Scoville goes against the trends. It's not sweet but savoury. But I wonder if it's spicy and savoury enough with sufficient throw to make an impact. There's no doubt it goes on smelling of chilli. The opening bars smell vegetal, green, and spicy. There are hints of earthiness and smokiness to mimic the taste sensation … Continue reading Obvious – Scoville – Red Hot Chili Peppers (Somewhat)
Category: First Impressions
New fragrance impressions
Carner Barcelona – Revolución – Not Just Another Tuscan Leather Clone
We didn't need another TL clone. Fortunately, Carner Barcelona delivers something different. When I saw the initial reviews comparing Revolución to Tuscan Leather, I wasn't overly enthused about sampling Carner Barcelona's 2023 release. But as fate would have it, I received a sample of the scent as a gift with purchase. I sprayed it on … Continue reading Carner Barcelona – Revolución – Not Just Another Tuscan Leather Clone
Infiniment Coty Paris – Quantity Over Quality
Pictured above is Coty's line of stackable bottles. I have no idea who requested such bottles, but here we are. One of this year's higher-profile releases came from the house of Coty. After much time in the wilderness, they returned to the fragrance world with an enormous collection of 14 scents (a real red flag) … Continue reading Infiniment Coty Paris – Quantity Over Quality
Juliette Has A Gun – Ex Vetiver – Basic Vetiver
The new JHAG is dedicated to men. Romano Ricci, the brains behind Juliette Has A Gun (JHAG), seems like such an interesting character. He's one of the founders of Nose Paris and the great-grandson of Nina Ricci. In addition, he's the grandson of the celebrated perfumer Robert Ricci (L'air du Temps). They're impressive roots, to … Continue reading Juliette Has A Gun – Ex Vetiver – Basic Vetiver
Tom Ford – Black Lacquer – Back In Black?
Do you secretly hope to hate new-release perfumes whenever you try them for the first time so you're not tempted to buy them? Or is that just me? I haven't had to worry about Tom Ford's releases being up to the mark for some time. Their flood of fragrances featuring ever more juvenile names and … Continue reading Tom Ford – Black Lacquer – Back In Black?
Fragonard -Flower of the Year 2024 – Lilas
I haven't seen many lilacs growing in my part of the world, but I did have some of these butterfly-bush plants (also known as summer lilacs) blooming in my yard at one point. Every year since 2010, the famous Grasse-based perfume house Fragonard releases a "Flower of the Year Perfume." We've had, among others, jasmine, … Continue reading Fragonard -Flower of the Year 2024 – Lilas
First Impressions – Masque Milano – Catherine – White Floral Duo or Trio?
Catherine smells green and white. Earlier this year, Masque Milano added to its Le Donne di Masque collection with a trio of new releases (Diana, Vaiana, and Catherine). Vaiana's solar-themed structure smells of tropical fruits and tuberose. Diana, built around neroli, geranium, and spicy citrus, smells aromatic and masculine. My favourite from the line is Catherine, characterised by … Continue reading First Impressions – Masque Milano – Catherine – White Floral Duo or Trio?
Gallivant – Nida – The Scent of Sunflowers?
Nida features sunflowers in its notes. It's been several years since I've tried something new from Gallivant. And it's not because I don't like the brand; it's just that they fell off my radar and became slightly more challenging to find in Australia. However, with the brand finding a fresh Aussie stockist, I've tried some … Continue reading Gallivant – Nida – The Scent of Sunflowers?
A Wave Of Marine Perfumes – Room 1015 – Wavechild, Francesca Bianchi – The Mariner’s Rhyme & Dusita – Pelagos
Is it just me, or has this past year seen a resurgence of marine fragrances? Besides the above-titled releases, Carner Barcelona & Andrea Maack have dipped their feet in the water with aquatic-themed launches. And just the other day, while walking through the department store, I noticed one of the pioneers of the oceanic 90's … Continue reading A Wave Of Marine Perfumes – Room 1015 – Wavechild, Francesca Bianchi – The Mariner’s Rhyme & Dusita – Pelagos
Style Over Substance – Atelier des Ors – Villa Primerose and Blue Madeleine
Far too many brands these days put all their stock into presentation and hackneyed storylines, neglecting the most important thing: the actual perfume. Frustratingly, some of the worst offenders (Kilian, Xerjoff) are among the most popular brands. My post today focuses on the house of Atelier des Ors. The French house has been around for … Continue reading Style Over Substance – Atelier des Ors – Villa Primerose and Blue Madeleine