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

Fragrance Themes You Can Wear During The 35th Sinulog Festival


Sinulog, one of the grandest festival in the Philippines held in Cebu island as a tribute to the Sto. Nino de Cebu, is happening this whole month of January with the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 19.

Photo from www.sinulog.ph
And for the first time, #THEWORLDINOSE2015 is excited to be part of this celebration.  Now, what kind of fragrance can one wear during this fiesta?

Since, the parties and parades will be all-day and all-night long and most activities happening under the sun, the following are important in the fragrances that can be used:

  1. Long lasting - from dusk till dawn, from noon till night, the fragrance must be able to withstand sweat, heat and paints surely encountered during the entire festivities. Hence, the fragrance must be long lasting enough with minimal reapplication.  It will also be difficult to carry a glass bottle of perfume, unless, you transfer it to a more portable, smaller atomized bottle.
  2. Flexible - it should appeal regardless of the time of the day.  One must opt for a light scent that can highlight your sensorial styling under the sun and still be enjoyable when reapplied at night.
  3. Exhilarating - since this is a festival, the emotions that can be evoked by the fragrance must be lively, vibrant and most of all HAPPY coherent with the festival. At the same time, it would be great if your fragrance presence adds up to the happiness of the event.
  4. Refreshing - the fragrance must provide a sense of freshness. As most of the fun activities will be physically challenging, spraying that wonderful fragrance should allow you to feel and stay fresh anytime, anywhere.
Fragrances for men will be very easy.  Opt for a woody-citrus/aromatic fragrances that provide a sense of sporty freshness like Chanel Allure, Bleu De Chanel, or Bvlgari Aqua Amara.  Bench's Cary Santiago EDT for men is a good alternative if you want to buy something within budget.

Citrus direction will be the safest bet as this provides nice flexibility and freshness when worn.  CK One and any of its iterations, except for CK One Shock, will be great. Another classic example will be Clinique Happy and D&G Light Blue. But if you want to smell more contemporary, Azarro Chrome Limited Edition and Givenchy Play Sport are good candidates to consider.

Woody-aromatic fragrances exude additional exhilarating sophistication when worn.  Examples include CK Free Sport, Christian Dior Homme, Cool Water, Terre De Hermes.

For women, floral fruity fragrance will be great.  Any Ralph, Escada or Incanto fragrances will be safe.  If you want a simple mist, any floral fruity themed fragrances from Victoria's Secret or Bath and Body Works will be just fine.  If you want to be more modern, you can opt for D&G Rose The One, Acqua Di Gioia EDT, or Anna Sui Dreams In Pink.

You can also look for water themed fragrances mixed with something floral. Roberto Cavalli Acqua, CK Eternity Aqua, Cool Water, or L' Eau Kenzo Pour Femme.  The watery/aquatic notes give the fragrance flexibility and good sensorial appeal especially in a hot and humid weather.

Citrus fragrances, similarly, will provide that wonderful fragrance ambience.  Opt for fragrances with green tea, verbena, neroli or bergamot.  You can check out fragrances from L'Occitane, Jo Malone and Santa Maria Novella.

Just stay away from those with vanilla or are in very dark coloured packaging. Most likely, these are ideal for night use. Hence, they will be too heavy for a day use or when mixed with sweat and paint.  Stay away also from fragrances with the words night, noir, oud, nuit, black, gold, diamond as they represent very heavy fragrances that are not applicable for the event.

Hopefully, these help in selecting the best fragrance that can be used during Sinulog. Smell great while having fun! See you there.

Here are some fragrance reviews that you can also consider to use during Sinulog:

FOR MEN
Bleu De Chanel
YSL L' Homme Sport
Versace Man Eau Fraiche

FOR WOMEN
DKNY My NY
Chloe Love Story
Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream

UNISEX

6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition



Don't forget this year's 6th International Pyromusical Competition happening every Saturday, starting on February 7 to March 14, 2015 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

Countries Participating

Last year, Royal Pyrotechnie from Canada won the grand prize. This year, who will it be?

Relieve the moments of last year's competition through this website.

For more information, you may visit PIPC Website, Ticket Net and SM Tickets outlets.

I'll give my money to the one who can make fireworks with fragrance exploding in the air.  That would be very nice!



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



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