Reviews by RCavs
Maserati Shamal by Italart
Great forgotten fragrance! An aromatic Fougére mixing green minty notes with a rich creamy and slightly sweet accord. Acqua di Parma Colonia club followed the same road 20 years later, but Shamal is more distinct.
L'Altro by Borsalino
It's no surprise that L'altro didn't sell. It's not your usual '90s aquatic nor is it pungent '80s stuff. Instead, It's a cold herbal green cinnamon fragrance: Coriander + light green notes + cinnamon (used here in a very restrained way).
Overall it's a pleasant fragrance, but somehow it's somewhere between a casual and a formal fragrance what may have confused consumers.
Overall it's a pleasant fragrance, but somehow it's somewhere between a casual and a formal fragrance what may have confused consumers.
Balestra pour Homme (1979 version) by Renato Balestra
Wow! A hidden gem for those who like fragrances as Fabergè Cellini pour homme and even Tuscany per uomo.
Slightly peppery-spicy, slightly sweet, slightly woody. Everything in its right place.
It's an 'another era' easy going fragrance, although I can also see a vague resemblance with much more austere classics as Moschino pour homme and Biagiotti Uomo, but definitely complicated to be understood by millenials.
Slightly peppery-spicy, slightly sweet, slightly woody. Everything in its right place.
It's an 'another era' easy going fragrance, although I can also see a vague resemblance with much more austere classics as Moschino pour homme and Biagiotti Uomo, but definitely complicated to be understood by millenials.
Green Generation Him by Silvestre
Although It was made in late 90's, It's undoubtedly an 80's green fougére in the same vein of Drakkar Noir. Dihidromircenol really noticeable, combined with green herbs, some woods and the good ol' oakmoss to give it some weight to the composition. Recommended only for the fans of this genre.
Jaguar Special Edition by Jaguar
I finally tried this not well known Jaguar's fragrance and although I had low expectations about it, It surprised positively. It's nothing to write home about, and I can't help thinking of it as a clear example of industry trying to modernize an 80's green soapy fougere to the new tastes of mid 90s.
It is important to note that together with the explosion of aquatics, many sweet fragrances appeared. Some were bombastic as A*men, and some were transition lightly sweetened fragrances with reminiscense of 80s scents. This was the case of Jaguar Special Reserve.
JSR is a combination of a minty green smell with a creamy/soft/cozy accord of 80's sweet spices. Everything perfectly mixed not to ofend the aquatics's fans although mantaining some resemblance with the original Jaguar. As the fragrance dries down It becomes even more clear: It's easy to notice the standard woody-oakmossy 80s base supporting the sweet and gentle mid notes.
I had already tried a lot of transition '80s to 90s' fragrances and some of them were a complete mess while another bunch of them were too bland. Miraculously, I think JSR is right in between.
It is important to note that together with the explosion of aquatics, many sweet fragrances appeared. Some were bombastic as A*men, and some were transition lightly sweetened fragrances with reminiscense of 80s scents. This was the case of Jaguar Special Reserve.
JSR is a combination of a minty green smell with a creamy/soft/cozy accord of 80's sweet spices. Everything perfectly mixed not to ofend the aquatics's fans although mantaining some resemblance with the original Jaguar. As the fragrance dries down It becomes even more clear: It's easy to notice the standard woody-oakmossy 80s base supporting the sweet and gentle mid notes.
I had already tried a lot of transition '80s to 90s' fragrances and some of them were a complete mess while another bunch of them were too bland. Miraculously, I think JSR is right in between.
Ultraviolet for Him / Ultraviolet Man by Paco Rabanne
A very confortable mix of a clean powdery-sugary-sweet accord and some green refreshing notes. It's not offensive nor bland. Maybe It's too sweet for aromatic fougères lovers but its sweetness isn't heavy, too spicy or modern gourmand, what is a bonus.
Aramis Life My Summer by Aramis
Very Lemony, icy and minty. It could have been just another run of the mill fresh fragrance, but It's different, I dare say if It had carried a Niche brand label It could have reached better luck with sales. It's certainly a fresh "acquired taste" fragrance. No calone, no melony-watery smell. At the same time the harsh initial smell can repel people, after some minutes some folks can be hooked by a nice drydown.
