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How did this happen? I am in love with narciso rodriguez

post #1 of 51
2/2/09 at 12:47am
Thread Starter 
I don't know how this happened. The other day when I went to get my backup bottle of Prada Amber from Nordstrom, I tried Narciso Rodriguez. I have tried it in the past and I have hated it. But when I smelled it I LOVED IT! My wife hated it and said it was gross. She said it was for an "older man." But I loved it, so i bought it immediately! The fragrance came with a gift pack, it came with a 3 oz bottle, an after shave and a shower gel, and 2 samples. My favorite SA hooked me up with three 1oz shower gels and three 1 oz after shave. She also hooked me up with some samples of Narciso. I loved it so much, the next day I went back and bough t another one as a backup for my wine cooler. My favorite sales clerk gave me 10 samples of the musc oil. She showed me how I can take apart the official narciso sample, and fill it with a lil musc oil and the rest with the edt, that way it can be layered. I did just that, and now I AM IN LOVE! This is all I have been wearing the last two days and my wife has been hating it. But it smells so good it is almost aroma therapeutic. I don't understand how this happened. I went from thinking this is the nastiest fragrance ever, into loving it sooo much! Has anyone else had this happen to them. Where you HATE a fragrance at first with a passion and then you end up falling in love with it?
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post #2 of 51
2/2/09 at 2:47am
So it is possible to love NR! That's comforting because I have a full bottle and don't know what to do with it.
What's your secret?
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post #3 of 51
2/2/09 at 3:15am
It's no mystery to me. It's a great scent.
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post #4 of 51
2/2/09 at 3:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trufflehunter View Post

So it is possible to love NR! That's comforting because I have a full bottle and don't know what to do with it.
What's your secret?

Don't just give up on NRFH, just yet mate....Let the weather cool down and who knows how you begin to percieve it then
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post #5 of 51
2/2/09 at 3:22am
I swapped mine, I could not take the violent violet note and his blatant similarity to Grey Flannel.
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post #6 of 51
2/2/09 at 3:48am
I have had that reaction to several fragrances - from initially despising it to loving it. This included Narciso Rodriguez for Him, which happens to be my SOTD. I think it is fantastic.

I usually will try fragrances multiple times before making a "final" decision on it.
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post #7 of 51
2/2/09 at 9:27am
Happened a few times w/ me. My philosophy is, wait around here on Basenotes enough, and you'll see everyone do a 180 on a particular fragrance at least once.

The way you've described mixing the NR musk oil w/ the fragrance sounds fantastic. Enjoy!
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post #8 of 51
2/2/09 at 1:23pm
Muscs for Him oil by NR is an incredible fragrance.

I love to use it alone or layered with other fragrances.
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post #9 of 51
2/2/09 at 1:28pm
Same happened with me... that sneaky lil bastard
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post #10 of 51
2/2/09 at 1:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gupts View Post

Don't just give up on NRFH, just yet mate....Let the weather cool down and who knows how you begin to percieve it then

Yep, I think that's the 'secret'. I tried it in the heat of summer. Some people don't like it because of a perceived similarity to Grey Flannel, but that's the reason I bought it in the first place. Initially I really liked but it slowly burnt its way into my brain and I had to wash it off.
Reminds me of those old experiments where scientists put methane and ammonia in a large glass jar and passed high voltages through it, trying to emulate the development of life on other planets by turning it into a soup of primordial organic molecules! Except with NR, they used a mixture of Le Male and Grey Flannel. I'm sure there is life in there, but not as we know it!
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post #11 of 51
2/2/09 at 2:55pm
I liked NRfH from the get-go, but I don't wear it very often anymore. I seem to recall that some earlier BN threads mentioned that women seem to be generally turned off by it, although that's a broad generalization. In fact, I had one compliment from a female acquaintance, so who knows.

And no, I haven't yet experienced the 180 turn-around that you described. My appreciation of certain fragrances has ebbed and flowed over time, but not to the point of loving something that I initially loathed. So enjoy your new love if it works for you!
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post #12 of 51
2/2/09 at 4:47pm
Is very nice NR....super chic and cool....You have good taste.
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post #13 of 51
2/2/09 at 4:49pm
I like it a lot but i think the woman's version is much better.
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post #14 of 51
2/2/09 at 8:17pm
this stuff basically smells like mold....if i wasn't familliar with the malodorous indecency which is contained in microbiology labs, i might have given this a chance-----unfortunately i AM aware of what mold smells like, hence my disregard for this pungent mess!
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post #15 of 51
2/2/09 at 8:35pm
Count me as one who initially loved it upon receiving the bottle but quickly fell out of love. I gave the bottle away.
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post #16 of 51
2/3/09 at 1:31am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snafoo View Post

I liked NRfH from the get-go, but I don't wear it very often anymore. I seem to recall that some earlier BN threads mentioned that women seem to be generally turned off by it, although that's a broad generalization. In fact, I had one compliment from a female acquaintance, so who knows.

