Reviews by onaluna
Roses et Reines / Rose des 4 Reines by L'Occitane
Screechy. Synthetic and sneeze-inducing. Not at all like the old L'Occitane rose fragrance, which was a velvety, realistic rose.
Terre d'Hermès by Hermès
Citrus, pepper, salt, rocks drying in the sun, dry wood and warm skin. In that order. An enduring favorite.
Do we need another view of TDH? Probably not, but I will say, as a woman, that every time I wear this in public, I get compliments – from women. One neighbor fell so hard for it, that I gave her a mini and a decant. So sexy, cheerful, uplifting, and IMO, genderless. (In fact, I was surprised/disappointed that it's marketed as a men's fragrance.)
Do we need another view of TDH? Probably not, but I will say, as a woman, that every time I wear this in public, I get compliments – from women. One neighbor fell so hard for it, that I gave her a mini and a decant. So sexy, cheerful, uplifting, and IMO, genderless. (In fact, I was surprised/disappointed that it's marketed as a men's fragrance.)
L'Emblem Rouge by En Voyage Perfumes
I won a small vial of this (plus a small "l'Eau de Emblem Rouge ") in a draw, and it was divine – complex and gorgeous, with an incredible, true rose heart.
Juniper Gin by Love&Toast
Fresh, light and dry. Cristalline citrus, light woods and pure, naturalistic juniper berry.
A delight to wear when you don't want to announce your perfume – definitely for personal enjoyment. It's as refreshing as drinking an ice-cold gin and tonic on a muggy day.
A delight to wear when you don't want to announce your perfume – definitely for personal enjoyment. It's as refreshing as drinking an ice-cold gin and tonic on a muggy day.
Mandarin Tea by Love&Toast
No tea (camellia) notes, can't detect the rooibos. A light orange blossom with a whisper of fruit. Very, very light, but fun to wear, and you can't beat the price. Great for a person who doesn't want to smell "perfumey."
Violin in the Attic by For Strange Women
Glad "For Strange Women" is getting some play here at base notes, thanks to Ody.
Violin in The Attic: I love this fragrance!
This does evoke the dry, smoky quality of old, heat baked wood. Frankincense suggests a crackled oil varnish and the light terpenes of dried, curling rosin. These arid notes are complemented by a rich, full, mix of balsam, amber, and cocoa. The wood oils are a gorgeous mix.
And Ody – über masculine? Mais non! Über cool! ;)
Violin in The Attic: I love this fragrance!
This does evoke the dry, smoky quality of old, heat baked wood. Frankincense suggests a crackled oil varnish and the light terpenes of dried, curling rosin. These arid notes are complemented by a rich, full, mix of balsam, amber, and cocoa. The wood oils are a gorgeous mix.
And Ody – über masculine? Mais non! Über cool! ;)
Moss & Ivy by For Strange Women
Moss and a very special, bright variety of sweet basil give this a lush, green smell, sans any dry or weedy sharpness. Ody's review is accurate, IMHO.
Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford
Smoky, salty, herbaceous, green, grassy, lemony, dry but alive Smoky, salty, herbaceous, green, grassy, lemony, dry but alive.
Tamboti Wood by Susanne Lang
Great blend of dry and warm, cozy woods Airy cedar and the smell of a sandalwood trinket over a warm, mellow wood base. Cozy. Gets very light a couple of hours in. Blends beautifully with my Aveda Australian Sandalwood.Pros: Good for layering, smells natural yet smoothCons: Doesn't last long, might be too linear for some
Sandflowers by Montale
An ethereal sketch of sand, sun, and air Out of the bottle, it's airy, warm sand smell is lovely. But hitting my skin, it goes floral-sweet. That note seems out of place. It's really a sketch fragrance, and a rapidly dissolving one at that. That can have an appeal, for fans of light perfumes. I wish it were dryer. I bolstered it with Frankincense rivae EO on one arm and Aveda Australian Sandalwood on the other. The sandalwood oil completely blanketed the scent of Sandflowers, but the latter boosted the strength and longevity of the former. The frankincense aired it out, and gave it a hot, resinous top note. Like resin in the sun. Might make a great layering scent, but still not fond of the clunker of a flower note.Pros: Pleasant, non-intrusiveCons: Fleeting, sweet flower note unwelcome
Eau d'Italie by Eau d'Italie
Alive and green
When I first smelled this, the weather was cold and the vial smelled of a crisp, starched shirt. I put it aside. Now that it's hot and humid, it feels perfect – complete, but not dense. Alluring, but fresh. How Duchaufour combined clay and fresh air is beyond me.
There's zesty green, dry bergamot, sunned tiles, and something akin to clover stems. Perfect – green and sprightly throughout.
When I first smelled this, the weather was cold and the vial smelled of a crisp, starched shirt. I put it aside. Now that it's hot and humid, it feels perfect – complete, but not dense. Alluring, but fresh. How Duchaufour combined clay and fresh air is beyond me.
There's zesty green, dry bergamot, sunned tiles, and something akin to clover stems. Perfect – green and sprightly throughout.
