WhyMe
New member
- Apr 13, 2011
- 84
- 0
Reviews might be useful to first time buyers
Review for individual fragrances will be reviewed... I occasionally will give my nose a break... I think I posted in the right section
...I will do my best to review the samples one by one ^_^
I do prefer floral/Sweet/smooth Scents. This is just a personal review that I hope people will find useful in the future.
My Current Collection as of 5.7.2011
Store ParfumsRaffy
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1 being lowest 10 being highest
Service: 10
Even though missing gold from Amouage set. They shipped the missing sample to me without extra cost. Service is quick when I wanted to add another sample. Very pleasant.
Shipment: 10
1 week.... very fast UPS
Email: 9.5
Fast response, however, not all the time but definitely above average. Response is usually less then a day. I could be picky and don't like to wait
Packaging: 8-9?
Shipping samples. protection is sufficient with some peanuts in there. Samples made and packed by Raffy are in a nicely sealed bottle and wrapped in bubble wrap. There are no damage to products. The samples are in a black bag in the box. I have not shipped bottles yet... So i decided to leave a range on it
Price: 9
Coupon code and nice amount of juice. And I personally think some of the best prices on the net. I am always in for cheaper prices.
ORDER DETAILS UNIT PRICE TOTAL
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PRODUCT Amouage Sample Set - Men (6 samples)
PRICE $48.00 $48.00
Ciel
Longevity: 7 Hours
Method of application: 4 Sprays, neck
Overall Smell: 8.9
Projection/Sillage: 3 meters, very strong
Price: sample
Value: 8.6
Summary: Strong soapy, different from the soapy Himalaya. I think 2-3 sprays is enough. Very Concentrated... maybe a smell you may want to try on other parts of the body.
Lyric
Longevity: 7 Hours
Method of application: 3 Sprays on neck, 1 on wrist
Overall Smell: 9.2
Projection/Sillage: 2-3M
Price: sample
Value: 8.8
Summary: Soapy opening, however, not like Himalaya or Silver Mountain Water(SMW) strength is very good at 2 meters at least. I like it! As it dries down I start to notice a bit of rose. It is a very nice sophisticated scent. It is a bit feminine but I think this scent can be pulled off easier then the deep roses from Montale for a man because of the soapiness. I would say this scent is around 70-80% soapy/20% roses on opening and 60+% rose 40% soapy on me after 2-3 hours. This is a recommended scent for people that like soapy scents and roses.
Jubilation XXV
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 3 Sprays
Overall Smell: 5-6
Projection/Sillage: 1.5-2 Meters
Price: sample
Value: 6
Summary: My least favorite of the Amouage Line. It sort of smells old with a bit of fruit and roses in it. There is quite a bit of incense in there too and I’m picking up a bit of berries. This is a nicely made fragrance and definitely natural smelling but not something I would absolutely love and wear all the time. It could be body chemistry. [This is 2 hours in the fragrance] I may update this if this scent changes. I would prefer this without the old and incense smell.
Update: 5.9.2011 worn 2nd time – Definitely will not wear, overwhelming incense due to body chemistry?
Reflection
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 3-4 Sprays – It smells better on the wrist.
Overall Smell: 6.5 – 7.0
Projection/Sillage: 1.5-2 Meters
Price: sample
Value: 8
Summary: This does smell a bit like Vicks vapor rub 50% at opening mixed with some other floral aspects. This one didn’t really appeal to me much.
Update:
Sorry for the short review on this one. This one didn’t impress me. I adjusted the score from 7.5 to 6.5/7.0. I really wanted to like this one. It doesn’t smell great on me.
Memoir
Longevity: 7ish Hours
Method of application: 3-4 Sprays, lower neck
Overall Smell: 6-
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter or less
Price: sample
Value: 6
Summary: Opens up with a bit of pine, very green fresh smelling. This scent, however, did not last long and turned into a fragrance that had an overwhelming amount of incense. This scent may be better on another person with a different skin type. Otherwise the smell is very high quality like the rest of their line.
PRODUCT Amouage Library Collection samples - Opus I, Opus II, Opus III
PRICE $15.00 $15.00
Opus III
Longevity: 7 Hours
Method of application: 3-4 Sprays
Overall Smell: 8.5
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter
Price: sample
Value: 8
Summary: Start off like a extremely good version of Givenchy Pi. I smells a sweet natural powdery Vanilla that dominant. I think I will need to wear this again to try to pick up other notes.
Dia For Men
Longevity: 7 Hours
Method of application: 4 Sprays, neck
Overall Smell: 8.9 (5.0 or less for sample 5 being tolerable)
Projection/Sillage: 3 meters, very strong
Price: sample
Value: 8.6
Summary: Opens up a bit soapy/ Within 2 hours you start noticing a bit of florals. In about 6 hours it Is soapy again but seemingly sweeter and a bit powdery. (When I say soap something in the fragrance that makes it smell like that. Probably the upper bit of citrus) There have been a few comments on makeup Alley for Dia for women saying it is a bit soapy.
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=109310/Amouage_Dia_for_women/0/Fragrances
Sample(From Luckyscent) 2nd try: Application on arm. Sweet incense, with blossoms and bit a touch of citrus. This is a mature sweet fragrance suitable for guys.
Comparison: (1 scent on each arm) Sample set from Amouage smells much better. The difference is very clear. The one from Lucky scent has a lot in incense. Unless Lucky labeled the decant wrong and put in something else from Amouage. I would need someone to give me some input on this.
Update: Sample from Lucky may have been named improperly because it smells like Jubilation XXV.
