Showing posts with label ScentReview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ScentReview. Show all posts

Monday, February 23

A Fragrance for An Ideal Man



One would always consider simplicity as a great expression of true beauty, devoid of the frou-frou and the tackiness that goes with it. A rare kind of real opulence that transcends time and joins the league of timeless classics.

Far from its supposed image, L'Homme Ideal depicts the ideal man

That simplicity and opulence are bottled in the latest fragrance from Guerlain. The idealism that comes from this fragrance is its woody base mixed with the sweet vanilla-ish notes from tonka bean. The top note reminds you of a fresh citrus-spicy impact that is pulled down back to earth with the heavy woody notes. Freshness impact is boosted by the soft white floral orange blossom.  Its distinctive opulent note is coming from the leather and tonka bean mixture.

It is very modern in construction, in terms of how the woods-citrus-flowers are flirting with each other. The sweet tonka bean made the fragrance soft and yet very warm. Even with a seemingly heavy approach, the fragrance achieved a natural fresh and light impact that turns softly heavy and long lasting at the bottom.

Ideal? It is! I am not sure though if the company tested it to be true among women, as depicted in this video.

OLFACTIVE RATING : SCENTSATIONAL (5)
RECOMMENDATION : perfect for those looking for something different and non mainstream and get some attention because of the hook it gives to those who'll smell it
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR: afternoon to night
IDEAL SEASON : any

Friday, February 6

Fragrance Must-Have for Valentine's



Lovers and singles out there, heart's day is fast approaching. You may be wondering what fragrances you can use or give as gift this time of the year.

As the color of this celebration is red, not to mention that it is also the color of the Chinese New Year, here are some love-themed, red-colored fragrances for you.

HUGO BOSS HUGO RED
Every bit Hugo Boss that we've loved all these years in a sweet, fruity rendition - romantically sweet that is! The fragrance starts with metallic-citrusy-spicy fragrance that screams Hugo Boss signature scent.

The fragrance continues with fruity pineapple and fruity rhubarb on a bed of sweet amber and woody tonka beans. The fragrance exudes sensuality and intensity.

And who wouldn't be in love with Mr. Jared Leto?

Ain't he hot for you to be not sensually romantic? Sige nga?!

RALPH LAUREN POLO RED
A fragrance that make you last until the early hours of the following day, this red edition fragrance from RL Polo line evokes sophisticated macho sexiness - truly alpha male of the night!

The fragrance's energy comes from the warm citrus made bolder and heavier with sweet amber and spicy coffee notes at the bottom.  There is certainly an olfactive hook here. Perfect for catching ladies (or men) out there. Great for singles who are in a prowl for the next victim of seduction and sexual escapade.

Are you in for the sexual drive of your lives?

KENZO AMOUR MY LOVE
Flirty floral fruity fresh fragrance, this sheer and light fragrance, launched in 2013, is an embodiment of a woman in love!  Its light sweetness is coming from cherry blossom, passionfruit, red currant mixed with fresh floral bouquet of rose and lilac for that soft flirty impact.

The fragrance is made more romantic with white musk at the bottom. It tells of true love and euphoria of being in love. Romantically sheer and transparent. It feels like a woman in love, wobbly on her knees and ready to fall for that man she calls her soul mate.

Maarte ba siya?

DIESEL LOVERDOSE TATTOO
Significantly on the opposite end of Amour In Love, this oriental floral fragrance is wild and wicked with its overtly sweet vanilla and creamy milk! It is made more hedonically interesting by mixing citrus mandarin and bergamot, as was done with Manifesto L' Elixir. But this one is darker, heavier, sexier.

The fragrance is made more interesting with white floral bouquet of orange blossom, rose, and jasmine.  What's interesting is the use of rice in the entire ensemble making it so addicting to smell.

Perfect for single women who want to party the Valentine's night away with her girl friends, minus the pressure of catching a prey for the night.  It speaks power and excess and that it provides true indulgence without the guilt!


Ladies, let's party the night away.
Images not mine. Credits to the sources of the photos.


Wednesday, February 4

The Charm of The Fifth



Photo from Fragrantica.Com

In celebration of the 5th birthday of Viktor & Rolf's very successful fragrance Flowerbomb, they launched in 2013 the La Vie En Rose flanker variant. This fragrance is truly a charm as it adds a citrusy-peppery top note to the usual ambery-candy--fruity-sweet Flowerbomb.