And no, I haven't yet experienced the 180 turn-around that you described. My appreciation of certain fragrances has ebbed and flowed over time, but not to the point of loving something that I initially loathed. So enjoy your new love if it works for you!

My wife HATES IT! But my sister likes it, she wears the women's version, my mom loves it, and today I saw my aunt and she was like wow you smell great. I had layered the musc with the fragrance, so that may be the secret. I still can't believe I like it so much. I now have two bottles, and can't seem to wear anything else but it......


by the way this is totally off the subject, but for anyone who is a fan of Prada man....I just bought another big bottle of it for 30 bucks at Costco. So if you like Prada Amber (man) next time you guys are at Costco keep your out for it. My wife actually loves Prada Man, she really didn't like it that much in the beginning(so maybe there is hope for her liking Narciso) but now she loves it so much, she told me to but it at Costco. And then when we got home, she wanted one of my smaller bottles of it for herself.
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post #17 of 51
2/3/09 at 2:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maz24 View Post

My wife HATES IT! But my sister likes it, she wears the women's version, my mom loves it, and today I saw my aunt and she was like wow you smell great. I had layered the musc with the fragrance, so that may be the secret. I still can't believe I like it so much. I now have two bottles, and can't seem to wear anything else but it.......

My faith in NRfH is restored! And you're right, the musk is very nice and layers well with the EdT.
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post #18 of 51
2/3/09 at 4:36am
members here have always maintained/recommended NR Musc oil over the actual fragrance...i guess it's about time i procure one..

btw, i still appreciate the fragrance, at the same time, it's not very hard to see what in it repels most here
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post #19 of 51
2/3/09 at 9:43am
Initially I though Grey Flannel was OK, but comparing it to NR the former smells cheap and nasty. I agree NF for Her is great stuff.
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post #20 of 51
2/14/09 at 10:59pm
Thread Starter 
I am so excited! I just went out earlier this evening and bought myself a valentine's day gift from my fave SA.....Narciso Rodriguez Musc...I am in love.....
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post #21 of 51
2/15/09 at 10:15am
Maz24, I'm glad you're enjoying this great scent. It's on my to-buy list. I think it's one of the very few scents that came out in the recent years that is different than all the other fresh and clean ones. Its character reminds me of Chanel Antaeus.
For me, it's the musk that makes it really enjoyable. It's interesting how the combination of violets and musk worls so well. If you ever want to experience a verrrry light and cleaner version of this, try Montale's White Musk too.
RM
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post #22 of 51
2/21/09 at 2:38am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renaissance_Man View Post

Maz24, I'm glad you're enjoying this great scent. It's on my to-buy list. I think it's one of the very few scents that came out in the recent years that is different than all the other fresh and clean ones. Its character reminds me of Chanel Antaeus.
For me, it's the musk that makes it really enjoyable. It's interesting how the combination of violets and musk worls so well. If you ever want to experience a verrrry light and cleaner version of this, try Montale's White Musk too.
RM

Thanks for the suggestion, I might have to give that a try.....nut I am kind of torn right now, do I want to buy another bottle of the musc ( i haven't even opened this one) or do I want to save my money and get something else?
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post #23 of 51
2/21/09 at 2:45am
I adore NR aswell bigtime. I'ts still on my wishlist, and I will buy it soon!
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post #24 of 51
2/23/09 at 3:13am
Yesterday I bought it! finally.
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post #25 of 51
2/23/09 at 4:19am
This is a love/hate frag. I love NR. Something different compared to the fresh/aquatic brigade out there.
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post #26 of 51
2/23/09 at 5:42am
Gothic and melancholy but not in a contrived way. Bar none, the best scent I've come across to wear on a cool, rainy, overcast day or evening.

It may just be the honeymoon phase but I'd definitely put this in my top 10, and perhaps even top 5.
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post #27 of 51
3/8/09 at 11:41am
Aaarrg! I "hate" it when i come across threads like this!!! Smell like (the great) Grey Flannel? Musk (my fave note)??? I have been ignoring NRfH at my favourite outlet. Now i have to get it - Eyes wide shut!!!
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post #28 of 51
3/8/09 at 12:44pm
I assume this is the for Him version.... in which case, I think it stinks, and I turned the smelling strip away.