PRODUCT Montale Aoud Blossom Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 3-4 Sprays
Overall Smell: 8.5 to 6 so much Aoud
Projection/Sillage: 1.5-2 Meters
Price: sample
Value: 6
Summary: Opening is soapy, smells like blossoms, very nice.. and feminine. If I were to scale this from 1 being feminine and 10 being only recommended for men this would be a 2-3. Very nice offering from Montale until….. Blossoms get taken over by Aoud. I don’t think I am an Aoud person =(
Sorry, I do not like Aoud [Update: 12.17.2011]
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PRODUCT Montale Aoud Damascus Perfume Sample for Women
PRODUCT Montale Aoud Red Flowers Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRODUCT Montale Aoud Sliver Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRODUCT Montale Black Aoud Perfume Sample for Men
PRODUCT Montale Blue Amber Perfume Sample for Men and Women
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PRODUCT Montale Chypre Vanille Perfume Sample for Men and Women
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 3-4 Sprays
Overall Smell: 8+?
Projection/Sillage: 1.5-2 Meters
Price: sample
Value: 7.9+ Seems similar to another Montale offering
Summary: Vanilla and soap after some time it turns a little powdery. A very high quality Vanilla from Montale as well.
PRODUCT Montale Boise Vanille Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $4.00 $4.00
Longevity:8+ hours
Method of application: Bottle to neck -> tip bottle, let a bit run down 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 7.5
Projection/Sillage: 3-4 Meters
Price: - Sample
Quality: 9+
Value: 7
Summary: 60-70% Cedar 40-30% Vanilla and a bit of floral in there.
I personally think there is too much Cedar… I’m not a Cedar person otherwise very well blended. The only reason I rated it low is because I didn’t like the smell of cedar in any fragrance. This is the same with Aoud personal preference thing. I can imagine people that like cedar and vanilla like this. If this had a lot less Cedar I may have liked this one because it would make it make vanilla smell a bit masculine. The quality of the fragrance is very good, natural smelling.
PRODUCT Montale Chocolate Greedy Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $4.00 $4.00
Longevity:8+ hours
Method of application: Bottle to neck -> tip bottle, let a bit run down 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 8.5
Projection/Sillage: 1-2 Meters
Price: Sample
Value: 9
Summary: Chocolate and Coco, rich chocolate… On me it never was very sweet. This fragrance is highly recommended for people that like chocolate that isn’t too sweet. I did not smell anything synthetic.
PRODUCT Montale Chypre Vanille Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $4.00 $4.00
Longevity:8+ hours
Method of application: Bottle to neck -> tip bottle, let a bit run down 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 8.8
Projection/Sillage: 3-4 Meters
Price: Sample
Value: 9
Summary: Soap 30% and 70%ish Vanilla. Like Givenchy Pi but the Vanilla is a lot more natural and off course the added soapiness. This is 3-4 times stronger then pi. This is a very nice scent and got compliments on it! Some people may pick this up as Johnson’s baby oil/powder. I personally pick up the NATURAL Vanilla and Soap, pretty different from the Johnson’s stuff. This is a scent that I would buy.
PRODUCT Montale Deep Roses Perfume Sample
PRICE $4.00 $4.00
Longevity:6-7 hours
Method of application: A couple swipes 6-7?
Overall Smell: 9
Projection/Sillage: Currently at 10 is H.M
Price: - 175$ for 100ml
Value: - 8.5
Summary: Transparent light smell of fresh roses. Very nice. Will put more details just started. Wished it lasted a little longer. This is a very natural smell roses, nothing synthetic, highly recommended for people that like the smell of roses.
After 6-7 Hours the fragrance slowly disappears.
PRODUCT Montale Red Aoud Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 7 Hours
Method of application: Bottle to neck -> tip bottle, let a bit run down 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 8.8
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter
Price: sample
Value: 8.2
Summary: 10% Vanilla 10% Chocolate, unlike Deep roses which is a fresh rose scent, this would be more like a warm rose. The only I rate this lower is because of preference compared to deep rose which is a fresh rose scent which I love.
Comment from a person at work: “smells like men aftershave 0.o” and another guy says smells like chocolate but he told me his sense of smell is fried for the day.
PRODUCT Montale Royal Aoud Perfume Sample for Men
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 5 Hours
Method of application: Bottle to neck -> tip bottle, let a bit run down 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 8.5
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter
Price: sample
Value: 8.0
Summary: Royal Rose with Aoud. I found this to have a lot less Aoud then Vanille Boise. I’d say 20-30% Oud.
This is a nice scent and makes this fragrance more masculine. This scent does have a royal smell to it. Probably because of the dominating rose and Aoud combination combined with other florals in the background.
PRODUCT Montale White Aoud Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Xerjoff Irisss parfum sample
PRICE $9.00 $9.00
Longevity: 7-8 hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 8.6
Projection/Sillage: Medium - about a meter or so
Price: (1-10) 7
Value: (1-10) 8.2
Summary: The smell is very natural, and doesn't overwhelm you. A warm body helps it project better as compared to when I'm doing nothing. I have not tried other iris scents but this one does dry down to something "a little sweet" Its a light scent suitable for spring, summer and fall. This is my favorite Iris scent atm and I find it wearable for guys it is just a little femme.
Comparison: No comment yet...
Xerjoff Shingl sample
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 4ish hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 9+
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter or less
Price: (1-10) 7
Value: (1-10) 8.7
Summary: This one is a warm version of Royal water….and soapy. You will like this scent if you like Silver Mountain water or Royal water by Creed. Highly recommended.
Comparison: Similar to royal water
Xerjoff Dhofar sample
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 4ish hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 9+
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter or less
Price: (1-10) 7
Value: (1-10) 8.7
Summary: This one is a warm version of Royal water….and soapy. You will like this scent if you like Silver Mountain water or Royal water by Creed. Highly recommended.
Comparison: Similar to royal water although not the same
Xerjoff Oesel sample
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 6ish hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 9+
Projection/Sillage: 1 M
Price: (1-10) Sample
Value: (1-10) 9+
Summary: Starts off with strong florals, dries down a rich high quality creamy vanilla and orange blossom scent, however, this doesn’t stay too long. In about 2 hours it dries down to a sweet vanilla much less noticeable. This scent works well with high body heat. One of my favorites!