The citrus is boosted by green tea and mandarin and paired with spicy pink pepper. This adds a very youthful summer energy to the already very young and fancy Flowerbomb bed of red berries, sweet candy and oriental amber heart-bottom notes.

I like how it starts with a funky energetic spicy-citrus top and continues to a sweet-ambery Flowerbomb that we know and love. Although I am a bit worried with the green leafy mossy direction that intrudes in the overall pleasantness of the fragrance. Nonetheless, if you are a fan of Flowerbomb, then this is a worthy addition to your collection.




OLFACTIVE RATING : Scent Bleh (2)
RECOMMENDATION : for young ladies who need energy and funk on a summer night party
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR: afternoon to night
IDEAL SEASON : summer

Tuesday, February 3

A Celebration of Vanilla And Citrus

Photo courtesy of parfumemall.com

Manifesto L' Elixir YSL, from the Manifesto line, is truly a celebration of citrus and vanilla mixture - freshly sweet, daring but subdued, soft and yet strong enough to be enjoyed.

The fragrance starts with a citrus explosion but you feel the vanilla pulling back its impact, making it very sophisticated but accessible. The white floral notes in the heart provides restraint to both woods and vanilla's heaviness. There's a slight spicy note in the base but maybe from the cashmere.

Overall, I admire the way how opposite notes in terms of heavy and fresh impacts are mixed together and how they allow the floral and woody notes flirt with the overall fragrance impact.


OLFACTIVE RATING : Sensorial Overload (5)
RECOMMENDATION : for ladies who want something more from their fragrance without veering away from the familiar citrus and floral notes that they have loved
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR: any
IDEAL SEASON : any

Sunday, January 25

This Fragrance May Just Make You Miss Universe



From Laverdadnoticias.com
She is a popular actress in Colombia and with that comes a fragrance named after her. And why not?

The fragrance starts with a very juicy sweet berries and cassis fruits. Too much of sweetness, imagine an over-the-top, vibrant, colorful fiesta and you get what I mean with this fragrance. The rest of the fragrance is violet flowers (a bit green), roses and orchids. The entire composition is held on a base of vanilla and sandalwood.

I see this being loved by the Filipinas. This sort of validates my claim that Latin American scent preference is close to Filipino taste, the way we are big Miss Universe fans like them.  This scent perfectly matches our festive mood, happy disposition and that "diva" vibe (in a good, charming way).


OLFACTIVE RATING : Scent Neutral (3)
RECOMMENDATION: Perfect for women who wants to have fun, alluring, sexy and who wants to make their presence felt
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR: any
IDEAL SEASON: any


Dear Mj,

 Since you wore a Colombian-designed ensemble during the preliminary, why not wear a Colombian-inspired fragrance? This fragrance smells like you - A WINNER! #MJalltheway

 Good luck,
The World I Nose

Good luck Miss Universe Philippines - Mary Jean Lastimosa. MJAllTheWay

Saturday, January 24

Cool Water Night Dive Davidoff for Men


from carapharmacy.com
The fragrance opens with the typical aquatic-watery-aromatic impact of the Cool Water for Men in the 90s.  What makes this distinct is the green minty sensation that breezes continuously finally mixing with heavy cashmere and tobacco notes.

The minty sensation continues as it mixes well with the tobacco and black pepper notes.  This is a very interesting combination as this separates itself from the rest of the Cool Water franchise. Interestingly, the minty sensation is made warmly sweet with amber and suede note - think of a red toothpaste made sweeter. What's striking is the way the mint flirts with all the notes of this fragrance - minty-watery and then minty-woody and then minty-sweet-ambery. It's very sexy.

If you are a big Cool Water fan, then you might consider including this in your collection of fragrances. I am pretty sure that this can make people stop and be curious to the familiarity and yet the uniqueness of it.


OLFACTIVE RATING : Scent Neutral (3)
RECOMMENDATION : perfect for Cool Water fans, males who just want a safe fragrance that can be used daily
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR: any
IDEAL SEASON : any

Nuit d’Issey Issey Miyake For Men



from Escentual website
The fragrance reminds me strongly of Jo Malone Lime & Cedar. But this one is much more woody and heavy than Jo Malone's.  There is still the L'Eau d'Issey Pour Home signature scent with a very strong woody-spicy twist.