However, as a big fan of the original, I must admit "My Summer" isn't the "summer flanker" I expected when I bought it. Instead of being a more citrusy/sparkling version, It reminds me of Unilever kitchen-cleaning Cif cream... If you like that kind of "clean artificial" smell, go for it. It has nothing to do with its predecessor. It's what happens when industry push all the boundaries while testing "clean smelling" aromachemicals in a fragrance. Is it bad? No, but I do like Cif cream smell!
Camera for Men by Max Deville
To sum it up, It's a nice linear floriental fragrance, with a pleasant and somewhat syrupy vanilla note. Although people link it to Lagerfeld Photo, I think It's more connected with later 90s night-club fragrances as JPG Le male. Although loud, I could use it all day long, depending on the number of sprays. Nowadays, mainly due to the poor reformulation, I'd rather choose Camera than Le Male.
It could also be a nice surprise for Armani Code and Eau de Nuit fans.
It could also be a nice surprise for Armani Code and Eau de Nuit fans.
Sun Men by Jil Sander
As Zgb previously summed up, It's a fresh yet warm and somehow balsamic fragrance, just like sun tan lotions.
I live in the tropics, It's always hot and very hot here and I can easily wear it without suffocating. It's a mix of a "fresh spicy" scent and a warm oriental, that works.
Consequently, It's versatile and easy going. People usually like it, won't offend anyone.
I live in the tropics, It's always hot and very hot here and I can easily wear it without suffocating. It's a mix of a "fresh spicy" scent and a warm oriental, that works.
Consequently, It's versatile and easy going. People usually like it, won't offend anyone.
Donald Trump The Fragrance by Donald Trump
To make a long story short: It's a nice aquatic/fresh scent, based on Cumcumber note, for those who like RL Polo Blue.
It hurts, but It's a good and cheaper alternative to Polo blue. It's even fresher and seems less synthetic and less 'calone(y)'. If you want a complement to 'Dove Men care deodorant Go fresh (cucumber)', this is your fragrance. Great and easy like sunday morning.
It hurts, but It's a good and cheaper alternative to Polo blue. It's even fresher and seems less synthetic and less 'calone(y)'. If you want a complement to 'Dove Men care deodorant Go fresh (cucumber)', this is your fragrance. Great and easy like sunday morning.
XS pour Homme Summer Sensual by Paco Rabanne
Just as pointed by Igarruda, It's a fresher version of original XS: Starts sharper and more citrusy and keeps fresher and more icy as It dries down. That being said, It's less sweet (just a little bit) than the original.
Moods Uomo by Krizia
'A must have' for old school fragrances's Lovers!
Rich, well blended, strong without being "stuffy", brings a lot of elements that made 80s fragrances fame.
A don't think of it as a dry scent. The best way I can describe it: a frozen slightly spicy, formal fougere (with green aspects) tempered with rose. No sweetness at all.
Thumbs definitely up.
Rich, well blended, strong without being "stuffy", brings a lot of elements that made 80s fragrances fame.
A don't think of it as a dry scent. The best way I can describe it: a frozen slightly spicy, formal fougere (with green aspects) tempered with rose. No sweetness at all.
Thumbs definitely up.
Ungaro pour L'Homme III by Ungaro
Vintage stuff (Red box, made in france) is darker, woodier and sweeter. It's more connected with 80's and early 90's fragrances: a sweet dark woody fragrance.
Recent stuff (black boxes and black caps/red 'made in italy' boxes) is toned down, approaching 2000s casual style. No dark woods, just a inoffensive sweet (flerting with generic) smell.
Recent stuff (black boxes and black caps/red 'made in italy' boxes) is toned down, approaching 2000s casual style. No dark woods, just a inoffensive sweet (flerting with generic) smell.
Adidas by Adidas
Adidas is a nice forgotten old school fragrance that truly represents the 80s sport spirit: It's refreshing in a clean aromatic/herbal way. Not a single drop of sweetness, It's soap, sharp and bright. Reminds me fragrances like Aramis Tuscany (vintage), Boss Number 1 (without the pronounced honey note of earlier versions) and even Captain Molyneux (although not as talcum powdery). Solid fragrance, should be in any old school fan's collection.
Eternity Flame for Men by Calvin Klein
Not a bad scent at all, just another trendy fragrance that follows the steps of things like Invictus intense. Sweet and spicy notes surrounded by some ambroxan. Unnecessary if you already own things like Spicebomb, Gentleman absolute etc.