PRODUCT Xerjoff XXY sample
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 8+ hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 8.2ish
Projection/Sillage: 1 M
Price: (1-10) Sample
Value: (1-10) 8.2
Summary: Starts of bright with Fruit & florals, nice! Dries down to something powdery. This is a unisex smell but leaning more towards masculine. I get more pepper and woods in the middle before complete drydown. This scent is hard to describe >.<. I shall re-wear this one again and see If I pick something more out of it.
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The Perfumed Court
1 being lowest 10 being highest
Shipment: 6=?
Slow 2-3 weeks compared to raffy at 1 week or less
Packaging: 8.5+
Samples are in a padded envelope and wrapped against with bubble wrap or foam. Several packaged arrived. Sufficient to be protected adequately.
Price: 6
High compared to lucky or raffy for decants. There are samples on this site that are not available everywhere else that may make this site more appealing if you are looking for odd high-end stuff.
Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille
Longevity: 5-6 hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 8.6 ish
Projection/Sillage: 1 M
Price: (1-10) Sample
Value: (1-10) 8.2
Summary: Sort of bit bozy rich Vanilla. I has a tiny amount of similarities to Vanilla extract. This IS a nice Vanilla but not absolutely great like those combined with another notes.
Creed – Sublime Vanille
Longevity: 6-7 Hours
Method of application: Applied upper chest neck/wrist
Overall Smell: 8.1ish
Projection/Sillage: Upon appication 1.5 M or so
Price: 7-8
Summary: Plain warm pure vanilla… Its not to sweet and just a little rich. The quality is the same level as SDV. It’s a nice vanilla to start on.
LuckyScent
1 being lowest 10 being highest
Shipment: 6=?
Same as The perfumed Court It did take some time.
Packaging: 8.5+
Samples are in a padded envelope and wrapped against with bubble wrap or foam. Several packaged arrived. Sufficient to be protected adequately. (Pasted from Perfume Court packaging is similar)
Price: 8.8+
Prices cheaper than “The perfumed Court” Samples but not the cheapest. Their wide selection of fragrances and organization of products make their site the best. Along with fragrance bar showing if a fragrance lean more towards one sex or another. Also notes are listed with a short description of the scent. I still do not recommend buying because of the description. But I did pick up a few decants because of it.
Frapin 1270
Longevity: 30 minutes completely dried down 2 hours max very hard to notice
Method of application: Applied half the sample in 1 go… neck/wrist/Upper chest
Overall Smell: 8.5+
Projection/Sillage: Just noticeable,
Price: 9+
Value: 9+
Summary: Need to apply a lot before I can even smell it, even then its not very noticeable. This is a fruity scent. I do not know if I got a bad decant. But it could be my skin that ate it the moment I put it on. I personally like it a lot. But I need a reapplication from something that isn’t decanted or something that is maybe newer. Dries down to something butter rum rich.. I also got a tiny bit of spice. I will Review this again if I can find someone with a bottle.
L'Artisan Parfumeur - Voleur de Roses
Longevity: 6-7 Hours
Method of application: Lower neck, wrist, neck side right below ear
Overall Smell: 8.3+
Projection/Sillage: .5 M just noticeable
Price: 8?
Summary: Like deep rose but a little more sweet. Maybe a different kind of rose and a bit of citrus. I like deep rose more.
CreedBoutique
Will add photos when friend returns approx 800$ worth of Creed...
Service: 8
Never got the sample I wanted and response is slow (2-3 days)
Shipment: 7.5
Not super fast, average
Email: 8
2-3 Days
Packaging: 8
Creed bottle leaked 10-20% Packed with paper and a bit of bubble wrap. No damage
Price: 6
Tax and price is high and cannot discount. You cannot buy samples (I'm in Canada) Sort of expected for directly buying from Creed
I bought a little earlier before finding other stores. First blind buy lots of $$
Creed:
Milleseme Imperial - Bottle
Longevity: 6-7 hours
Method of application: dab neck and wrists (I got no atomizer for this one)
Overall Smell: 7
Projection/Sillage: 2 meter - can leave a bit of a trail
Price: 7
Value: 6
Summary: This is like a fruity fragrance for a mature guy. I doesn't smell great on me, however, smells great on my friend. Some people say its a bit like old fruit... I can't really agree it just seems different. Its a scent that I would give it a neutral rating.
Himalaya - 120 ml
Longevity: 6-7Hr 5 on Shirt
Method of application: 3-4 sprays
Overall Smell: 6-8
Projection/Sillage: 1 meter
Price: 7
Value: 7
Summary: It smells better on my shirt, since it's not on the skin it doesn't last very long. Its very musky after drydown on my skin. I personally don't like it that way... I like the soapiness, On the shirt, It stays soapy and just a bit musky. Nice fresh scent for most ages accept for old men. I like using this after the shower Positive rating
Royal Scottish Lavender - 75ml
Longevity: 6-7 hours
Method of application: 3 sprays chest
Overall Smell: 6.7
Projection/Sillage: .5 meter to a meter
Price: 7
Value: 6
Summary: I found this smell to be better further away from you otherwise I pick up something else and seems dry. This is a gentlemen's lavender for sure, very mature. Its a polite fragrance that most people will like. This is however not a fragrance that's suitable for me or smells best on me. It smells however wonderful on my friend. Initial spray before dry down is a scent that is okay... it doesn't bug me... but not something I want to keep on. This is a scent I use occasionally.
If Creed made this more creamy lavender and a little bit more sweet I would rate this much higher. This stuff and Himalaya smells awesome when I wash it off.