It solidifies further with a strong leather-incense-woody notes as it dries down - a testament to the fact that most fragrances right now will always have an ode to ouds or woods. This is to fuel the strong growth momentum of fine fragrances in the Middle East region.

Smell it further and the citruses playfully flirt with the strong woody notes making the fragrance a little bit vibrant, perfect for a party night.


OLFACTIVE RATING : Scent Bleh (2)
RECOMMENDATION : not for Philippine market but can be for men looking for something unique and woody or something classic
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR: night (obviously)
IDEAL SEASON : autumn, winter

Friday, January 23

Calvin Klein Reveal for Men


from NSTPerfume.Com

The fragrance starts with a warm and heavy note of brandy with juicy fruits. Even with the fruity notes, the fragrance retains its very masculine direction.  The fragrance continues with aromatic notes of herbal ingredients like sage. But what I like the most is the dry down that is very much similar to Polo Double Black. The thing that set it aside is the slightly sharp vetiver, green-woody direction but still sits down very intensely masculine on the skin.

Staying true to the CK fragrances of yore, I see this fragrance worn by any men, especially those who want to be seductively sexy or hunky.

OLFACTIVE RATING : Scent Neutral (3)
RECOMMENDATION : for adult men of any age looking for seduction and sexy appeal, should be compatible with 20s - 50s age range
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR : any
IDEAL SEASON: any

DKNY My NY

From wwd.com
Staying true to its DKNY nature, My NY is a sweet fruity, endearing and charming fragrance.  The fruity raspberry notes bursts with a heavy patchouli and vanilla fragrance, which gives it a distinction from Be Delicious collection.  My only issue is the use of too strong patchouli and Egyptian jasmine notes. Although, most likely they are trying to reach those young females looking for something more fashionable and edgy as that of NYC.

Using Rita Ora as the model, it obviously targets the market of DKNY - young, edgy, fashionable females.  And the use of vanilla and raspberry notes is a dead giveaway that, indeed, DKNY is staying true to its fragrance line target market.

I am still bothered by the patchouli. :-) I am not sure if the sweet fruity notes are mixing well with something heavy and warm like patchouli and vanilla.  Nonetheless, I still think this is a wonderful fragrance, especially to the fans of DKNY fragrances - a considerable level up.


OLFACTIVE RATING : Scent Neutral (3)
RECOMMENDATION : perfect for young females looking for something heavy, edgy and fashionable
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR : night
IDEAL SEASON : any

Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau My Gold



Image from Paco Rabanne website
The fourth variant under the Lady Million collection of Paco Rabanne, Eau My Gold deviates a little bit from the very opulent and heavy Lady Millions as it opens with a festive combination of tropical fruits and citrus notes and yet not very sweet and cloying. Don't get me wrong, as it is still very sophisticated and luxurious, but I see younger women wearing this fragrance.  I had the impression that the Lady Million targets women in their late 30s to early 40s, that is why this fragrance seems to be a deviation from the rest.

I particularly liked how the amber is pushing the sweetness to a restricted level and yet not feel restricted.  I also liked how the fresh impact changed in the dry down with something warm and a little bit heavy - and this is where the opulence is pushed to the Lady Million mark.


OLFACTIVE RATING : Scentsational (4)
RECOMMENDATION : Perfect for younger women who wants something more from their usual floral fruity fragrance, women looking for not-over-the-top, understated opulence
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR : day & night
IDEAL SEASON : winter, autumn, spring

Thursday, January 22

Chloe Love Story

Photo Source: Moodiereport.Com

The fragrance opening reminds me of Chanel's Chance Eau Tendre with its fresh floral impact. But the top notes, according to its official description, are neroli and orange blossom, hence, a bit citrus. The citrus impact is carrying the white orange blossom and the freshness. The white floral note is somewhat jasmine in direction. This combined with the citrus notes allows for a very light, fresh execution, but has a long lasting impression.

It turns, somehow, a bit creamy and coconut on the base as it dries down.  Or maybe the woody and white musky notes are giving me that impression? Either way, these provide a solid base to hold the lightness in place and provide a long lasting effect even with its apparent lightness.

