Still Life in Rio - Lovely stuff. Olfactive Studio - Still Life in Rio - Peach tea on the beach - 7.5/10. Olfactive Studio is a niche house that draws inspiration from photography and perfume - two pastimes that fascinate me. Thus, a house I knew I'd enjoy. So, what's the story behind the brand, … Continue reading Reviews – Olfactive Studio Still Life in Rio
Category: Reviews
Fragrance reviews
Mini Reviews – Late 90’s Chanel & Boucheron
Allure Homme - Decent but not classic Chanel. Chanel - Allure Homme - Workman-like Chanel 7/10 Jacques Polge composed the original Allure Homme in 1999. Hard to believe it is 23 years old. I don't notice it around too often now, but it still retains a contemporary feel. It's undoubtedly better than most things you … Continue reading Mini Reviews – Late 90’s Chanel & Boucheron
Reviews – MFK Aqua Fragrances
MFK Aqua's - Simple and easy to like. Maison Francis Kurkdjian - Aqua Universalis & Aqua Celestia -Laundry fresh loves - 7/10. Isn't Francis Kurkdjian supposed to be composing for Dior now? It's almost the end of March, and still nothing. They sure are taking their time releasing something. It seems to have been an … Continue reading Reviews – MFK Aqua Fragrances
Mini Reviews – Bond No. 9 and YSL
Bond No. 9 - Eau de New York - Freshness comes at a price. 6/10. Are you willing to pay niche prices for a fresh scent? Does it need to be something special or unique? These are questions I'm left to ponder when evaluating the merits of perfumes such as Bond No. 9 Eau de … Continue reading Mini Reviews – Bond No. 9 and YSL
Mini Reviews – Memo Paris
Memo Paris - African Leather - Not much to write home about. 3/10. Memo's African Leather is often compared to Andy Tauer's L'Air du Desert Marocain. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of the Tauer, it still beats this one, hands down. African Leather's cardamom/faux leather combination lacks depth and fails to convince as … Continue reading Mini Reviews – Memo Paris
Reviews – Sarah Jessica Parker – Stash
Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP) - Stash - SJP delivers the goods. 8/10. Celebrity scents seem to get a bad rap. Fair enough too. Most of them are candy-sweet confections with little backbone or originality. Any wonder then that I tend to give them a wide berth when I see them on the fragrance shelf. My … Continue reading Reviews – Sarah Jessica Parker – Stash
Mini Reviews – Penhaligon’s
Halfeti - Not my favourite. Image courtesy of Google. Penhaligon's - Halfeti - Baffling - 2/10 The popularity of Halfeti has always baffled me. I've tried numerous times to get to grips with the perfume but can never quite get past an hour or so without washing it off. Incidentally, it takes a long time … Continue reading Mini Reviews – Penhaligon’s
Reviews – Tom Ford – Beau de Jour
Tom Ford - Beau de Jour - Everything old is new again. 8/10 Over the last few years, the Tom Ford release schedule has been in overdrive. Seemingly every week, something new pops up from the brand. Sadly, it has felt more like the focus has been on quantity over quality. Nevertheless, despite the lows, … Continue reading Reviews – Tom Ford – Beau de Jour
Reviews – Frederic Malle – L’Eau d’Hiver
Frederic Malle - L'Eau d'Hiver - Jean-Claude Ellena's Magnum Opus? 9/10 Jean-Claude Ellena has had a long and illustrious career. Assuredly, one of my favourite perfumers. He officially retired in 2016, handing over the reins of Hermes to Christine Nagel. His legacy is etched in perfume history, with his signature minimalist style evident in many … Continue reading Reviews – Frederic Malle – L’Eau d’Hiver
Mini Reviews – Burberry and Carven
Burberry - Mr Burberry Indigo & Carven L'Eau Intense - Not all designers are created equal. 6/10. In today's mini-reviews, Mr. Burberry Indigo and Carven L'Eau Intense, both by Francis Kurkdjian, are under the microscope. Neither feels high budget, but they are commendable releases as far as designer scents go. Ultimately, it is hard to separate the two, … Continue reading Mini Reviews – Burberry and Carven