Versace – Eros Energy – The Best From The Line?

I find the original Eros (2012) beyond horrible! From top to bottom, it smells obnoxious and of poor quality. Its green apple and mint top smells more reminiscent of bubblegum than anything natural. But as it develops, it somehow gets worse. Versace doubles down on the sweetness and cliches, as vanilla and tonka first, and … Continue reading Versace – Eros Energy – The Best From The Line? →

Arquiste – Venice Rococo, Almond Suede and A Grove By The Sea

Early in the new year, I was fortunate to stay with my family on the Sunshine Coast (Kawana Waters/Minyama area) for a few days. It's a very laid-back part of the world where many go to retire and where folks while away their days surfing at the beach. The lifestyle centres on the outdoors with … Continue reading Arquiste – Venice Rococo, Almond Suede and A Grove By The Sea →

Guerlain – Patchouli Paris – Soft, Elegant & Overpriced

Guerlain pairs patchouli with iris in their latest fragrance. For whatever reason, I thought that Guerlain's new Patchouli Paris would be another in the long line of rose/patchouli scents. Thankfully, it's not. No doubt, the reference to Paris in the name, the color of the perfume, and the association we have linking rose with patchouli caused me to come … Continue reading Guerlain – Patchouli Paris – Soft, Elegant & Overpriced →

Papillon Artisan Perfumes – Epona – “Memories Light The Corners Of My Mind”

Epona isn't quite as idyllic as this scene, but it's close. "Memories light the corners of my mind." Something about that Barbra Streisand lyric from her melancholic 70's hit struck me when I sprayed Papillon's latest perfume, Epona. Liz Moore's most recent launch pays homage to her horse, and although I'm not a "horse guy" or … Continue reading Papillon Artisan Perfumes – Epona – “Memories Light The Corners Of My Mind” →

Akro – Glow – The Most Boring Party Ever

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 →