Armani Privé Éclat De Jasmine by Giorgio Armani, 2006

Reviews are poor. Why oh why do I really like this? I have repurchased twice (not at the release prices, I grant) I once had an acre of garden, old fashioned roses, herbaceous perennials, all inspired by Helen Dillon, Rosemary Verey, Christopher Lloyd, Penelope Hobhouse. I get the jasmine in this as true. This is probably too much information, but my body heat during hot flashes sure smelt good in this baby. As an example I could not, not, wear Boucheron at that time. Perhaps the Prive Jasmin combined with all the cimicifuga root in my system! Haha

This is an unremarkable light scent, jasmine not distinguishable - it could be any light floral. Slightly sweet, poor sillage. At $35 a bottle it would be perfectly acceptable, but at $95, it is a rip off. If you are seeking jasmine, purchase the best - Serge Lutens A La Nuit.

A very soft, somewhat fruity take on jasmine. Nothing cutting edge here -- for all intents and purposes, this could have been formulated in the Thirties or Forties. While I far prefer Creed's various jasmine frags to this one, I really can't say that there's anything (save the retail price) that's unpleasant about this Armani juice.

For the life of me, though, I've yet to see just how (if at all) this frag qualifies as unisex. I find it very soft (though not weak), fairly traditional and unmistakably feminine.