First Impressions – Gallivant, Zoologist, Nishane, Kerzon, Choix

Gallivant - Los Angeles * - Earlier this year I wrote a blog article on Gallivant's initial 7 releases. My favourite was the black tea and vetiver combo in Berlin. Their latest, paying homage to the City of Angels may just be my new favourite. The opening is a bright, almost candied pineapple, mixed with … Continue reading First Impressions – Gallivant, Zoologist, Nishane, Kerzon, Choix →

Reviews – Costume National, Lolita Lempicka, Bond No. 9

Costume National - Cyber Garden - Futuristic Vinyl 6.5/10 Costume National borrow from the past and use a little creative marketing (a supposed vinyl note) to create their slightly left of centre fragrance, Cyber Garden.  The fragrance opens up fresh with green notes, bergamot and grapefruit.  The zingy top fades and gradually gives way to … Continue reading Reviews – Costume National, Lolita Lempicka, Bond No. 9 →

First Impressions – Montale, Mancera, Parfums De Marly, Kilian, Maison Trudon

Montale - Sensual Instinct - A slight resemblance to BR540 from MFK, but very slight. It hints also at one of Montale's best sellers, Intense Cafe. Sensual Instinct is a rich, creamy gourmand from Montale with notes of Praline, rose, coffee, with a sweet amber, woody dry down. Fans of Intense Cafe should enjoy this … Continue reading First Impressions – Montale, Mancera, Parfums De Marly, Kilian, Maison Trudon →

Reviews – Guerlain, Serge Lutens, Byredo

Guerlain - L'Instant Pour Homme - A modern day classic from Guerlain 9/10 The lemon burst at the top of L'Instant Pour Homme Edt may lull one into thinking this may be another anonymous citrus.  However, the magic of this Guerlain masterpiece becomes evident half an hour into development, as the lavender, sandalwood, patchouli and … Continue reading Reviews – Guerlain, Serge Lutens, Byredo →

First Impressions – Jul et Mad, Maison Sybarite, Parfums Dusita, Floris

Jul et Mad - Stairway to Heaven* - A cold, cloudy fragrance of aldehydes, red berries and musk's that evokes Mure et Musc from L'Artisan Parfumeur minus the luminous blackberry note. Does a reasonable job convincing the wearer of its inspiration of hiking through the mountainous Himalayas. Doesn't seem quite as approachable as the blackberry … Continue reading First Impressions – Jul et Mad, Maison Sybarite, Parfums Dusita, Floris →

Something Different for Summer – Rhubarb

Sick of the usual citrus colognes for warm weather. Consider the tart, fresh, fruity sweetness of rhubarb in your next summer scent. Here's a few fragrance suggestions to get you started. Hermes Eau de Rhubarbe Ecarlate - I'm not the biggest fan of this cologne line from Hermes, but I quite enjoy this minimalist rhubarb, … Continue reading Something Different for Summer – Rhubarb →

First Impressions – Bottega Veneta, Dolce and Gabbana, Davidoff, 100 Bon, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany and Co, Hermes

Bottega Veneta - Illusione for Him - Bottega Veneta has an enviable back catalogue of fragrances that I place high on the designer pedestal so Illusione had a lot to live up to, and does it? Well not quite. It isn't as bad as what I've read online, but it is a fairly redundant release … Continue reading First Impressions – Bottega Veneta, Dolce and Gabbana, Davidoff, 100 Bon, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany and Co, Hermes →

First Impressions – Nishane, Tauer, Teo Cabanel, Strangers Parfumerie, Liquides Imaginaires, Note di Profumum

Nishane - Ambra Calabria* - I've not encountered anything by this Turkish house I've at least not liked. Ambra Calabria is no exception. A green, citrus scent with a wonderful sweet amber and vanilla dry down. The sweet notes never become cloying and the fresh green notes combine with the citrus (bergamot) at the top … Continue reading First Impressions – Nishane, Tauer, Teo Cabanel, Strangers Parfumerie, Liquides Imaginaires, Note di Profumum →