Fragrance Reviews
Fragrance Reviews by CuyahogaJoe
Showing all 18 reviews
Dior Homme by Christian Dior
Dior Homme is (in my opinion) destine to become a classic. It isn't nearly as sweet as most gourmands nor is it as feminine as most floral's. A distinct leather note blends perfectly with the iris and lavender. Dior Homme can very easily be classified as a "unisex" fragrance as it is one of my daughter's favorites. The drydown is amazing and one of a few colognes I over apply purposefully.
Many fragrances have specific applications...again, in my opinion, and I'd categorize Dior Homme as a "sensual/romantic" fragrance. I wouldn't wear it to a ball game with my buddies or to a closing of a sales agreement, but it lends itself much better to a "familiar lover" situation. Dior Homme is hardly "macho manly" as the likes of Bois du Portugal or Havana, but it is more of a "sensitive manly" which is suitable for intimately situations. I get a few wisps of the lipstick note, but I can't tell if it is from Dior Homme or from this kiss my girlfriend just placed on my cheek...either way, I don't mind. The perfect application would be a night at the symphony, the opera, a Broadway play or a fine restaurant dressed to the nines with a beautiful familiar lover.
Many fragrances have specific applications...again, in my opinion, and I'd categorize Dior Homme as a "sensual/romantic" fragrance. I wouldn't wear it to a ball game with my buddies or to a closing of a sales agreement, but it lends itself much better to a "familiar lover" situation. Dior Homme is hardly "macho manly" as the likes of Bois du Portugal or Havana, but it is more of a "sensitive manly" which is suitable for intimately situations. I get a few wisps of the lipstick note, but I can't tell if it is from Dior Homme or from this kiss my girlfriend just placed on my cheek...either way, I don't mind. The perfect application would be a night at the symphony, the opera, a Broadway play or a fine restaurant dressed to the nines with a beautiful familiar lover.
28 April 2007
Maxims pour Homme by Maxims
One of my top 5 favorites. It very much reminds me of the men in my life (my father and grandfather) Maxims pH opens a little loudly and with a touch of sweetness, but quickly tones down into what is the most pleasent scents I know. Because it reminds me of my grandfather, it is comforting, warm, safe and secure. Buy it while you still can, if you don't like it...I'll buy it from you.
14 April 2007
X for Men by Clive Christian
Really quite incredible. Many of my most resent purchases (at the time of writing this review) have been citrus based fragrances. I didn't know what to expect from X, but it fell pleasantly and surprisingly fell into plan.
The cardamom compliments the bergamot very nicely by reducing or eliminating the sour notes sometime associated with bergamot. This two piece band played for hours until the cardamom tired and was relieved by the cinnamon and cedar where the three played in beautiful harmony. Not long after being joined by cinnamon and cedar, the bergamot finally retired leaving cinnamon and cedar to dry-down into an uncanny resemblance to a Dunhill edition dry-down.
Justifying the cost doesn't concern me. For as often as I would wear X, one bottle should last me the rest of my life and my kids can fight over what's left.
The cardamom compliments the bergamot very nicely by reducing or eliminating the sour notes sometime associated with bergamot. This two piece band played for hours until the cardamom tired and was relieved by the cinnamon and cedar where the three played in beautiful harmony. Not long after being joined by cinnamon and cedar, the bergamot finally retired leaving cinnamon and cedar to dry-down into an uncanny resemblance to a Dunhill edition dry-down.
Justifying the cost doesn't concern me. For as often as I would wear X, one bottle should last me the rest of my life and my kids can fight over what's left.
27 March 2007
1872 for Men by Clive Christian
My first impression was that I received the 1872 for women. One spray and I was enveloped in a cloud of floral essence. I'm glad I only sprayed once because I was on my way to my mechanics shop...smelling like I had just hugged my mother was the only excuse I could think of before I walked in and went directly to the hand cleaner and scrubbed it off.
Now knowing what to expect, I tried it again later that day, I still get very heavy floral (rose and lily) and a slight sage-like note, but the mandarin is completely absent as is the pepper. The longevity was pretty good for a single spray and the dry-down did finally reveal some pepper notes, but the floral never always the lead in the performance.
I would highly recommend this as a feminine fragrance and I'll bet my daughter will love it. If you prefer a more masculine perfume, CC X is a much better initiation to Clive Christian. I'd give 1872 two thumbs up if I could because of it's character, composition and sophistication, but it's just not something I could wear.
Now knowing what to expect, I tried it again later that day, I still get very heavy floral (rose and lily) and a slight sage-like note, but the mandarin is completely absent as is the pepper. The longevity was pretty good for a single spray and the dry-down did finally reveal some pepper notes, but the floral never always the lead in the performance.
I would highly recommend this as a feminine fragrance and I'll bet my daughter will love it. If you prefer a more masculine perfume, CC X is a much better initiation to Clive Christian. I'd give 1872 two thumbs up if I could because of it's character, composition and sophistication, but it's just not something I could wear.