The creation of this fragrance was inspired by Parisian romance and the love padlocks on the bridge of the Pont des Arts as can be seen from its packaging.

Pont Des Artes, France. From Wikipedia
The white-light-gold-sheer-romantic execution also shows what's in store for us in the next couple of months. The fragrance direction is evolving from the heavily floriental-gourmand-fruity direction to something transparent, sheer and light - the makings of a new classic.


OLFACTIVE RATING : Scent Neutral (3)
RECOMMENDATION : For women in the 30s and up range, sweet, caring, motherly like, a bit on the romantic side with its sheer direction
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR : any
IDEAL SEASON : any

Wednesday, January 14

Fresh Cannabis Santal



Image from sephora.com


The fragrance starts with a sweet impact coming from chocolate and vanilla lifted by a nice and light citrus note. The chocolate and vanilla remind me of Axe's Dark Temptation that is not overly sweet and heavy but refreshingly light and more addicting.

What sets it apart from Dark Temptation is its soft rose and musk notes that contribute to its sheer sweetness. This oriental woody fragrance continues with the soft woody and floral notes especially at the dry down.

I certainly don't know what cannabis smells like but if you are looking for a green note then there should be some boosted by the patchouli that mixes well with its entirety. It is actually more dominant at the dry down. 

Women will also like this fragrance. The good thing about this fragrance is that people will surely like it. It is not an in-your-face type of fragrance but you will definitely be asked about it. 


OLFACTIVE RATING : Scentsational (4)
RECOMMENDATION : For male of certain stature. Not for young people
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR : night
IDEAL SEASON : spring, autumn, winter

Monday, January 12

YSL L' Homme Sport


From magazin.flaconi.de

Launched as a flanker variant to the L'Homme series, YSL is threading the waters of mainstream fragrances for men.  This woody-citrus fragrance sparkles with sweet green apple and light citrusy verbena. What I like about this fragrance is the seemingly youthfulness of the fragrance impact and its light woody notes - perfect for spring/summer seasons!

The fragrance can even be a unisex type because of the strong green apple and the amber flirtations. If not for its bottle, you would even think that this is your typical male fragrance - perfect for every gentleman's freshness needs. It significantly deviates from the original L' Homme, except for that signature woody dry down.

If you love D&G Light Blue, Cool Water, Polo Blue, Polo Sports and Bleu De Chanel, then this is a great level-up for your fragrance collection. However, if you are looking for something heavy and/or oriental then this fragrance is not for you.

OLFACTIVE RATING : SCENT NEUTRAL (3)
RECOMMENDATION : Perfect for any type of male, aged 18 and up, can be trickled down to deo body spray and men's personal care products
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR : day and night
IDEAL SEASON : spring, summer

Thursday, January 8

Versace Man Eau Fraiche


From Versace.com
Launched in 2006, this woody citrus fragrance smells like subtle confidence and yet has a strong sophisticated stance that any man would want to portray.  On impact, the fragrance is very fresh citrus and as the fragrance progresses, the sweet fruity and soft woody notes come out to play. There's also a tinge of pepper that plays well with the sweet and citrus notes. On dry down, I can detect a very herbal woody note.

What I like about this fragrance is the refreshing citrus impact that is reminiscent of summer - wild beach party, warm sand, turquoise blue water and the beat of a faint pop music in the background while sipping a frozen mojito.  It's very aquatic appeal refreshes that flirts well with the sweet woody notes.  And with this, it gives an after shower feel all throughout the day.

Olfactive Rating:  Scentsational (4)
Recommendation: can be for both old or young, sporty or not. may even be unisex to a certain extent
Ideal Time of Wear: day or night
Ideal Season: summer

Wednesday, January 7

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream



A flanker to the Daisy fragrance line, Marc Jacobs launched a heavily fruity floral fragrance that is a very big departure from the original Daisy and Daisy Eau So Fresh.

Image from www.writingwhimsy.com

The fragrance opens with a very fruity, sweet black berry, juicy pear and lychee.  The fragrance reminds me of Ralph and Escada fragrances and even Britney fragrances.  If you like these types of fragrance then you may like this one as well.  However, the fragrance direction is very mainstream and not unique, thus very forgettable. For sure, you won't be getting praises for this fragrance when people smell it from you, UNLESS, you wore it among high school, teenager girls.

