the Lauder offerings, Tuscany has my heart, but Aramis is first rate (for mature audiences).

Boy, does this stuff smell cheap. And yet some women like it? Go figure. I can't stand it, and agree with the reviewer who expressed surprise that Mr. Lauren would market such a nasty little scent.

It's a fine scent, fairly unique too. I wore it often to high school dances and parties and I am darn tired of it now. Still, for an inexpensive fragrance, it's better than most.

Nice stuff: subtle, warm and unique. So unique that, on me, it smells like a Manhattan. I like that.

Extremely pleasant but not inspired. I used this stuff during college when 4 oz. of after shave could be had for under ten dollars. There is no sophistication here; just a light, slightly warm, scent that lasts well.

Truly wonderful, though it took some getting used to. The opening notes are brilliant and astonishing but then they retreat and are gone. What is left is quite unlike the opening; soft and inviting. It's a bit like an Italian woman who slaps your face but then grabs your tie to draw you in close. Well wow.

Wonderful stuff; elegant without being snooty. It's a most comfortable fragrance that suggests gracious living. Perfect for semi-formal country outings or cocktails on the fantail. Caswell-Massey's best.

Long ago I got a bottle of Kiehl's "Supurb" Musk Oil and supurb it was. It was a heavy liquid with a dipper and the fragrance was light and astonishing. Thinking this might be the same, I bought some samples of Kiehl's Original Musk Oil and what a disappointment. It's dirty all right.

Where I live, Aqua Velva and Old Spice are de rigeur, so Acqua di Gio is not well known. That said, I don't like it. There's a sour grass note in the mix that one can easily achieve by spending a few hours in a silo.

Preferred Stock is just not for me, and I don't mind inexpensive fragrances. There is no personality here, just a mix of notes, with one note being noticeably sharp. It's not terrible, but I don't plan on wearing it again, ever.

I go back and forth with Polo green. I like the scent fine, but then...? I will tell you this, though: women adore it on me. That's another thing: stuff I particularly like to smell, women are so-so about. But with Polo (and with "Bitter Orange" by Agraria) I find a nose in my neck with delightfuly regularity.

The juniper in Herbissimo reminds me of Acqua de Selva, though with other scents in play. (Sorry, I am not savvy enough to know what the notes are). It is pleasant, sharp, lively and (to me) Italian. This is the stuff for a casual first date, hands down.

Lovely, soft, floral, woody whisper. Reminds me of Bogner's Deep Forest. I always get wonderful comments with this. Last well too.

I always liked this fragrance, though it is easy to over-apply. (Long ago, this was available in something called a "sounding" cologne: it was foam that crackled when you touched it.) Great scent, but not for every day. It is one of the few fragrances that is completely unique (well, to me) and also reasonably priced. Good for a day at the races.

Did you ever hear a song for the first time and love it, but then, by the 10th hearing, you're just sick of it? That is Eau Sauvage for me. Liked it very much long ago; now I just can't tolerate it.

Some newer fragrances take a little getting used to, but not so with Geir. It is immediately accessible and good-smelling. I only have a small sample, but it's definately on my "must get" list. Bravo to the Norwegians who made this: it terrific.

Not the best. I got a free sample vile (sp!) and tried it. Yuck. Smells like pickels, or something like dill. Oliver should pull this one off the shelves pronto.

I loved this while I had it. It was unusual, sweet with a little sharpness; warm and inviting. I wish I could find more of this. Very unusual and good.

In a phone conversation with the late great Martin Chung of "Liquid Art" he said that Z-14 was not especially worthy; it was heavy with aldehydes. Martin was probably right, but I do like it. There is something about this fragrance that reminds me of Christmas. Maybe because I got some at Christmas one year, but Z makes me happy and comfortable--provided I just put on a little Sorry Martin!

I knew a chemist at Estee Lauder, the company that makes the Aramis brand, including Tuscany and Devin. She told me--in some detail--at the lengths they go to achieve a great fragrance. I don't know if Lauder is a "house" but I love their fragrances: each is unique and good. Long before I discovered the summery warmth of Tuscany, Devin was the one I reached for if I was undecided. It was just extremely pleasant and comfortable, with more than a touch of understated class. This is what Halston Z-14 aspired to be, but didn't quite have the pedigree.

I note that other reviewers use the word "happy" to describe how they feel when using 4711, and I agree. It's extremely inexpensive--especially compared to Guerlain Imperiale--and is the sort of fragrance one can splash on liberally after a shave. True, it doesn't last long, but the first splash is a sparkling delight. A true classic; I wouldn't be without it, ever.

