Frederic Malle - L'Eau d'Hiver - Jean-Claude Ellena's Magnum Opus? 9/10 Jean-Claude Ellena has had a long and illustrious career. Assuredly, one of my favourite perfumers. He officially retired in 2016, handing over the reins of Hermes to Christine Nagel. His legacy is etched in perfume history, with his signature minimalist style evident in many … Continue reading Reviews – Frederic Malle – L’Eau d’Hiver
Tag: Perfume Review
Reviews – Dior – Santal Noir
Dior - Santal Noir - Smooth sandalwood from Demachy - 7/10 I don't think I'm Robinson Crusoe when I say I haven't been overly enamoured with Dior's recent output. By and large, most of their latest perfumes have come and gone, stirring up little excitement. Perhaps most surprisingly, the "La Collection Privee" has taken a … Continue reading Reviews – Dior – Santal Noir
Reviews – Santa Maria Novella – Tabacco Toscano
Santa Maria Novella - Tabacco Toscano - The tobacco for summer - 7.5/10 I never hear much about the house of Santa Maria Novella. The luxury apothecary from Florence is criminally under the radar. Although they have stores worldwide, it remains a perfume "bucket list" item for this fraghead to visit their Officina Profumo/pharmacy in … Continue reading Reviews – Santa Maria Novella – Tabacco Toscano
Mini Reviews – Roja Dove, Van Cleef & Arpels
Today on the blog, I'm reviewing a couple of scents that always seems to get a lot of play during the winter weather, and with winter being in full swing here in the Southern Hemisphere, what better time than now to explore them both. Roja Dove - Enigma Pour Homme Parfum Cologne - Overpriced spicy … Continue reading Mini Reviews – Roja Dove, Van Cleef & Arpels
Mini Reviews – Atelier des Ors
Ah, the golden flake bottles. Instagram worthy, most certainly. However, are they worthy additions to a burgeoning fragrance collection? Let's put a few under the microscope. Atelier des Ors - Lune Feline - Hyped vanilla. Not sure I buy into it. 5/10 The hyped Lune Feline failed to make much of an impression on me. … Continue reading Mini Reviews – Atelier des Ors
Reviews – L’Artisan Parfumeur
L'Artisan Parfumeur - Noir Exquis - Coffee shop in a perfume bottle - 6/10 Noir Exquis is a decent stab of cramming the scent of a coffee shop into a perfume bottle. The opening salvo evokes lazy Sunday mornings drinking coffee whiling away the hours eating pancakes drizzled in maple syrup. The combination of candied … Continue reading Reviews – L’Artisan Parfumeur
Reviews: Guerlain Tonka Imperiale
Guerlain - Tonka Imperiale - Enjoyable but something's lacking 7/10 High-end expensive scents are always placed under the microscope and scrutinised more than their cheaper counterparts. I guess it's only fair. We want bang for our buck. Longevity, projection, and originality are all prime factors in deciding whether a perfume is worthy of a place … Continue reading Reviews: Guerlain Tonka Imperiale
First Impressions – Designer/Niche Roundup
Son Venin - Santal Super - Sure does hit with a heavy dose of Iso-E Super. Ultimately, your reaction to this one will boil down to your tolerance level to the ingredient. Usually, I'm ok with ISO-E Super finding it enjoyable in scents such as Poivre Samarcande from Hermes. However, the blending in Santal Super was … Continue reading First Impressions – Designer/Niche Roundup
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