After testing most of the Dries Van Noten perfume range, I've come away relatively satisfied that I don't need a full bottle of any of them. While some of the scents are solid, none have left me thinking, "Wow, I'd really like to starve this week and instead drop $500 on 100ml of perfume". Notably, … Continue reading Dries Van Noten – Havana Gold – Close But No Cigar
Tag: Perfume Review
Trudon – Absolu – Orange Blossom And Orris In A Woody Setting
Today's write-up focuses on Absolu, a 2024 release from Trudon. I tend to try most things from the French house, known chiefly for its fine home scents, as its fragrances have been pretty good. A couple of years ago, I reviewed their brilliant green ivy perfume, Aphélie First Impressions – Maison Trudon – Aphélie. Absolu … Continue reading Trudon – Absolu – Orange Blossom And Orris In A Woody Setting
Ormonde Jayne – Vetiveria – From Fizz To Flat
I'm like an overly excited Price Is Right contestant when a new vetiver hits the market. Indeed, the announcement of the new Vetiveria from Ormonde Jayne had me enthused, energetic, and ready to come on down! But rather than walking away feeling like a showcase winner, it feels like I've bowed out early and come … Continue reading Ormonde Jayne – Vetiveria – From Fizz To Flat
Carthusia – Intenso Collection – Basilico, Ginestra and Mirto
On paper, Carthuisa's latest trio, paying homage to three plants that form a vital part of the Mediterranean landscape, seemed a winner. But you don't play the game on paper; you play it on skin. And on skin Mirto, Basilico, and Ginestra didn't come to play. Antoine Lie and Luca Maffei combined to bring the … Continue reading Carthusia – Intenso Collection – Basilico, Ginestra and Mirto
Guerlain – Rosa Verde – A Chic Summer Garden Party
I make a point of keeping up to date with the Aqua Allegoria (AA) launches. Guerlain doesn't make it easy, though. There's been plenty of new fragrances and collections coming off the production line in recent years from the famed French house. I find it challenging to keep pace, not to mention confusing. In 2022, … Continue reading Guerlain – Rosa Verde – A Chic Summer Garden Party
Santa Maria Novella – Acqua – On Fragrant Pond
Earlier this year, I posted my thoughts on the garden series from Santa Maria Novella – I Giardini Medicei – Quercia. At that time, I'd tried five of the eight fragrances in the line. I've since sampled Ambra and Acqua, with Incenso being the only one left to try. Today I'll share my thoughts on … Continue reading Santa Maria Novella – Acqua – On Fragrant Pond
Boka – Suze & Zelen – Orange Blossom & Vetiver
The bottles look interesting. Zelen (pictured above) is my pick of the two—picture from Boka. I've been wearing fragrances from the US independent brand Boka https://bokafragrance.com/ on and off for the last six months. After researching the brand (basically reading their website), I've deduced they're a one-man band. Their founder, Boris Zrnic, of Serbian heritage, named … Continue reading Boka – Suze & Zelen – Orange Blossom & Vetiver
Dolce & Gabbana – Devotion Pour Homme – Aromatic Coffee
When life gives you lemons, Dolce & Gabbana (D&G) and Olivier Cresp make perfume. Well, something like that. They've certainly utilised a lot of lemons in the perfumes I'm going to discuss today. I wanted to focus on Devotion Pour Homme (DPH), Dolce and Gabbana's new masculine fragrance. However, I'll briefly touch on the 2023 … Continue reading Dolce & Gabbana – Devotion Pour Homme – Aromatic Coffee
Floris – Purple Mémoire – Modern Lavender
Three "purple" floral notes make up the new fragrance, Purple Mémoire, from Floris: violet, lavender, and iris. Lavender is undoubtedly the most prominent. The lavender in Purple Mémoire smells pillowy, soft, and calming, possessing an almost candied sweetness. It's my favourite element of the fragrance. Unfortunately, some other aspects detract from the overall experience. Here … Continue reading Floris – Purple Mémoire – Modern Lavender
Francesca Bianchi – The Code Of Emotion – Fruity Fougere
Francesca Bianchi's latest creation, The Code of Emotion, veers from her usual stylings. Gone are the powdery orris and sepia-toned animalic leathers. Instead, the focus shifts to an appealing fruity scent built around a fougère framework. Indeed, I had a surprising emotional reaction after spraying The Code of Emotion. I found it positively smile-inducing. I … Continue reading Francesca Bianchi – The Code Of Emotion – Fruity Fougere