Tirrenico by Profumi del Forte
Ouzo on a rock, by the sea Cool, but sunny Tirrenco opens up with dry, bitter orange peel and a very stark ouzo (or, if you prefer, vodka infused with fennel bulb). There's an undercurrent of salty detritus, washed up on a rock, dried by the cool sea air. It's a cleaner marine smell than the "decaying matter" of Sel Marin. This also has light, chalky notes that bring to mind smooth sea pebbles. Remarkable! On some days, this mineral note appears more as plasticine modeling clay or tile grout, but still blends well with the natural seashore notes. Something about this takes me back to the beaches of Barcelona, when the city was preparing for the '92 Olympics, and smoothed bits of demolished buildings (tile and concrete) would wash up on the shore. The fennel is moderate, but present throughout all but the very last stages. The sea note rides through the whole progression. After hours, I'm left with a mild, salty skin scent. The only thing I don't like is when the jasmine peeks through. I'd like it to be dryer and starker, because the mineral notes are fascinating.Pros: Paints a place picture, light and inoffensive.Cons: Sweet floral peeking through seems out of place.
Arso by Profumum
Burnt sugar+conifer+incense.
Smoky leaves (sometimes, it makes my eyes water!), burnt sugar crystals, smoldering frankincense and some scrub pine branches thrown on top. A touch of toasted cedar. Could be a sacred scent for a pagan or a forest dwelling mystic. Enchanting.
Smoky leaves (sometimes, it makes my eyes water!), burnt sugar crystals, smoldering frankincense and some scrub pine branches thrown on top. A touch of toasted cedar. Could be a sacred scent for a pagan or a forest dwelling mystic. Enchanting.
Ambre Vie by House of Matriarch
I can't begin to decipher what makes this amber so good, but it positively dances.
Nothing sticky, treacly or headshoppy about it. It has a light breath of honey, like the most delicate honeycomb, and smooth, natural elements.
The Matriarch site says: "Liquid gold; intense, yet subtle. Vintage broom sweetens the blend to just-shy of gourmand, yet it's not overtly powdery like synthetic ambers."
That's spot on. It has depth and complexity, but everything is married well, and it all smells very luxe.
Nothing sticky, treacly or headshoppy about it. It has a light breath of honey, like the most delicate honeycomb, and smooth, natural elements.
The Matriarch site says: "Liquid gold; intense, yet subtle. Vintage broom sweetens the blend to just-shy of gourmand, yet it's not overtly powdery like synthetic ambers."
That's spot on. It has depth and complexity, but everything is married well, and it all smells very luxe.
Cristalle Eau de Toilette by Chanel
The classic, amber EDT is gorgeous.
It does have very tea-like elements, but it doesn't resemble so-called tea fragrances of today. Agreed that the bergamot is much like a good Earl Grey, but with less pucker.
The overall fragrance is light, but not without complexity. The dry citrus notes smooth out to lightly sweet hyacinth, with an underlying hint of tannins. That the part that's very much like fine tea – a floral cloud, covering a bitter, mildly astringent edge.
It was new and sparkling in the seventies, and it stands out for its depth and sophistication now.
It does have very tea-like elements, but it doesn't resemble so-called tea fragrances of today. Agreed that the bergamot is much like a good Earl Grey, but with less pucker.
The overall fragrance is light, but not without complexity. The dry citrus notes smooth out to lightly sweet hyacinth, with an underlying hint of tannins. That the part that's very much like fine tea – a floral cloud, covering a bitter, mildly astringent edge.
It was new and sparkling in the seventies, and it stands out for its depth and sophistication now.
Black by Bulgari
This has one of the coolest bottles ever. And a great name. I expected so much.
The rubber note is tame and short-lived, and then it mellows out to a bland. musky vanilla.
The rubber note is tame and short-lived, and then it mellows out to a bland. musky vanilla.
Osmanthus Oolong by Providence Perfume Co.
What is going on here? Something in these top notes distinctly resembles a smell I get when I enter my neighborhood Chinese grocery store. It's somewhere in the middle of tangy fruit, flower and spice. It was bursting and unexpected.
What followed was ... champaca? It smells that way, and it brings to mind complex and heavily flowered East Indian perfume oils.
And then: a full, gorgeous blooming of osmanthus, with it's own interplay of fruit and light blossom notes. There's tart, slightly metallic apricot here, as well.
I don't catch much of the tannins nor the smoke that others mention, but it's not an overly sweet mix, which is good. The dry down is satisfying and comforting, with lightly honeyed beeswax that goes straight my heart.
Also, for me it doesn't translate to osmanthus tea (dried osmanthus to my nose smells like sueded peach, round and soft with lactones). Still, it's a gem.
What followed was ... champaca? It smells that way, and it brings to mind complex and heavily flowered East Indian perfume oils.
And then: a full, gorgeous blooming of osmanthus, with it's own interplay of fruit and light blossom notes. There's tart, slightly metallic apricot here, as well.