I like it. Simple, fresh and smells like elegant candy. Then it goes away, forever. But that first blast is worth the price of admission.

Brooks has had a few fragrances over the years. The best, and one of my all-time favorites, was "346" the number of their street address on Madison Avenue, New York. Sadly, "346" is no more. I have a bottle of "Brooks Brothers" with the slightly tapered bottle and the Golden Fleece logo on the front. It's a good bold spicy cologne. Very old school, old tie, old rowing blue, cotillions and cummerbunds. The sort of thing J. Walter would keep in his desk in the event Miss Perkins stopped by to review her portfolio. I like Brooks Brothers quite a bit for the 3 times a year I dab it on. Worth collecting, maybe even wearing.

Strikes me as a mix of Chanel Pour Monsieur and Acqua di Selva. Yes, it's lovely, elegant and very Italian. Perfect for special occasions, but it is not something I would wear often.

A new old favorite. I was given some of this while I was in college and (as with many things) failed to appreciate its complexity and subtlety. Now I think it's one of the best fragrances ever. I know little about notes or specifics, but I do know that a great fragrance will draw one in again and again, and that is what Chanel Pour Monsieur does. And yet it is accessible and comfortable to wear. And, for me, it lasts just fine.

At first I didn't care for it, but now I think it's great. It just sparkles. I don't know beans about notes or drydown or sillage (what the heck IS sillage?) but I do like this scent - now. Ebay has decants at low prices, so if you're curious about Himalaya, that's the place to go.

Jardin (not Jardine), to me, is like being clubbed in the nostrils. Mind you, I don't mind the scent, but it's way overpowering. Applied in the slightest of mists it can be very nice, esp layered with Tuscany which has a similar brightness. I don't get feminine at all with this scent. I get woods and figs and some florals, but in extreme over-abundance. My 3.4 oz will last me 40 years I bet.

So it's cumin, eh? Who woulda thunk a spice for chili would end up in an Hermes bottle? I don't know what I think of this fragrance. I like the way it starts off, but then something happens and it's not altogether pleasant. Either that or I am just not sophisticated. I am staying neutral on this, with a slight down-turn, because--whatever this stuff is--it doesn't last very long.

This fragrance has been around far longer than 1979. I remember it in the 60s, when it was simply "Hermes." It was the first really good fragrance I ever smelled and my affection for it remains undiminished. True, it fades quickly, but, for this, I don't mind. It's a rush while it lasts.

I agree with the others about its too-short life, but the scent is great. I believe it was created for the Emperor Napoleon, though I don't know if it was I or III. It's about as good as a fragrance gets, though it's a little bit like the dry citrus of Roger & Gallet extra vielle. A pity that it goes away so soon. Vive L'Empereur.

It's a really lovely, clean, floral/woodsy fragrance. The original, made by English Leather, had its name as "Timber Line" (two words). When Dana took it over the name changed and, I am told, the scent. The original was very fine but extremely strong. Lightly misted, the original "Timber Line" is a delight. But too much, and it becomes overbearing. It's one of my Top 10.

I once had the priviledge of meeting a billionaire, a modest man, quiet and soft spoken. He wore Old Spice, and this impressed me. It also made me happy because this is the cologne my dad wore on rare occasions; and the first scent I ever had on my face at the age of 8. It got me started. It's an old friend, this Old Spice.

One of my favorites. Sunny, warm and very pleasant. I find the aftershave to be a little more suitable for general wearing than tha cologne, which has deeper notes. This can be layered (if one is careful) with a tiny whiff of Hermes Jardin de Mediterranean first; then the Tuscany. Yowza!

I don't know what the heck the stuff is. I bought it because I was collecting the soon-to-be-discontinued Pinaud long-neck bottles. I bought Fleur de France for $4.99 for 12 oz. It's not a bad scent, but I have no idea what it is. It's kind of a mish-mash of sweetness, but not clearly defined. If you're putting on a clown suit for a kid's party, this is the stuff to wear.

Of all the Pinaud fragrances, this one is my least favorite. It takes its lime fragrance from hard candy and not from anything off a tree. It's just cloying and awful. Oddly, the lemon fragrance (no longer available) Naturelle Sec, was terrific. Lime Sec (not sec at all, but sick) also is featured in Citrus Musk, which is slightly less awful. Too bad; Pinaud has made some great workaday fragrances, but also some clunkers, such as Lime Sec.

