Akros's previous Harrods exclusive, East, came across as a poorly composed Tuscan Leather clone. So, I didn't go into smelling their newest fragrance, Glow, dedicated to nightclubbing and parties (a Harrods exclusive for a few months before a worldwide release in 2024) with great confidence. I was right to be coy. Glow smells clichéd and … Continue reading Akro – Glow – The Most Boring Party Ever
Caron Paris – Pour Un Homme de Caron Parfum – Lavender For The Win
I finally managed to get some flowers blooming on my lavender. I've no idea how I did it, but we have had some quite rainy days here over the last couple of weeks. Perhaps lavender likes the rain? Or does it prefer dry weather or a combination of both? Who knows. And who knows how … Continue reading Caron Paris – Pour Un Homme de Caron Parfum – Lavender For The Win
Obvious – Scoville – Red Hot Chili Peppers (Somewhat)
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)
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
A Rhyming Acrostic Poem Dedicated To Modern Perfumery
A photo of my hippeastrum flowers growing in my yard. Nothing to do with the poem, but I thought they looked nice. Here's my poem dedicated to the modern perfume world. Monotonus, boring, copied blends. Opulent, lavish, costly spends. Drydowns, have they gone away? Endless newness every day. Roja with his magic tricks. Niche perfumes with … Continue reading A Rhyming Acrostic Poem Dedicated To Modern Perfumery
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?