27 March 2007
Kiton Men by Kiton
Pretty decent fragrance. My first impression was similar to that of others except this is a green I can wear. No where near as biting as GIT, but a variation similar to it. I get black pepper in the mid-notes and something that reminds me of the sea. This is the first Italian fragrance I've tried that did not have the traditional Italian note (I don't know what it is) I got this accidentally, but I'm glad I did. Slated for the chopping block, this is worth hanging on to and I don't know anyone personally who has even tried it.
21 February 2007
Corduroy by Zirh
I've learned to not get the wrong impression form the initial introduction. On paper, it smells like any other contemporary mass market, run of the mill, low end, discount/department store frag. After I read a few reviews, I thought I'd give it another chance...and I'm glad I did.
To me Corduroy is the closest thing to the missing link of classic to contemporary. It's very accommodatingly transitional and sensitive to though's who have known what "good" is, yet introducing the new philosophy of contemporary frags...gently. Now, thanks to Zirh, I might actually try to understand the new "crap".
To me Corduroy is the closest thing to the missing link of classic to contemporary. It's very accommodatingly transitional and sensitive to though's who have known what "good" is, yet introducing the new philosophy of contemporary frags...gently. Now, thanks to Zirh, I might actually try to understand the new "crap".
11 February 2007
Rochas Man by Rochas
Definitely an occasion specific frag. The only time I could wear this is with a familiar lover and then only if she enjoyed it. Very sensual and
When I wore it for the first time, I immediately thought of Hani Mori, but all of the references to A*men prompted a side by side test. A*men is considerably harsher than Rochas and Hani Mori has much more citrus in the top notes. The dry downs between Mori and Rochas are very similar and A*men still trying to figure out what he wants to be when he grows up.
Rochas Man is many of what has already been suggested, but the sweetness is tempered nicely whereas Hani Mori's sweetness is quite louder. I'd give the edge to Rochas, but then the ultimate decision would be that of my Girlfriend.
Quite not the frag I'd wear to a hockey or football game, nor to a board meeting or a night out with the guys.
When I wore it for the first time, I immediately thought of Hani Mori, but all of the references to A*men prompted a side by side test. A*men is considerably harsher than Rochas and Hani Mori has much more citrus in the top notes. The dry downs between Mori and Rochas are very similar and A*men still trying to figure out what he wants to be when he grows up.
Rochas Man is many of what has already been suggested, but the sweetness is tempered nicely whereas Hani Mori's sweetness is quite louder. I'd give the edge to Rochas, but then the ultimate decision would be that of my Girlfriend.
Quite not the frag I'd wear to a hockey or football game, nor to a board meeting or a night out with the guys.
03 February 2007
L'Uomo Trussardi by Trussardi
Pretty wild blind buy. When I first joined the site, everyone knew more than I, so I bought this totally blind.
When I first tested it, I was disappointed. After several months of trying different frag, Trussardi L'Uomo has got to be one of my top 5...maybe top 3. Wears like a EdP than an EdT, so spray once and enjoy. What a great scent for the special "one", I'm sure she will enjoy it more than you. What more needs to be said?
When I first tested it, I was disappointed. After several months of trying different frag, Trussardi L'Uomo has got to be one of my top 5...maybe top 3. Wears like a EdP than an EdT, so spray once and enjoy. What a great scent for the special "one", I'm sure she will enjoy it more than you. What more needs to be said?
25 January 2007
Patchouli Patch by L'Artisan Parfumeur
The patchouli I smelled the first time I wore this must have been psychosomatically induced by expectation (via the name). Albeit fleeting, I really thought I smelled patchouli for about a minute, but it was quickly replaced by what I smell in many of the "Black" concoctions offered and mass-market department stores.
The patchouli I remember from an earlier life just wasn't there upon a second application several days later. Nice enough of a frag for what it is, but the patchouli is quite simply lost among an over-worked formula perhaps trying too hard to be too many different things.
The patchouli I remember from an earlier life just wasn't there upon a second application several days later. Nice enough of a frag for what it is, but the patchouli is quite simply lost among an over-worked formula perhaps trying too hard to be too many different things.
15 January 2007
Timbuktu by L'Artisan Parfumeur
Certainly not nearly as bad as most new fragrances, but not the greatest either. I get a lot of soap in the mid notes and green wood in the drydown. It's pleasant enough for day wear, but there isn't anything the opposite sex would be drawn to. The subtle reminders of Irish spring soap throughout the day makes me feel clean and lets everyone around me know it too. Kind of a why bother frag for me, but I'll keep it in a drawer and visit it occasionally.
15 January 2007
Tea for Two by L'Artisan Parfumeur
I think this is a very complex creation. My exposure to tea notes is quite limited however, the sillage is identical to Gucci PH and for that reason alone it won my respect. The opening notes are oddly spicy and die down much to quickly, but their replacements meet the challenge quite well. The sweetness is balanced nicely with the smoke and the tea is accented by what smells like a faint incense note. I think the biggest trick with T42 is to wear it as an EdP and keep it at arms length from your nose.