Virgin Island Water - Bottle
Longevity: 4-5hours MAX Summer 22-28C
Method of application: 5 Sprays (3 neck 2 wrist)
Overall Smell: 8.6
Projection/Sillage: 7.8 (2-3 meters)
Price: 7
Value: 8
Summary: While ridding the skytrain, people are like "What’s that coconut smell?" I didn't say anything. It’s a nice scent. It changes from something like citrus to lots of coconut within 30 minutes. People seem to enjoy being around me. It does not annoy me but you can over apply if it’s a very warm day. It doesn't last too long which is why I bought a bottle. I rated Value higher because it is a scent well-liked by most people. This scent is suitable for guys under 35 I guess
Original Santal - Sample
Longevity: 10+ Hours
Method of application: Neck, 5-7 swipes worn 5-6 times
Overall Smell: 9.2
Projection/Sillage: 2 meters
Price: 8.3
Value: 9
Summary: One of my top 3 creeds, Lasts very long. This does not smell anywhere like Joop. This is way more sophisticated scent on me. Now I’m not a creed fan and I can definitely tell when a scent is different. This is a very nice sweetish sandal wood. This is a unisex fragrance leaning more toward guys. I think you can wear this as an everyday scent. This is a nice Creed to start out with.
Silver Mountain Water - Sample
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 7 swipes worn 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 9.2
Projection/Sillage: 1 meter
Price: 8.3
Value: 9
Summary: This is a “mountain citrus” fresh scent. I did not pick up the inky note. There is a bit of florals and is quite unisex. I noticed a review saying it smells like gasoline…. I personally got to say it smells far from it. Nice scent for a person exploring the Creed line.
Royal Water - Sample
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 7 swipes worn 2 Times
Overall Smell: 9.2
Projection/Sillage: 1 meter
Price: 8.3
Value: 9
Summary: Yes I know I rated the last 3 the same, but that’s because I like all 3 equally. This is citrusy smell and it definitely smells “royal”. This is a unisex smell leaning more toward the feminine side although not excessively, Very good high-end smell wearable by a gentleman.
Store: The Perfume Shoppe
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http://www.theperfumeshoppe.com/
Contacts:
http://www.theperfumeshoppe.com/Articles.asp?ID=143
1 being lowest 10 being highest
Service: 10
1. Polite and very helpful
2. Knowledgeable on skin types and perfumes
3. Passionate about fragrances
Customer Service IS top notch. Naz has an amazing amount of knowledge in the line of fragrances that she carries and is able to introduce you to a new fragrance that you very much will like. Her depth of knowledge surpasses mine for sure. I am confident if you are looking for an alternative to a scent or is looking for something to your preference you will find it. She is willing to spend a lot of time with you if you need it to look for the right one for you. A few times walking in to the store, I have seen very happy customers a few times many which has bought items. I personally bought my Amouage Homage Attar and got a free sampling even! With that also purchased very nice fragrances from Serge Lutens and Montale. I also received many Samples and free decants.
As far as I know the service is 2nd to none in terms of person to person service. This is customer service at its best and is definitely reference and what every shop should strive for.
I’m a very happy customer ^_^
Price: 9.5
Compared to local prices: 10
As listed on site. Prices are slightly lower then that of ParfumsRaffy. Without shipping and extra fees it make it much cheaper for a local buyer, a highly recommended store.
Online: 9.0 Now I have not bought anything online since it is close. But you can expect lower than average price before discounts. You may also be able to order something that may not be listed. Obviously 10% discounts with parfumsraffy is very nice indeed especially with higher-end products, but they also have 20% together on special sales.
I would give a full 10 if this store has both as an option.
Serge Lutens – Bois de Violette
Longevity: 12+ Hours
Method of application: 4 Sprays(neck, lower neck left to right ) 1 on ea wrist
Overall Smell: 9+
Projection/Sillage: 1 meter
Price: 9+
Value: 9+
Summary: Very natural pure violet, the smell would slightly varies depending on temperature. The violets smell slightly “fresher” upon first spray. This is a very nice beautiful scent. I can wear this all the time, I personally think it’s quite unisex for a pure floral. The lasting power on this is phenomenal.
Amouage: Homage Attar
Longevity: 6-7 Hours
Method of application: 4 Dips of wand for oil, applied to lower neck and below the ears on the side of the neck, and wrist
Overall Smell: 9+
Projection/Sillage: Upon appication 1.5-2M – 1M
Price: 9+
Value: 9+
Summary: Starts off Soapy, Then it turn in to a wonderful rose and Soapy mixture. This is different from deep rose and the rose I think might be actually different. A great smell overall and quite unique as I haven’t smelled it on anyone yet. This however didn’t last too long on my skin so re-application can be a bad because carry that kind of bottle around is not a good idea. This is my favorite from Amouage.
Montale – Wild Pears
Longevity: 6-7 Hours
Method of application: 2-3 sprays [I really don’t think anyone needs more]
Overall Smell: 7+
Projection/Sillage: 1 M
Price: 7.5+
Value: 8
Summary: Sweet sticky ripe pears+fruits. Its quite close to the real thing. If you do not like sweet fragrances this is definitely not for you. I personally think this is a love or hate scent. Note: This is one of the scents I use once in awhile since it is not a common smell and it is quite interesting. But definitely not a everyday signature scent for most people.
Montale – Jasmine Full
Longevity: 6-7 Hours
Method of application: 3-4 sprays
Overall Smell: 9 ish
Projection/Sillage: 1 M
Price: 8.8
Value: 9
Summary: Nice fresh pure Jasmine smell. It is a little bit more feminine and a slightly sharp smell when first applied. If your worried about massive sillage, you can spray your upper chest and let the smell slowly emanate. A nice fragrance that I would occasionally would use.
Review and update coming soon!