Ferrari Cuvée Extra Rich Eau de Toilette by Ferrari
Green, aromatic and barbershop(ey), reminded me of Brut and more recent interpretations as Duc de Vervins and Rive Gauche. Same "green with Anise" smell mixed into a slightly sweet and spiced shaving cream accord. Stronger than Duc de vervins and greener than Rive gauche (also less sophisticated) although follows the same vibe. Francesco Smalto could be another reference. I wouldn't call it smoky, but It has got a non-stuffy spicy powdery smell. In my opinion, It's more of a late 70s type of fragrance that flerts with 80s colognes power. Old school for sure.
Reporter by Oleg Cassini
I agree with Mysticman and Naed_Nitram: definitely resembles Paco Rabanne pour homme in its previous versions, just brighter, less herbal/honeyed, more aromatic. Paco's fans will probably like it. Longevity could be better, although it lasted 5-6 hours close to my skin.
Keep in mind I'm talking about "vintage" Reporter as shown in the picture above (the one with black cap and black box)
Keep in mind I'm talking about "vintage" Reporter as shown in the picture above (the one with black cap and black box)
Black Jeans by Versace
A comfortable casual and slightly spicy fougère fragrance. Nothing groudbreaking, I think there's some green notes in it and a hint of sweetness to round it all. Along with Metal Jeans, the best in jeans series.
Versus Uomo by Versace
A strange mix of notes, perhaps a floral oriental, but what puzzles me is the fact It reminds me of chocolate wafer! Definitely different from nowadays ultra sweet chocolate syrup. A bit odd, a neutral for me.
Jazz Prestige by Yves Saint Laurent
If you, like me, think YSL Jazz is a nice fragrance that could have been better if the perfumer had tamed that annoying slightly medicinal accord that complements the spicy refreshing green smell, than you should try Jazz prestige.
What a nice spicy green fougere! A faceted Jazz, more versatile and easy-going, although still 80s style. In my opinion, better than the original. It's a pitty It's so rare nowadays.
What a nice spicy green fougere! A faceted Jazz, more versatile and easy-going, although still 80s style. In my opinion, better than the original. It's a pitty It's so rare nowadays.
Massimo Dutti by Massimo Dutti
A casual, simple, slightly spicy lemon based fragrance. Poor projection, poor longevity on my skin. It seems to be an EDC insted of an EDT. Maybe that's why It's sold in a 200ml splash bottle: You have to dab without parcimony to get some strength. But what surprises me is the absence of vetiver in the olfactive pyramid! I could swear I smell it...
If you look after an 80's powerhouse, forget about it. It looks like a lighter and less sweet version of L'eau d'Issey (without cinnamon and woods) in spite of being released first.
If you look after an 80's powerhouse, forget about it. It looks like a lighter and less sweet version of L'eau d'Issey (without cinnamon and woods) in spite of being released first.
Blend 30 by Dunhill
Dark green old school fragrance, although its green-herbal aspect is eclipsed by a thick "leathery-tobaccoey-oakmossy" accord. At the same time It gives stregth to the scent, It implies in a too much dated smoky-powdery smell. The resulting combination is a bitter herbal green smell surrounded by a smoky-powdery cloud. If you like green old school fragrances, there are better options like Francesco Smalto, Tsar, Polo, Bogart signature etc.
Action Uomo by Trussardi
Another nice green old school fragrance from yesteryears!
Green, slightly peppery-spicy, formal and never cloying, It retains most of 80s spirit without being too dated. Something in It, reminds me of Lagerfeld Photo's laurel note. No stuffy talcum powder smell here and It isn't so bitter green as some of its contemporarys (Basile uomo, I'm looking at you). It definitely deserved more love.
Green, slightly peppery-spicy, formal and never cloying, It retains most of 80s spirit without being too dated. Something in It, reminds me of Lagerfeld Photo's laurel note. No stuffy talcum powder smell here and It isn't so bitter green as some of its contemporarys (Basile uomo, I'm looking at you). It definitely deserved more love.
Cellini by Fabergé
Wow! Nice anise note mixed in a late 70s fougere style! Aromatic, formal, but never cloying. I guess It was considered a casual fragrance at the time of its lauch.
I'd say Aramis Tuscany was definitely inspired in Cellini. No doubt about it. But I vaguely smell here something I also detect in Aramis Devin. Great fragrance!
I'd say Aramis Tuscany was definitely inspired in Cellini. No doubt about it. But I vaguely smell here something I also detect in Aramis Devin. Great fragrance!
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