The only resemblance from the Daisy line is the green floral woody dry down that can provide a sense of long lastingness. But since it is forgettable, you'll forget that you are wearing a fragrance.

OLFACTIVE RATING : 2 (SCENT BLEH)
RECOMMENDATION : a typical fragrance that can be worn by any teenage girls in high school or college. And if you are into fragrance, you may just buy another fragrance.
IDEAL TIME OF WEAR : anytime, every day wear type of fragrance, perfect for day use though
IDEAL SEASON : spring, summer

Tuesday, January 6

Francis Cologne



In celebration of Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines on January 15 - 19, 2015, I checked the Internet for a possible fragrance that would best represent him and a list of possible fragrance that can be best worn during the papal visit.

Googling led me to a company called Excelsis Fine Fragrance.  They actually have 3 fragrances under the Pope line - Francis, Benedictus, and The Pope Cologne.  The website describes Francis Cologne to be "an engaging fresh fragrance with a citrusy top note of bergamot and a soft, woody dry down of sandalwood".

Image from huffingtonpost.com

In his interview with Huffington Post, Excelsis CEO Frederick Hass said that the fragrance was in celebration of the papacy of Pope Francis and it represents his "humble and down to earth" character. Hass further explained in the post that the fragrance was supposed to be subtle and not flashy but relatively simple.

Pope Francis is not affiliated with the company nor endorsing the product.

I haven't smelled this but judging from the description, the fragrance may be compared to citrus colognes like Nenuco, Denenes, or even J&J Baby Cologne Regular since bergamot is the main ingredient. And the supposed simplicity and humility that the fragrance is evoking, this citrus ingredient can best represent.

Bergamot. Image from elementsbathandbody.com
Bergamot is a typical Mediterranean citrus ingredient mainly used in the abovementioned baby colognes.  It's citrus direction is not sweet nor very light like that of mandarin or ponkan orange, nor sharp like lemon or kalamansi. It has a tarty, zesty, citrus - floral direction that allows a simple, clean, fresh and yet sophisticated execution. Mixed with sandalwood, the fragrance may last longer than any of the typical citrus cologne in the market.

Unfortunately, this fragrance is not available in the Philippines. You may buy it via Amazon:



and have it delivered to the Philippines via JohnnyAir or MyShoppingBox.

As I am planning to buy, let me know if you are too so we can buy in bulk and save on delivery charges. Hit me up via Facebook or the comments section below to consolidate our orders.  Deadline will be on January 15, 2015. Pick-up will be in Ortigas, Pasig.  Delivery date will be identified after order placement.

For more information on the itinerary of the Papal Visit, check #PopeFrancisPH or visit Rappler's official website on the papal visit.

Monday, January 5

Carven L' Eau De Toilette

http://fimgs.net/
A flanker variant to Carven's fragrance line, this fragrance is a sweeter and lighter version of Carven Le Parfum. The fragrance is very light white floral-lemon citrus impact on POP with subtle sweetness from sweet pea and bit of soft white musk at the bottom.  It is very delicate and does not seem to be too offensive when worn. It's lightness may leave an impression that the fragrance won't last long. But don't let this trick you as the sandalwood base may give it a bit more of long lastingness.

There's a little bit of creamy green off note/harshness at the back but it's giving the fragrance a sense of impact even on dry down. This note may not appeal to a wider audience. 

What I like about this one is its youthful lightness that provides a lot of flexibility in its appeal for the users. Although, in my opinion, the fragrance can only be perfect for working females and not to students. It has a bit of heaviness that can only appeal to an older female set.

The fragrance can be trickled down to personal wash because of its fresh impact. It can even go all the way down to detergent with its substantivity.

Fragrance available at Carven at east wing of Shangrila Mall, Mandaluyong.

Saturday, December 27

Top 10 Fragrances for 2014

I have received an email form Fragrantica and here is their list of top 10 fragrances for men and women for 2014.

Wednesday, December 3

Fragrance Ideas for Exchange Gifts



Running out of ideas for your exchange gifts at work or with your friends? How about unisex fragrances?

Here are my recommendations.

Monday, December 1

Fragrance Recommendation for Women for Christmas 2014




For women, here are my recommendation as gifts. What's nice is the plethora of choices. I am sure, easily you can find out what's perfect for the ladies in your life.
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