I don't catch much of the tannins nor the smoke that others mention, but it's not an overly sweet mix, which is good. The dry down is satisfying and comforting, with lightly honeyed beeswax that goes straight my heart.
Also, for me it doesn't translate to osmanthus tea (dried osmanthus to my nose smells like sueded peach, round and soft with lactones). Still, it's a gem.
FlowerbyKenzo by Kenzo
Cloying, sweet, nondescript powder. The smell is the polar opposite of the elegant, spare packaging. And red? Red isn't the color I think of for this. There's no passion or brightness in this mix. It's more like melted, rainbow colored sherbet mixing with leftover sheet cake.
Siam Proun by Olympic Orchids
There's nothing raw about this fragrance. It's all caramelized with honeyed edges.
And it's mostly amber. An amber which goes a bit treacly on me. My personal preference would call for more thyme, more lavender, and more orange. But these all stay at a tame level – and well blended into the mix.
The opening is smooth and very distinctive – a rich, unusual liquor. There are no mass market perfume smells here; neither the signature incense of head shop amber. Its singular and fascinating.
I could develop a craving for this masterful rich blend, were it not for the predominance of the amber. I'm just not sure how to feel about it: the amber is syrupy and omnipresent for a few hours, then it softens to a pleasantly sweet skin scent, with touches of herbs. More hours in, and it mellows to something sublime.
The cough drop comparison is interesting, but I'd argue that it's closer to Ricola mixed with Smith Brothers Honey. Thyme and syrup, with vanillic overtones.
And it's mostly amber. An amber which goes a bit treacly on me. My personal preference would call for more thyme, more lavender, and more orange. But these all stay at a tame level – and well blended into the mix.
The opening is smooth and very distinctive – a rich, unusual liquor. There are no mass market perfume smells here; neither the signature incense of head shop amber. Its singular and fascinating.
I could develop a craving for this masterful rich blend, were it not for the predominance of the amber. I'm just not sure how to feel about it: the amber is syrupy and omnipresent for a few hours, then it softens to a pleasantly sweet skin scent, with touches of herbs. More hours in, and it mellows to something sublime.
The cough drop comparison is interesting, but I'd argue that it's closer to Ricola mixed with Smith Brothers Honey. Thyme and syrup, with vanillic overtones.
Jack Black Signature Black Mark by Jack Black
Fresh and prominent woods (outdoorsy cedar, not hamster chips).
Sexy and natural.
Sexy and natural.
Kingston Ferry by Olympic Orchids
Opens with an anbesol/motor oil mix, then becomes a saltwater aquatic that takes a while to shake the ointment smell. And oddly, it does make me think of boats docked at the harbor, with the smell of gasoline, engines and seawater (minus the rank fish smell; a fresh, clear seawater, if you will). A bit of nice pine comes through.
Not wearable for me, but it was fun to sample!
Not wearable for me, but it was fun to sample!
Violettes de Toulouse by Berdoues
My sister bought this for me in the late 1980's, after a trip to London. It was inexpensive back then – maybe $10-15.
I was charmed by the "hatbox" package, with the verse in the Langue d'oc dialect. And the scent was natural smelling, like actual candied violets.
It's still charming. Light and ephemeral, it captures the smell of Parma Violets.
Agreed with 30 Roses, that it's not powdery, nor is it earthy like iris root can be. Think of how violet candy smells, and this is it.
I was charmed by the "hatbox" package, with the verse in the Langue d'oc dialect. And the scent was natural smelling, like actual candied violets.
It's still charming. Light and ephemeral, it captures the smell of Parma Violets.
Agreed with 30 Roses, that it's not powdery, nor is it earthy like iris root can be. Think of how violet candy smells, and this is it.
Tucson / Arizona by Olympic Orchids
I was going to give this a neutral rating, because the opening struck a wrong chord with me. Something resinous and balsamic was anesthetizing the lively evergreen note. Reading what the earlier review by rogalal, I'd be inclined to imagine it was the unfocused quality of some naturals.
Anyway, about an hour into wearing this, an intriguing perfume appeared. There was that jammy conifer, along with dry and freshly cut wood, and a hint of smoke.
The dry down artfully evokes a nature walk, and I like that.
Anyway, about an hour into wearing this, an intriguing perfume appeared. There was that jammy conifer, along with dry and freshly cut wood, and a hint of smoke.
The dry down artfully evokes a nature walk, and I like that.
Latest Threads
-
-
[Men's] SOTD Saturday 21st of May 2022- Started by Basenotes Robot
- Replies: 3
-
[Women's] SOTD Saturday 21st of May 2022
- Started by Basenotes Robot
- Replies: 1
-
-
What Rose are You Wearing This Spring?
- Started by cheapimitation
- Replies: 7
-
-
-
Amouage’s Library Collection (Reshaped)
- Started by heavy black heart
- Replies: 2
-
Up to 25% Off Friends And Family Sale At FOREVERLUX.com!- Started by hednic
- Replies: 0
-
The sketch Bumblebee coctail - orange, coffee, grenadine- Started by Agonhoun
- Replies: 2
