Category: First Impressions

New fragrance impressions

First Impressions – New Amouage for Men

Amouage - Meander - Late last year I tried the women's fragrances from Amouage's new "Renaissance Collection." I didn't like either. The new men's scents aren't any better. Meander seems like a poorly conceived combo of Narciso Rodriguez Bleu Noir and BDK Gris Charnel. I like the Narciso, although it isn't my pick from the brand. … Continue reading First Impressions – New Amouage for Men →

First Impressions – Anka Kus, Criminal Elements

It's Australia Day here today, the 26th of January, so time to turn the spotlight on a couple of independent Australian brands that I've recently sampled. Three perfumes, in particular, have left me with positive first impressions. Anka Kus, the brainchild of Ali Erkekli (previously known as Al Manlé) is based in Melbourne, and Criminal … Continue reading First Impressions – Anka Kus, Criminal Elements →

First Impressions – Designer/Niche Roundup

Son Venin - Santal Super - Sure does hit with a heavy dose of Iso-E Super. Ultimately, your reaction to this one will boil down to your tolerance level to the ingredient. Usually, I'm ok with ISO-E Super finding it enjoyable in scents such as Poivre Samarcande from Hermes. However, the blending in Santal Super was … Continue reading First Impressions – Designer/Niche Roundup →

First Impressions – Dusita

Thanks to my Instagram friend, Tetê, I've recently explored three of the offerings from the niche outfit, Dusita. I've been impressed. Here are some quick thoughts. Dusita - Erawan - This is my least favourite of the three I tried. Still, it remains an intriguing proposition—fresh, crisp, and herbal green, underpinned by a creamy vanillic warmth. … Continue reading First Impressions – Dusita →

First Impressions – Amouage

I often gravitate towards the women's collection from the Omani perfume house of Amouage. I've found them more interesting than many of the men's scents they offer in their line. So, while in the department store the other day, I happened upon their new releases, entitled the "Renaissance Collection." The bottles are rather striking, and … Continue reading First Impressions – Amouage →

First Impressions – Vilhelm Parfumerie, Dior, escentric molecules

Vilhelm Parfumerie - Body Paint - I enjoyed wearing this, but for me, it's a redundant release if you already own Hermes Poivre Samarcande. Body Paint is a mix of spicy pepper, paprika, and iso-e super. The blend is wearable and lacks the challenging cumin element found in Poivre Samarcande. Therefore, I'd say it is a … Continue reading First Impressions – Vilhelm Parfumerie, Dior, escentric molecules →

First Impressions – Memo Paris, Comme des Garcons

Memo Paris - Ocean Leather - There isn't much to be said here other than this feels like a riff on Acqua di Gio, that after five minutes, dries down to a light, subtle herbal, suede scent. It's unconvincing for the price. Forgettable at best. It lasts for 3-4 hours before vanishing completely. Undoubtedly, there are … Continue reading First Impressions – Memo Paris, Comme des Garcons →