Perseus opens brightly and optimistically. I don't particularly revel in writing negative reviews. But, to maintain balance and a credible critical outlook, I think it's essential to weed out the bad from the good, communicating the full range of my views. Indeed, I'd love for every perfume to be a classic, but that isn't the … Continue reading First Impressions – Parfums De Marly – Perseus
D.S. & Durga Report Card
And now, for something completely different, it's time to return to school. During their lunch break, D.S. and Durga hang out with Byredo and Le Labo (and some other cool guys called Atticus, Leopold, and Gulliver), sipping kombucha and listening to Bon Iver and Death Cab for Cutie. In the 2024 yearbook, they are voted … Continue reading D.S. & Durga Report Card
Review – Cartier – Eau de Cartier EDT
Perfume Review - Cartier - Eau de Cartier - Violet Leaf Cologne - 8/10. Eau de Cartier might always have been doomed to discontinuation. Cartier's suite of scents and Christine Nagel (the perfumer behind Eau de Cartier) are two of the most underrated entities in fragrance. For whatever reason, the brand's and the perfumer's wares … Continue reading Review – Cartier – Eau de Cartier EDT
First Impressions – Marie Jeanne
Marie Jeanne is a small fragrance house from Grasse, the centre of the perfume universe. The brand, founded in 2014 by Georges Maubert (fifth generation of the fragrance manufacturer Robertet family), is named in tribute to Maubert's grandmother. Georges Maubert has an interesting history that includes working as a Chanel intern under the tutelage of … Continue reading First Impressions – Marie Jeanne
First Impressions – Akro – Infuse
Before I get into my impressions of Akro's latest tea scent, Infuse, I'll give my quick opinion of their East. East, previously a Harrods exclusive, now has worldwide distribution and mixes Tom Ford-style raspberry-tinged leather with faux Arabian oud. It's a cover version of a carbon copy of a duplicate of a recurrent theme we've … Continue reading First Impressions – Akro – Infuse
Tobacco Perfumes For Every Season
Late last year, I wrote an article focusing on jasmine perfumes. (Jasmine Perfumes For Every Season) I wanted to showcase four jasmine perfumes, pairing each perfume with a specific season. For instance, I selected the jasmine/citrus combination of California Reverie from Van Cleef & Arpels for summer and the greyer, darker Tapis Volant from Liquides … Continue reading Tobacco Perfumes For Every Season
First Impressions – Serge Lutens – La Fille Tour De Fer
Bret Michaels was wrong! Not every rose has its thorn—well, at least in the case of this new rose from Serge Lutens, La Fille Tour de Fer. To be fair to Bret, it seems as though Serge and Sheldrake deliberately removed any thorns, edginess, or nuance from La Fille Tour de Fer. The brand's note … Continue reading First Impressions – Serge Lutens – La Fille Tour De Fer
It’s Not Easy Being Green
I love my greens. Kermit knows what's up! When he sang "It's Not Easy Bein' Green," he was singing about his discontent with life. However, by the song's end, Kermit accepted his "greenness," citing positive examples of being green. Indeed, the song's sentiments can be applied to the fragrance world, as I often think green … Continue reading It’s Not Easy Being Green
Book Review – Atlas Of Perfumed Botany – Jean-Claude Ellena (2022)
Today's post is a book review of Jean-Claude Ellena's 2022 release, Atlas of Perfumed Botany. The book is chock full of anecdotes and industry insights from the renowned composer. I've yet to see any other posts or reviews covering it. In fact, up until recently, I had no idea he had even released it until … Continue reading Book Review – Atlas Of Perfumed Botany – Jean-Claude Ellena (2022)
Farewell To Frédéric Malle (For Now)
I love that the brand offers a 10ml travel size. F is for Frédéric as in Frédéric Malle, and it was another f-word I muttered when I heard that one of the leading figures in modern perfumery was stepping away from his brand for good in June. I can't, or perhaps I refuse to believe … Continue reading Farewell To Frédéric Malle (For Now)