I like Aqua Velva and always have. It's light, clean and inoffensive. It is a bit too much at first application but that goes away; and what is left is a pleasant, comfortable scent. Great as an after shave when you have to go paint the boat.

Surprizingly good, though it starts off way too sweet, and I think there is some Tuberose in the mix. However, after an hour it becomes something quite fine, provided one doesn't over-do it. Recommended for that 1960's blast.

Perhaps the most singular of the Creed scents: unlike any of the others. True it doesn't last very long, but it's just wonderful. To say it smells like a brand new saddle is pointing in the right direction but there is so much else going on, that I am really at a loss for words with this.

I like this one quite a bit. I bought a decant and wish I had more now. Of the newer Creeds, this is the easiest for me to wear and like. It lasts quite a long time, but not all day. It's got a bracing quality that I like also.

I don't know what all the fuss is about. Yes, it's nice, with the characteristic sharp opening notes; but after that it fades to a barely imperceptable scent. I need to try it some more, or apply it more heavily.

Recently found Night Spice on eBay and was very pleasantly surprised. The initial notes were very much Old Spice, but then they softened into a woody floral, a bit reminiscent of Bogner's Deep Forest. This is a very fine fragrance that draws one in with a whisper. I suspect women will love it also.

This is a fine fragrance, provided one doesn't apply too much. Needs to be misted very lightly; then it's terrific. Lovely quality to it.

Funny thing. I got a bottle of this in 1977 and didn't much care for it: a bit too odd. But I didn't part with it either. Now I do like it. It's unusual and something I would not wear often, but I have warmed to it quite a bit. Lasts well.

An update to my previous posting. Yes, it still burns, but I have become enchanted with this scent. It has a slight baby-powder/clean soap quality but there's something else that is just lovely. This is far, far from power. This is humility and sweetness. I never smelled anything like it. It makes me smile.

I like it. It is a light, airy fragrance that doesn't last long, but still has a comfortable, inviting quality. It might be borderline barbershop, but I think my barber used to slap my ears with Jeris or something equally awful.

I was given a bottle of this when I was still in high school and it was my introduction to something better than Aqua Velva and English Leather. I liked the clean, dry lemon fragrance. It smelled "elegant" to me. It no longer has the same cachet, but I do like it.

Love it. It's really more like fresh pine, or a Christmas tree, not really like turps. It's brisk, bracing and good. Only trouble is that it fades almost immediately. Too bad, but great while it lasts.

This is the first truly schizophrenic fragrance I have ever encountered. Musk and citrus, and they keep each other at arm's length. It's as though there are two fragrances at work, never quite collaborating. Pinaud Lime Sec is the base (inspired by lime flavored hard candy). I think who ever made this fragrance had a bus to catch.

I agree with Mark that Clubman is similar to Canoe; though heavier and stronger. Lovely fragrance, but it is extremely strong. Mist the air and walk into it. Nice powdery finish, provided you don't put on too much. Then it's cloying and awful.

A favorite, one that is sadly missed. It was not inspired or special in any way, but it was an excellent use-every-day after shave, a bit like Guerlain Imperiale or Roger & Gallet Extra Veille: dry citrus, clean, and modest.

Man I wish I could find this stuff in the U.S. It's a clean, dry citrus fragrance. I bought a 1/3 oz decant and wasn't that impressed. Then when the decant got 1/2-way down I topped it off with 4711. Well, the resulting mix was a dry lemon sorbet: maybe the most wonderful citrus fragrance I ever, ever experienced.

I found this fragrance 20 years ago, while in college, and it inspired me. My girlfriend said it was "yummy" and she was right. It's elegantly casual, or maybe casually elegant: very pleasant either way. However, the more recent formulations (without "de Fragonard" on the bottle) are a poor send-up of the lovely original. Note: the photo on this page is of the newer, badly formulated, Zizanie. Save your $ for the real "de Fragonard."

Oh I do like this. My first impression was of a fairly rare incense, Gulnaz. Well, it might have leather notes, but I get a dry, warm, smoky incense.

Couldn't wait to try it. Couldn't wait to wash it off. Way, way too sharp for me. Almost needle-like in it's attack.

Not for me; way too harsh, blaring. And I'll bet it keeps the mosquitos away too.

This has been my standby fragrance for decades, especially for cooler weather. Can't say enough about it: it's perfect for me.