Review for individual fragrances will be reviewed... I occasionally will give my nose a break... I think I posted in the right section
...I will do my best to review the samples one by one ^_^I do prefer floral/Sweet/smooth Scents. This is just a personal review that I hope people will find useful in the future.
My Current Collection as of 5.7.2011
Store ParfumsRaffy
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1 being lowest 10 being highest
Service: 10
Even though missing gold from Amouage set. They shipped the missing sample to me without extra cost. Service is quick when I wanted to add another sample. Very pleasant.
Shipment: 10
1 week.... very fast UPS
Email: 9.5
Fast response, however, not all the time but definitely above average. Response is usually less then a day. I could be picky and don't like to wait
Packaging: 8-9?
Shipping samples. protection is sufficient with some peanuts in there. Samples made and packed by Raffy are in a nicely sealed bottle and wrapped in bubble wrap. There are no damage to products. The samples are in a black bag in the box. I have not shipped bottles yet... So i decided to leave a range on it
Price: 9
Coupon code and nice amount of juice. And I personally think some of the best prices on the net. I am always in for cheaper prices.
ORDER DETAILS UNIT PRICE TOTAL
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PRODUCT Amouage Sample Set - Men (6 samples)
PRICE $48.00 $48.00
Ciel
Longevity: 7 Hours
Method of application: 4 Sprays, neck
Overall Smell: 8.9
Projection/Sillage: 3 meters, very strong
Price: sample
Value: 8.6
Summary: Strong soapy, different from the soapy Himalaya. I think 2-3 sprays is enough. Very Concentrated... maybe a smell you may want to try on other parts of the body.
Lyric
Longevity: 7 Hours
Method of application: 3 Sprays on neck, 1 on wrist
Overall Smell: 9.2
Projection/Sillage: 2-3M
Price: sample
Value: 8.8
Summary: Soapy opening, however, not like Himalaya or Silver Mountain Water(SMW) strength is very good at 2 meters at least. I like it! As it dries down I start to notice a bit of rose. It is a very nice sophisticated scent. It is a bit feminine but I think this scent can be pulled off easier then the deep roses from Montale for a man because of the soapiness. I would say this scent is around 70-80% soapy/20% roses on opening and 60+% rose 40% soapy on me after 2-3 hours. This is a recommended scent for people that like soapy scents and roses.
Jubilation XXV
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 3 Sprays
Overall Smell: 5-6
Projection/Sillage: 1.5-2 Meters
Price: sample
Value: 6
Summary: My least favorite of the Amouage Line. It sort of smells old with a bit of fruit and roses in it. There is quite a bit of incense in there too and I’m picking up a bit of berries. This is a nicely made fragrance and definitely natural smelling but not something I would absolutely love and wear all the time. It could be body chemistry. [This is 2 hours in the fragrance] I may update this if this scent changes. I would prefer this without the old and incense smell.
Update: 5.9.2011 worn 2nd time – Definitely will not wear, overwhelming incense due to body chemistry?
Reflection
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 3-4 Sprays – It smells better on the wrist.
Overall Smell: 6.5 – 7.0
Projection/Sillage: 1.5-2 Meters
Price: sample
Value: 8
Summary: This does smell a bit like Vicks vapor rub 50% at opening mixed with some other floral aspects. This one didn’t really appeal to me much.
Update:
Sorry for the short review on this one. This one didn’t impress me. I adjusted the score from 7.5 to 6.5/7.0. I really wanted to like this one. It doesn’t smell great on me.
Memoir
Longevity: 7ish Hours
Method of application: 3-4 Sprays, lower neck
Overall Smell: 6-
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter or less
Price: sample
Value: 6
Summary: Opens up with a bit of pine, very green fresh smelling. This scent, however, did not last long and turned into a fragrance that had an overwhelming amount of incense. This scent may be better on another person with a different skin type. Otherwise the smell is very high quality like the rest of their line.
PRODUCT Amouage Library Collection samples - Opus I, Opus II, Opus III
PRICE $15.00 $15.00
Opus III
Longevity: 7 Hours
Method of application: 3-4 Sprays
Overall Smell: 8.5
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter
Price: sample
Value: 8
Summary: Start off like a extremely good version of Givenchy Pi. I smells a sweet natural powdery Vanilla that dominant. I think I will need to wear this again to try to pick up other notes.
Dia For Men
Longevity: 7 Hours
Method of application: 4 Sprays, neck
Overall Smell: 8.9 (5.0 or less for sample 5 being tolerable)
Projection/Sillage: 3 meters, very strong
Price: sample
Value: 8.6
Summary: Opens up a bit soapy/ Within 2 hours you start noticing a bit of florals. In about 6 hours it Is soapy again but seemingly sweeter and a bit powdery. (When I say soap something in the fragrance that makes it smell like that. Probably the upper bit of citrus) There have been a few comments on makeup Alley for Dia for women saying it is a bit soapy.
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=109310/Amouage_Dia_for_women/0/Fragrances
Sample(From Luckyscent) 2nd try: Application on arm. Sweet incense, with blossoms and bit a touch of citrus. This is a mature sweet fragrance suitable for guys.
Comparison: (1 scent on each arm) Sample set from Amouage smells much better. The difference is very clear. The one from Lucky scent has a lot in incense. Unless Lucky labeled the decant wrong and put in something else from Amouage. I would need someone to give me some input on this.
Update: Sample from Lucky may have been named improperly because it smells like Jubilation XXV.
