Tonka Imperiale by Guerlain - One is initially treated to a dulcet, marzipan-like accord, fashioned from the bittersweet bergamot, the nutty almond, and sweetish honey. Mint-like rosemary, with its faint terpenic aspect, wonderfully tempers the sweet accord. Transitioning to the middle, a billowing tonka bean imparts its spicy vanillic facet to the opening brew. A plume of fruitiness and dimmed smokiness from tabacco as well as a shadow of tutti-frutti jasmine swirl about. A drizzle of delectable heliotrope, with its delicate, caramel sweetness, presents. Segueing to the perfecting base, the tonka bean takes on an amber-like creaminess, and commingles with the balsamic menthol of pine. A fresh and somewhat sweet woodiness from cedar permeates the blend, while resiny, smoky, and slightly sweet incense sparkles here and there. A drydown of epicurean delight ensues. Possessing average projection and longevity, this entrancing gourmand composition is well-crafted and unisex.
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Play Intense by Givenchy - Upon application, one is pleasantly treated to a refreshing duet of nectarous, mandarin tangerine and somewhat tart bergamot. Tumbling to the waiting middle, the citrus mixes with the slightly spicy and fruity pink pepper and coffee tree wood to brew a sweet, cocoa concoction, and flows to the wondrous base. Transitioning, multifaceted labdanum kidnaps the cocoa mixture and morphs the cocoa into a not unpleasant, tar-like, burnt coffee. The syrupy coffee joins with the woody vetiver, the sweet patchouli, the spicy vanilla of the tonka beans, and the soft, balsamic amyris wood to exude an awesome, mocha drydown. A delectable treat, this radiant composition has excellent longevity and very good projection.
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Arpege pour Homme by Lanvin - Upon application, one is treated to a stimulating wave of hesperidic notes, with the inherent bittersweetness of nectarine, seville orange and neroli. This delightful, citric accord is sprinkled with a fruity and lively, pink pepper, and segues to the waiting heart. Here, in the transformational middle, the vivacious opening is lovingly tempered with a soft, cinnamon-like nutmeg as well as a slightly indolic, sweet jasmine, and commingles with an icy iris, acquiring a powderiness. This spicy, floral blend floats on a hay-like, herbaceous cloud of mate, and transitions to the awaiting base. A robust melange of rich vanilla, powdery, vanillic tonka bean and earthy, anise-like patchouli partner with creamy and balsamic sandalwood to journey to the candied drydown. Albeit saccharine, this debonair composition is well-balanced, and will blossom on cool, spring and fall evenings as well as in the winter. This somewhat formal scent has good projection and very good longevity - easy on the trigger is the catchphrase here. The quality to price ratio for this powdery fragrance is heavily skewed in its favor, given its inexpensive price, and justifies an unenthusiastic "Thumbs Up."
