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 →

First Impressions – Bubble Baths and Soap – ELDO, Maison Martin Margiela

Etat Libre d'Orange - Exit the King - Interesting name. I wonder who or what they're having a go at this time? The mind boggles. The scent itself, composed by Cecile Matton and Ralf Schwieger, is a clean soapy scent, built on a chypre base of patchouli and oakmoss. The opening soap foam accord is a … Continue reading First Impressions – Bubble Baths and Soap – ELDO, Maison Martin Margiela →

First Impressions – Rose scents – MFK, Moschino, Aesop

MFK - L'Homme A la rose - Wonderful fresh, invigorating opening of grapefruit and rose. Watery, dewy, and never overbearing. Unfortunately, it falls relatively flat as it progresses. The unremarkable woody amber dry down, mimicking countless other "generic man" releases. Still, it is a step up from what you'll find on the department store shelves. Maybe … Continue reading First Impressions – Rose scents – MFK, Moschino, Aesop →

First Impressions – Andy Tauer, Laboratorio Olfattivo

Andy Tauer - Phtaloblue - Oh dear, unfortunately, this one isn't my favourite from Andy Tauer. Kudos to Andy for giving the much-maligned aquatic genre a shot, but it's a misfire. It's a heavy dose of calone, aquatic, salty, and seaweed-like, with the Andy Tauer ambery signature providing a base. A slap in the face, and … Continue reading First Impressions – Andy Tauer, Laboratorio Olfattivo →

First Impressions – Penhaligon’s

Halfeti Leather, courtesy of Penhaligon's website Penhaligon's - Halfeti Leather - Another week, another flanker. Again, it's another flanker of a scent that I didn't enjoy in its original iteration. I found Halfeti to be a loud, harsh, synthetic rendering of rose/oud, without too many redeeming features. Halfeti Leather smooths out a few of the … Continue reading First Impressions – Penhaligon’s →

First Impressions – Amouage

Amouage - Interlude Black Iris Man - A new perfume from Amouage always warrants a sample. Interlude Black Iris Man, is a significant release. It represents the first output for the brand since the tenure of Creative Director Christopher Chong came to an end. Interestingly, new Chief Experience Officer Renaud Salmon's first fragrance at the helm is … Continue reading First Impressions – Amouage →