L’Artisan Parfumeur Tea for Two – Gingerbread Spice 9.5/10
As with many L’Artisan scents the magic happens in the dry down, and in the case of Tea for Two it’s when the sweet notes come into play. Spices, tobacco, Lapsang Tea, gingerbread, cinnamon, honey and vanilla combine to provide an irresistible brew that never fails to please over its 6-8 hour course. Smokier, denser and longer lasting than Gucci Pour Homme II. I once owned about 25ml in a split from the old bottle, but when that ran out purchased the new bottle. I must say, I do like the old bottles better, but the scent remains the same from what I can tell.
Eight and Bob Nuit de Megeve – Vetiver Tonka with a touch of coffee 7.5/10
An under the radar scent that vetiver lovers should check out. This is a vetiver, tobacco, and tonka bean dominant fragrance. There’s also supporting notes of coffee, orris, grapefruit, petitgrain and musk. It bears similarities to Dior Vetiver and Hermes Vetiver Tonka. If Vetiver Tonka was too sweet for you then this might suit you, as the sweetness is muted in this release. I get around 8 hours of longevity from Nuit de Megeve with moderate projection. An EDP concentration.
Shay and Blue Blood Oranges – Orange Leather 7.5/10
As the name suggests this one is all about the blood oranges, but there is a little more to it, as at least on my skin, woody notes, musk and leather provide a long-lasting backbone. It’s interesting, as I’ve noticed some people only get the citruses from this one and no further development. Also, it’s not a safe blind buy as some may not like the leather or woody nuances as the fragrance develops. If I had to compare it to anything it would be Orange Sanguine from Atelier Cologne. Blood Oranges is a darker citrus though. I like both the Atelier Cologne and Shay and Blue, but I will say Blood Oranges lasts longer on skin. I get 6 hours before it begins to fade. Salt Caramel is another excellent scent from this house.
Elie Saab Essence No. 1: Rose – Gourmand Rose 8.5/10
I have sampled 6 of the 9 Elie Saab higher end line fragrances, named the La Collection des Essences. They’re all by Francis Kurkdjian, and I have been impressed by the offerings. I liked the Essence No.1: Rose the best. Essence No.1: Rose is a floral and oriental fragrance that contains essences of Bulgarian, Damask, Turkish and Centifolia rose as well as rose absolute from Grasse and Turkey, all blended with smooth creamy Vanilla. There’s a sweet, syrup like feel to the fragrance that suggests gourmand pleasures such as Turkish Delights and whipped cream. There’s also a cola sweetness coming from the fragrance. It’s a long last fragrance that projects well for the first 2 hours and then sits close to the skin, but I can still detect it after 10 hours. Nicely done, feminine leaning, and if you like your rose with some gourmand touches, this one’s worth trying. Some of the other’s in the line that are well worth testing are the vetiver, Amande Tonka and the amber.