PRODUCT Montale Aoud Blossom Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 3-4 Sprays
Overall Smell: 8.5 to 6 so much Aoud
Projection/Sillage: 1.5-2 Meters
Price: sample
Value: 6
Summary: Opening is soapy, smells like blossoms, very nice.. and feminine. If I were to scale this from 1 being feminine and 10 being only recommended for men this would be a 2-3. Very nice offering from Montale until….. Blossoms get taken over by Aoud. I don’t think I am an Aoud person =(
Sorry, I do not like Aoud [Update: 12.17.2011]
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PRODUCT Montale Aoud Damascus Perfume Sample for Women
PRODUCT Montale Aoud Red Flowers Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRODUCT Montale Aoud Sliver Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRODUCT Montale Black Aoud Perfume Sample for Men
PRODUCT Montale Blue Amber Perfume Sample for Men and Women
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PRODUCT Montale Chypre Vanille Perfume Sample for Men and Women
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 3-4 Sprays
Overall Smell: 8+?
Projection/Sillage: 1.5-2 Meters
Price: sample
Value: 7.9+ Seems similar to another Montale offering
Summary: Vanilla and soap after some time it turns a little powdery. A very high quality Vanilla from Montale as well.
PRODUCT Montale Boise Vanille Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $4.00 $4.00
Longevity:8+ hours
Method of application: Bottle to neck -> tip bottle, let a bit run down 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 7.5
Projection/Sillage: 3-4 Meters
Price: - Sample
Quality: 9+
Value: 7
Summary: 60-70% Cedar 40-30% Vanilla and a bit of floral in there.
I personally think there is too much Cedar… I’m not a Cedar person otherwise very well blended. The only reason I rated it low is because I didn’t like the smell of cedar in any fragrance. This is the same with Aoud personal preference thing. I can imagine people that like cedar and vanilla like this. If this had a lot less Cedar I may have liked this one because it would make it make vanilla smell a bit masculine. The quality of the fragrance is very good, natural smelling.
PRODUCT Montale Chocolate Greedy Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $4.00 $4.00
Longevity:8+ hours
Method of application: Bottle to neck -> tip bottle, let a bit run down 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 8.5
Projection/Sillage: 1-2 Meters
Price: Sample
Value: 9
Summary: Chocolate and Coco, rich chocolate… On me it never was very sweet. This fragrance is highly recommended for people that like chocolate that isn’t too sweet. I did not smell anything synthetic.
PRODUCT Montale Chypre Vanille Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $4.00 $4.00
Longevity:8+ hours
Method of application: Bottle to neck -> tip bottle, let a bit run down 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 8.8
Projection/Sillage: 3-4 Meters
Price: Sample
Value: 9
Summary: Soap 30% and 70%ish Vanilla. Like Givenchy Pi but the Vanilla is a lot more natural and off course the added soapiness. This is 3-4 times stronger then pi. This is a very nice scent and got compliments on it! Some people may pick this up as Johnson’s baby oil/powder. I personally pick up the NATURAL Vanilla and Soap, pretty different from the Johnson’s stuff. This is a scent that I would buy.
PRODUCT Montale Deep Roses Perfume Sample
PRICE $4.00 $4.00
Longevity:6-7 hours
Method of application: A couple swipes 6-7?
Overall Smell: 9
Projection/Sillage: Currently at 10 is H.M
Price: - 175$ for 100ml
Value: - 8.5
Summary: Transparent light smell of fresh roses. Very nice. Will put more details just started. Wished it lasted a little longer. This is a very natural smell roses, nothing synthetic, highly recommended for people that like the smell of roses.
After 6-7 Hours the fragrance slowly disappears.
PRODUCT Montale Red Aoud Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 7 Hours
Method of application: Bottle to neck -> tip bottle, let a bit run down 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 8.8
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter
Price: sample
Value: 8.2
Summary: 10% Vanilla 10% Chocolate, unlike Deep roses which is a fresh rose scent, this would be more like a warm rose. The only I rate this lower is because of preference compared to deep rose which is a fresh rose scent which I love.
Comment from a person at work: “smells like men aftershave 0.o” and another guy says smells like chocolate but he told me his sense of smell is fried for the day.
PRODUCT Montale Royal Aoud Perfume Sample for Men
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 5 Hours
Method of application: Bottle to neck -> tip bottle, let a bit run down 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 8.5
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter
Price: sample
Value: 8.0
Summary: Royal Rose with Aoud. I found this to have a lot less Aoud then Vanille Boise. I’d say 20-30% Oud.
This is a nice scent and makes this fragrance more masculine. This scent does have a royal smell to it. Probably because of the dominating rose and Aoud combination combined with other florals in the background.
PRODUCT Montale White Aoud Perfume Sample for Men and Women
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Xerjoff Irisss parfum sample
PRICE $9.00 $9.00
Longevity: 7-8 hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 8.6
Projection/Sillage: Medium - about a meter or so
Price: (1-10) 7
Value: (1-10) 8.2
Summary: The smell is very natural, and doesn't overwhelm you. A warm body helps it project better as compared to when I'm doing nothing. I have not tried other iris scents but this one does dry down to something "a little sweet" Its a light scent suitable for spring, summer and fall. This is my favorite Iris scent atm and I find it wearable for guys it is just a little femme.
Comparison: No comment yet...
Xerjoff Shingl sample
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 4ish hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 9+
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter or less
Price: (1-10) 7
Value: (1-10) 8.7
Summary: This one is a warm version of Royal water….and soapy. You will like this scent if you like Silver Mountain water or Royal water by Creed. Highly recommended.
Comparison: Similar to royal water
Xerjoff Dhofar sample
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 4ish hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 9+
Projection/Sillage: 1 Meter or less
Price: (1-10) 7
Value: (1-10) 8.7
Summary: This one is a warm version of Royal water….and soapy. You will like this scent if you like Silver Mountain water or Royal water by Creed. Highly recommended.
Comparison: Similar to royal water although not the same
Xerjoff Oesel sample
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 6ish hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 9+
Projection/Sillage: 1 M
Price: (1-10) Sample
Value: (1-10) 9+
Summary: Starts off with strong florals, dries down a rich high quality creamy vanilla and orange blossom scent, however, this doesn’t stay too long. In about 2 hours it dries down to a sweet vanilla much less noticeable. This scent works well with high body heat. One of my favorites!