OTOH, see my wardrobe and you notice I'm now a new proud owner who 5-starred the NR for Her EDT version....
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post #29 of 51
3/8/09 at 1:59pm
I have a bottle of NR For Him and I've been up and down with it. It is so unique and so specific that it can't be worn as often as many others. But when I'm in the mood for it I love it. Kind of like certain types of music. I actually think it is good that our tastes change.
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post #30 of 51
3/8/09 at 3:53pm
I hear you bro... I too am confused... I got the GF and then realised its a completely different monster from NR...so vacillated there for a while and finally got the NR limited edition bottle....the silver bottle

its amazing... I;ve been drenching my self in NR- and loved every moment of it...tomorrow am planning to OD on NR enroute to the office.

Somehow i find the sample was long lasting than the stuff from the bottle.... any observations on the longevity?

on me its just 3 hrs of heaven.....anyone knows the secret to extend this puppy?
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post #31 of 51
3/22/09 at 12:16pm
Once I saw this perfumed I liked it before smelling it!! and when I smelled it I fall in love with it.....

it's best to be used in winter...
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post #32 of 51
5/9/09 at 1:14am
Count me in as another who just did a 180 on this one.

When I tried this before, I thought it was one of the most awful scents ever. Screechy, violent dry violet leaf mess.

Oddly, two nights ago I was sitting at home and the smell of Narciso Rodriguez somehow materialized in my head. I don't know if it was a phantom smell or what (I was having a bad migraine episode earlier), but the next day I had an odd craving for this scent which I originally hated.

I went out and bought a bottle of it today. I'm really surprised that I like this. It hits the nose in kind of an extreme way and I think in the end that's what puts it over the line for me. It's very sharp and arid-- not unlike Versace Black Jeans but with different notes. It's a bit like green bananas and green peppers, which I like. The only thing about it that I'm not huge on is that slight powdery muskiness that lurks under the surface, but it's balanced pretty well and adds an interesting counterpoint I suppose.

It's a very unusual fragrance, not much like other designer offerings lately. I never expected to like this one, but now I do.
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post #33 of 51
5/9/09 at 1:20am
Your original review of it, Indie_Guy

"This is a violet leaf disaster.

It smells like a five year old made a taco out of grass and banana peels."

NR is an odd beast but I sure do love it. Is it just me or is that powdery musk thing sort of a Kurkdjian signature? It's definitely present in FdM and if I recall, Le Male, too.
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post #34 of 51
5/9/09 at 1:29am
i tried it once and didnt like it ...but im eager now to try it again .... i had an opposite experince, i felt in love with obsession night for men and wrote a very enthusiastic review about it but now i dont love that much ......
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post #35 of 51
5/9/09 at 1:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SculptureOfSoul View Post

Your original review of it, Indie_Guy

"This is a violet leaf disaster.

It smells like a five year old made a taco out of grass and banana peels."

NR is an odd beast but I sure do love it. Is it just me or is that powdery musk thing sort of a Kurkdjian signature? It's definitely present in FdM and if I recall, Le Male, too.

The funny thing is... I still stand behind my original review. Yet, somehow I now find it appealing on account of its weirdness. Sometimes, I guess you pass by a five year old with a "grass and banana peel taco stand" on the sidewalk and you say to yourself, "he should be selling Kool-Aid, but what the hell!" Hmmm... I hadn't noticed the Kurkdjian connection with FdM and Le Male. I'll have to spend some more time with this. It definitely has tenacity. I tried to wash my arm earlier, and that musky base clings for dear life!
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post #36 of 51
5/9/09 at 3:19am
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I bought it the very first time i tested it. I dont find it at all "old" I wasn't in love with it initially, but it grew on me quite fast. and what was said about 180 change of taste/regard/preference is so true for me with many frags. Though there are a few that will always be relevant musts regardless of time imo.
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post #37 of 51
5/9/09 at 6:55am
What's with this older man stuff ? What does an old man smell like ? This in no way would qualify as an old man scent.....Gary
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post #38 of 51
5/9/09 at 7:02am
This is no old man stuff, that's for sure. You'll need to learn appreciate it though, I think, but it's definently one of my best!
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post #39 of 51
5/9/09 at 7:18am
Well, since we're on the subject of NR...
I recently bought a bottle (minus the box) and it's instantly a favorite.

To any of you NR for Him owners that still have the box: Is oakmoss listed in the ingredients??
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post #40 of 51
5/9/09 at 7:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Manuel View Post

Well, since we're on the subject of NR...
I recently bought a bottle (minus the box) and it's instantly a favorite.

To any of you NR for Him owners that still have the box: Is oakmoss listed in the ingredients??

Just checked.. though couldn't find oakmoss on it actually.. maybe it has another name on it, since they all sound like laboratory names.
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post #41 of 51
5/9/09 at 7:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Wüst View Post

Just checked.. though couldn't find oakmoss on it actually.. maybe it has another name on it, since they all sound like laboratory names.

Evernia Prunastri extract, maybe
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post #42 of 51
5/9/09 at 7:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Manuel View Post

Evernia Prunastri extract, maybe

Nope, not on the box..
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post #43 of 51
5/9/09 at 8:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Wüst View Post

Nope, not on the box..