The first women to smell it on me asked me what it was. She grabbed my wrist, took a deep breath and said "I could just eat you up" There is something to be said for wearing a fragrance women like, but I wouldn't wear it hockey or football game.
The first women to smell it on me asked me what it was. She grabbed my wrist, took a deep breath and said "I could just eat you up" There is something to be said for wearing a fragrance women like, but I wouldn't wear it hockey or football game.
07 January 2007
Patou pour Homme by Jean Patou
Two thumbs WAY up. By far, my finest blind buy to date. Hard to believe this perfect jewel has been discontinued. Jean Patou is the most passionately romantic masculine fragrances I've ever experienced...a true "Lady Killer". Be careful where you wear this one. I'll be purchasing the few remaining drops that I'm aware of, but if you can find it...Buy it!!!
20 December 2006
Romeo Gigli by Romeo Gigli
I recently spoke with the SR who sold me my first bottle RG when it debuted. Hard to find, but worth the effort. Gigli was my first sig frag, but rarely visited these days with all of the introductions of "other" frags here on BN. As far as department store frags go, Gigli is a "stand alone" kind of guy and is perfect for casual ware. Nothing bad can be suggested in this review...brings back fond memories of my children's childhood years. Writing this review prompts me to apply just a little and watch some home movies, sip a little bourbon and pat myself on the back...nice job "Dad"!
15 November 2006
Biagiotti Uomo by Laura Biagiotti
Very unusual, but comfortably ordinary at the same time. There are no obnoxious screaming opening notes although there are a multitude of pleasantly charming spice and herbal notes. The geranium is a bit strong in the mid notes with cedar and patchouli nicely balanced. The base is clean and varying, always changing with cameo appearances of new scents as the evening proceeds. Biagiotti Uomo has a finish similar to L'uomo Trussardi, but with more spice. Very nice!
15 November 2006
M7 by Yves Saint Laurent
A fine combination of sweet spice and wood. The musk seems to appear at the beginning of the middle notes which cuts the sweetness of the amber. A nice cedar note sweetened with vanilla in the dry down. Very nice performance.
If you O.D. on this, you'll never forget it. As with MOST frags, use in moderation and enjoy.
If you O.D. on this, you'll never forget it. As with MOST frags, use in moderation and enjoy.
26 October 2006
Bois du Portugal by Creed
Hard to believe the same house makes GIT... A testament to "live and learn". One of only 3 frags to deserve a 4 star or better rating in my wardrobe. As with most fragrances, use in moderation.
26 October 2006
Bulgari Aqua pour Homme by Bulgari
I bovght this jvst for a vacation on Captiva Island. With all of the great food, drink and intimacy, it's hard not to like. Very nice and fresh, but the powder is a bit heavy on the dry down.
01 October 2006
Green Irish Tweed by Creed
After reading all of the glorious praise in various threads, I anxiously awaited my precious parcel. Finally it had arrived. Like a little boy on Christmas morning, the package was disemboweled. Oh my God, just the site of it made me grin from ear to ear. I trembled...Be careful, remove the cap with the hands of a Saint as not to spill a drop of this rare Liqueur. FINALLY, I am going to smell the absolute nectar of the gods...the tears of Aphrodite herself. What do I do? How do I put it on?..Where? A little on my wrists, that will do it...and then the moment of moments, the one I'll remember like my wedding, my first born son, my Grandparents Golden anniversary...all wrapped up into one ceremonious moment..."The Moment of TRUTH"
What the hell? There MUST be some mistake...NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I got robbed, that dirty S.O.B. refilled the bottle with....Coolwater???? I accidentally bought that stuff years ago and tossed it in the trash a few days later. Oh No, it can't be true, but alas, it is true. The sharp, piercing opening notes remind my of toilet bowl cleaner, after 10 minutes a musty background emerges with a now stale cut lawn finally overtaking the bathroom cleaner. later the clumps of overgrown cut grass are rained upon, left to bake in the sun and then raked over the white mold and bacterial digestive secretions which finish this dime store paperback romance novel...aren't they all alike?
Very disappointing to say the least. The one positive thing I can say though is, it is multi-dimensional.
What the hell? There MUST be some mistake...NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I got robbed, that dirty S.O.B. refilled the bottle with....Coolwater???? I accidentally bought that stuff years ago and tossed it in the trash a few days later. Oh No, it can't be true, but alas, it is true. The sharp, piercing opening notes remind my of toilet bowl cleaner, after 10 minutes a musty background emerges with a now stale cut lawn finally overtaking the bathroom cleaner. later the clumps of overgrown cut grass are rained upon, left to bake in the sun and then raked over the white mold and bacterial digestive secretions which finish this dime store paperback romance novel...aren't they all alike?
Very disappointing to say the least. The one positive thing I can say though is, it is multi-dimensional.
30 September 2006