PRODUCT Xerjoff XXY sample
PRICE $5.00 $5.00
Longevity: 8+ hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 8.2ish
Projection/Sillage: 1 M
Price: (1-10) Sample
Value: (1-10) 8.2
Summary: Starts of bright with Fruit & florals, nice! Dries down to something powdery. This is a unisex smell but leaning more towards masculine. I get more pepper and woods in the middle before complete drydown. This scent is hard to describe >.<. I shall re-wear this one again and see If I pick something more out of it.
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The Perfumed Court
1 being lowest 10 being highest
Shipment: 6=?
Slow 2-3 weeks compared to raffy at 1 week or less
Packaging: 8.5+
Samples are in a padded envelope and wrapped against with bubble wrap or foam. Several packaged arrived. Sufficient to be protected adequately.
Price: 6
High compared to lucky or raffy for decants. There are samples on this site that are not available everywhere else that may make this site more appealing if you are looking for odd high-end stuff.
Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille
Longevity: 5-6 hours
Method of application: Swiped wand around the neck a lot 7-8 times?
Overall Smell: 8.6 ish
Projection/Sillage: 1 M
Price: (1-10) Sample
Value: (1-10) 8.2
Summary: Sort of bit bozy rich Vanilla. I has a tiny amount of similarities to Vanilla extract. This IS a nice Vanilla but not absolutely great like those combined with another notes.
Creed – Sublime Vanille
Longevity: 6-7 Hours
Method of application: Applied upper chest neck/wrist
Overall Smell: 8.1ish
Projection/Sillage: Upon appication 1.5 M or so
Price: 7-8
Summary: Plain warm pure vanilla… Its not to sweet and just a little rich. The quality is the same level as SDV. It’s a nice vanilla to start on.
LuckyScent
1 being lowest 10 being highest
Shipment: 6=?
Same as The perfumed Court It did take some time.
Packaging: 8.5+
Samples are in a padded envelope and wrapped against with bubble wrap or foam. Several packaged arrived. Sufficient to be protected adequately. (Pasted from Perfume Court packaging is similar)
Price: 8.8+
Prices cheaper than “The perfumed Court” Samples but not the cheapest. Their wide selection of fragrances and organization of products make their site the best. Along with fragrance bar showing if a fragrance lean more towards one sex or another. Also notes are listed with a short description of the scent. I still do not recommend buying because of the description. But I did pick up a few decants because of it.
Frapin 1270
Longevity: 30 minutes completely dried down 2 hours max very hard to notice
Method of application: Applied half the sample in 1 go… neck/wrist/Upper chest
Overall Smell: 8.5+
Projection/Sillage: Just noticeable,
Price: 9+
Value: 9+
Summary: Need to apply a lot before I can even smell it, even then its not very noticeable. This is a fruity scent. I do not know if I got a bad decant. But it could be my skin that ate it the moment I put it on. I personally like it a lot. But I need a reapplication from something that isn’t decanted or something that is maybe newer. Dries down to something butter rum rich.. I also got a tiny bit of spice. I will Review this again if I can find someone with a bottle.
L'Artisan Parfumeur - Voleur de Roses
Longevity: 6-7 Hours
Method of application: Lower neck, wrist, neck side right below ear
Overall Smell: 8.3+
Projection/Sillage: .5 M just noticeable
Price: 8?
Summary: Like deep rose but a little more sweet. Maybe a different kind of rose and a bit of citrus. I like deep rose more.
CreedBoutique
Will add photos when friend returns approx 800$ worth of Creed...
Service: 8
Never got the sample I wanted and response is slow (2-3 days)
Shipment: 7.5
Not super fast, average
Email: 8
2-3 Days
Packaging: 8
Creed bottle leaked 10-20% Packed with paper and a bit of bubble wrap. No damage
Price: 6
Tax and price is high and cannot discount. You cannot buy samples (I'm in Canada) Sort of expected for directly buying from Creed
I bought a little earlier before finding other stores. First blind buy lots of $$
Creed:
Milleseme Imperial - Bottle
Longevity: 6-7 hours
Method of application: dab neck and wrists (I got no atomizer for this one)
Overall Smell: 7
Projection/Sillage: 2 meter - can leave a bit of a trail
Price: 7
Value: 6
Summary: This is like a fruity fragrance for a mature guy. I doesn't smell great on me, however, smells great on my friend. Some people say its a bit like old fruit... I can't really agree it just seems different. Its a scent that I would give it a neutral rating.
Himalaya - 120 ml
Longevity: 6-7Hr 5 on Shirt
Method of application: 3-4 sprays
Overall Smell: 6-8
Projection/Sillage: 1 meter
Price: 7
Value: 7
Summary: It smells better on my shirt, since it's not on the skin it doesn't last very long. Its very musky after drydown on my skin. I personally don't like it that way... I like the soapiness, On the shirt, It stays soapy and just a bit musky. Nice fresh scent for most ages accept for old men. I like using this after the shower
Positive ratingRoyal Scottish Lavender - 75ml
Longevity: 6-7 hours
Method of application: 3 sprays chest
Overall Smell: 6.7
Projection/Sillage: .5 meter to a meter
Price: 7
Value: 6
Summary: I found this smell to be better further away from you otherwise I pick up something else and seems dry. This is a gentlemen's lavender for sure, very mature. Its a polite fragrance that most people will like. This is however not a fragrance that's suitable for me or smells best on me. It smells however wonderful on my friend. Initial spray before dry down is a scent that is okay... it doesn't bug me... but not something I want to keep on. This is a scent I use occasionally.
If Creed made this more creamy lavender and a little bit more sweet I would rate this much higher. This stuff and Himalaya smells awesome when I wash it off.