Hmmm. Then it must be a synthetic oakmoss accord in the formulation, which would explain the longevity issue on my skin.

Thanks for checking!
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post #44 of 51
5/9/09 at 8:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Indie_Guy View Post

The funny thing is... I still stand behind my original review. Yet, somehow I now find it appealing on account of its weirdness. Sometimes, I guess you pass by a five year old with a "grass and banana peel taco stand" on the sidewalk and you say to yourself, "he should be selling Kool-Aid, but what the hell!" Hmmm... I hadn't noticed the Kurkdjian connection with FdM and Le Male. I'll have to spend some more time with this. It definitely has tenacity. I tried to wash my arm earlier, and that musky base clings for dear life!

All the Kurkdjian men's scents I've smelled have that sort of soft and "fuzzy" texture to the odor, if that makes sense. I think he also did Citizen Queen Juliette Has a Gun which I don't recall having that texture - perhaps it's just a men's side thing.
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post #45 of 51
5/10/09 at 1:28pm
I personally have ALWAYS loved NRFH from the first spritz. I didn't even have to wait for it to cool down. I always thought it was very unique. I think it an amazing perfume that can be worn by men and women. Also, I prefer the EDT instead of the EDP, which is unusal to me
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post #46 of 51
5/10/09 at 6:39pm
Is this the musk by NR? I got a sample of that and almost gagged on the wet, rotting tea bag in a muddy puddle of water scent. lol.

. . but from what i read, it grows on you. like fungus.
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post #47 of 51
5/10/09 at 11:27pm
I wore it to work tonight and really liked it. It's a bit macho with its rough edges. Kind of makes me think of a greaser with a comb sticking from his back pocket. Kind of smells like hairspray-- not unlike Black Jeans and Rive Gauche Pour Homme. The powdery musky sweet notes flickered in and out and I got an Obsession for Men deja vu-- though the scent overall is nothing like it.

The bottle is a trip. Looks like a bottle of gun-metal nail polish.

I haven't tried the Musc for Him. It's a bit pricey. I wonder if it's worth trying...
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post #48 of 51
5/10/09 at 11:30pm
I now own this scent too and love it. However, it's not the powerhouse scent i thought it would be on my skin--still, I don't have a problem with it. It's just not as long-lasting or loud as I thought it would be.
I also made sure to get a sample of the musc oil since I read here that it's being discontinued. It's good but very quiet on my skin. I decided to skip that one.
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post #49 of 51
5/11/09 at 12:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uppercut View Post

Is this the musk by NR? I got a sample of that and almost gagged on the wet, rotting tea bag in a muddy puddle of water scent. lol.

. . but from what i read, it grows on you. like fungus.

Nope, it's not the Musk.. that's another version/flanker, the edP if I'm right.. you need to try the NR - for Him edt.
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post #50 of 51
5/11/09 at 2:43am
I recently bought Narciso Rodriguez for Him blind from an airport (they didn't have a tester for it and none of the stores in my home town carry this fragrance). When I tried it for the first time at home I immediately liked it. It's very similar to Antaeus in my opinion, but less elegant and simpler. So I do find Antaeus to be superior, but I also like NRfH quite a lot, so I enjoy having it as an interesting alternative to Antaeus. I'm not sure if I'll buy a new bottle of NRfH when my 50ml bottle runs out, but that might not happen in many years, so I'm going to just enjoy the bottle I have now.

It's probably the patchouli that's in both fragrances that makes them smell similar to my nose. Seems I like patchouli... whatever that is. Probably a plant.
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post #51 of 51
5/11/09 at 8:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Utkuak View Post

I recently bought Narciso Rodriguez for Him blind from an airport (they didn't have a tester for it and none of the stores in my home town carry this fragrance). When I tried it for the first time at home I immediately liked it. It's very similar to Antaeus in my opinion, but less elegant and simpler. So I do find Antaeus to be superior, but I also like NRfH quite a lot, so I enjoy having it as an interesting alternative to Antaeus. I'm not sure if I'll buy a new bottle of NRfH when my 50ml bottle runs out, but that might not happen in many years, so I'm going to just enjoy the bottle I have now.

It's probably the patchouli that's in both fragrances that makes them smell similar to my nose. Seems I like patchouli... whatever that is. Probably a plant.

You know, I was getting a comparison with Antaeus as well, but I was a bit embarrassed to mention it! Granted they are very different overall, there is a similarity. I think my nose detects isobutyl quinoline in Narciso Rodriguez for Men-- it's a key part of Antaeus as well. Yes, Antaeus is greatly superior, but NR for Him is a good recent release. A fiery green arid heat over a cool grey musky base.
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