First Impressions – Creed – Eladaria – Everlasting Mineral Rose

I don't talk about Creed much on my blog. The hype around the house has seemingly dimmed over the years. I wonder if Gabe Oppenheim's exposé on the brand has had any impact. There's no doubt a million other brands would love to have an Aventus on their books, though. Their men's line still attracts … Continue reading First Impressions – Creed – Eladaria – Everlasting Mineral Rose →

Maison Francis Kurkdjian – Kurky – The Curious Case Of Kurkdjian

It's a holiday Wednesday here, and I wanted to look at one of the more high-profile releases of 2025 so far, Kurky by Francis Kurkdjian. Even the most passionate supporters of Kurkdjian might find it difficult to praise some of his recent work. Perhaps, through gritted teeth. It's been one uninspiring release after another since … Continue reading Maison Francis Kurkdjian – Kurky – The Curious Case Of Kurkdjian →

Carthusia – Intenso Collection – Basilico, Ginestra and Mirto

On paper, Carthuisa's latest trio, paying homage to three plants that form a vital part of the Mediterranean landscape, seemed a winner. But you don't play the game on paper; you play it on skin. And on skin Mirto, Basilico, and Ginestra didn't come to play. Antoine Lie and Luca Maffei combined to bring the … Continue reading Carthusia – Intenso Collection – Basilico, Ginestra and Mirto →

Serge Lutens – Point Du Jour – Morning Has Broken

For a house built on its heavy, ambery, syrupy scents, Serge Lutens has produced its fair share of good, lighter fragrances. I've always been intrigued by L'Eau Froide, the brand's icy reprise to Cool Water. Despite its name, though, L'Eau Froide wasn't so much a Cool Water retort, but more of a return to basics … Continue reading Serge Lutens – Point Du Jour – Morning Has Broken →

Clue Perfumery – Dandelion Butter – Sappy Green

I'd read a lot of positive feedback about Clue Perfumery, a new niche house from the US, based in Chicago. Flaconneur had posted on the brand last year on his blog https://perfumuschicago.wordpress.com/2024/08/17/get-a-clue/, and it had piqued my interest. As my sister was returning to Australia from New York in July, I thought it might be … Continue reading Clue Perfumery – Dandelion Butter – Sappy Green →

Guerlain – Rosa Verde – A Chic Summer Garden Party

I make a point of keeping up to date with the Aqua Allegoria (AA) launches. Guerlain doesn't make it easy, though. There's been plenty of new fragrances and collections coming off the production line in recent years from the famed French house. I find it challenging to keep pace, not to mention confusing. In 2022, … Continue reading Guerlain – Rosa Verde – A Chic Summer Garden Party →

Santa Maria Novella – Acqua – On Fragrant Pond

Earlier this year, I posted my thoughts on the garden series from Santa Maria Novella – I Giardini Medicei – Quercia. At that time, I'd tried five of the eight fragrances in the line. I've since sampled Ambra and Acqua, with Incenso being the only one left to try. Today I'll share my thoughts on … Continue reading Santa Maria Novella – Acqua – On Fragrant Pond →

Fragonard – Flower Of The Year 2025 – Fleur de Citronnier

This year's flower of choice from Fragonard is the lemon blossom. It may not quite reach the heights of last year's Lilas, but it's still an enjoyable, inexpensive novelty. I sampled Fleur de Citronnier in cool weather, but I'm sure it would hit the mark on a hot summer's day. Lemon blossom from my tree. … Continue reading Fragonard – Flower Of The Year 2025 – Fleur de Citronnier →

Hermès – Terre d’Hermès EDP Intense – Fiery Flanker

Something is brewing in the designer world. Terre d'Hermès EdP Intense marks yet another flanker in the successful "Terre" series and yet another perfume to feature coffee. Dolce & Gabbana successfully incorporated coffee into their Devotion Pour Homme fragrance Dolce & Gabbana – Devotion Pour Homme – Aromatic Coffee earlier this year. How successful is … Continue reading Hermès – Terre d’Hermès EDP Intense – Fiery Flanker →

Boka – Suze & Zelen – Orange Blossom & Vetiver

The bottles look interesting. Zelen (pictured above) is my pick of the two—picture from Boka. I've been wearing fragrances from the US independent brand Boka https://bokafragrance.com/ on and off for the last six months. After researching the brand (basically reading their website), I've deduced they're a one-man band. Their founder, Boris Zrnic, of Serbian heritage, named … Continue reading Boka – Suze & Zelen – Orange Blossom & Vetiver →