Virgin Island Water - Bottle
Longevity: 4-5hours MAX Summer 22-28C
Method of application: 5 Sprays (3 neck 2 wrist)
Overall Smell: 8.6
Projection/Sillage: 7.8 (2-3 meters)
Price: 7
Value: 8
Summary: While ridding the skytrain, people are like "What’s that coconut smell?" I didn't say anything. It’s a nice scent. It changes from something like citrus to lots of coconut within 30 minutes. People seem to enjoy being around me. It does not annoy me but you can over apply if it’s a very warm day. It doesn't last too long which is why I bought a bottle. I rated Value higher because it is a scent well-liked by most people. This scent is suitable for guys under 35 I guess
Original Santal - Sample
Longevity: 10+ Hours
Method of application: Neck, 5-7 swipes worn 5-6 times
Overall Smell: 9.2
Projection/Sillage: 2 meters
Price: 8.3
Value: 9
Summary: One of my top 3 creeds, Lasts very long. This does not smell anywhere like Joop. This is way more sophisticated scent on me. Now I’m not a creed fan and I can definitely tell when a scent is different. This is a very nice sweetish sandal wood. This is a unisex fragrance leaning more toward guys. I think you can wear this as an everyday scent. This is a nice Creed to start out with.
Silver Mountain Water - Sample
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 7 swipes worn 3-4 times
Overall Smell: 9.2
Projection/Sillage: 1 meter
Price: 8.3
Value: 9
Summary: This is a “mountain citrus” fresh scent. I did not pick up the inky note. There is a bit of florals and is quite unisex. I noticed a review saying it smells like gasoline…. I personally got to say it smells far from it. Nice scent for a person exploring the Creed line.
Royal Water - Sample
Longevity: 7-8 Hours
Method of application: 7 swipes worn 2 Times
Overall Smell: 9.2
Projection/Sillage: 1 meter
Price: 8.3
Value: 9
Summary: Yes I know I rated the last 3 the same, but that’s because I like all 3 equally. This is citrusy smell and it definitely smells “royal”. This is a unisex smell leaning more toward the feminine side although not excessively, Very good high-end smell wearable by a gentleman.
Store: The Perfume Shoppe
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http://www.theperfumeshoppe.com/
Contacts:
http://www.theperfumeshoppe.com/Articles.asp?ID=143
1 being lowest 10 being highest
Service: 10
1. Polite and very helpful
2. Knowledgeable on skin types and perfumes
3. Passionate about fragrances
Customer Service IS top notch. Naz has an amazing amount of knowledge in the line of fragrances that she carries and is able to introduce you to a new fragrance that you very much will like. Her depth of knowledge surpasses mine for sure. I am confident if you are looking for an alternative to a scent or is looking for something to your preference you will find it. She is willing to spend a lot of time with you if you need it to look for the right one for you. A few times walking in to the store, I have seen very happy customers a few times many which has bought items. I personally bought my Amouage Homage Attar and got a free sampling even! With that also purchased very nice fragrances from Serge Lutens and Montale. I also received many Samples and free decants.
As far as I know the service is 2nd to none in terms of person to person service. This is customer service at its best and is definitely reference and what every shop should strive for.
I’m a very happy customer ^_^
Price: 9.5
Compared to local prices: 10
As listed on site. Prices are slightly lower then that of ParfumsRaffy. Without shipping and extra fees it make it much cheaper for a local buyer, a highly recommended store.
Online: 9.0 Now I have not bought anything online since it is close. But you can expect lower than average price before discounts. You may also be able to order something that may not be listed. Obviously 10% discounts with parfumsraffy is very nice indeed especially with higher-end products, but they also have 20% together on special sales.
I would give a full 10 if this store has both as an option.
Serge Lutens – Bois de Violette
Longevity: 12+ Hours
Method of application: 4 Sprays(neck, lower neck left to right ) 1 on ea wrist
Overall Smell: 9+
Projection/Sillage: 1 meter
Price: 9+
Value: 9+
Summary: Very natural pure violet, the smell would slightly varies depending on temperature. The violets smell slightly “fresher” upon first spray. This is a very nice beautiful scent. I can wear this all the time, I personally think it’s quite unisex for a pure floral. The lasting power on this is phenomenal.
Amouage: Homage Attar
Longevity: 6-7 Hours
Method of application: 4 Dips of wand for oil, applied to lower neck and below the ears on the side of the neck, and wrist
Overall Smell: 9+
Projection/Sillage: Upon appication 1.5-2M – 1M
Price: 9+
Value: 9+
Summary: Starts off Soapy, Then it turn in to a wonderful rose and Soapy mixture. This is different from deep rose and the rose I think might be actually different. A great smell overall and quite unique as I haven’t smelled it on anyone yet. This however didn’t last too long on my skin so re-application can be a bad because carry that kind of bottle around is not a good idea. This is my favorite from Amouage.
Montale – Wild Pears
Longevity: 6-7 Hours
Method of application: 2-3 sprays [I really don’t think anyone needs more]
Overall Smell: 7+
Projection/Sillage: 1 M
Price: 7.5+
Value: 8
Summary: Sweet sticky ripe pears+fruits. Its quite close to the real thing. If you do not like sweet fragrances this is definitely not for you. I personally think this is a love or hate scent. Note: This is one of the scents I use once in awhile since it is not a common smell and it is quite interesting. But definitely not a everyday signature scent for most people.
Montale – Jasmine Full
Longevity: 6-7 Hours
Method of application: 3-4 sprays
Overall Smell: 9 ish
Projection/Sillage: 1 M
Price: 8.8
Value: 9
Summary: Nice fresh pure Jasmine smell. It is a little bit more feminine and a slightly sharp smell when first applied. If your worried about massive sillage, you can spray your upper chest and let the smell slowly emanate. A nice fragrance that I would occasionally would use.
Review and update coming soon!
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