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Amarige by Givenchy
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This was an inspired purchase as neither I nor my husband had ever sniffed this perfume before. He bought it for me as an anniversary present and, as it turned out, I love it and have taken to wearing it every day in preference to my other recent favourite. The red box looks expensive and the simple bottle with the frosted, sculpted cap is elegant in an understated way.
The fragrance is rose-based and flower-heavy, fashioned in the classic style (meaning, it smells nice instead of strange). As a bonus, although it is an Eau de Toilette, it is fairly strong stuff and has good staying power, which means that a little goes a long way. Oh, and my husband likes it, too! |
Cool Water by Davidoff
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I bought this for my husband's birthday, with great expectations as he had told me he liked it after trying a tester in a shop. The description and, certainly, the promotional images are alluring, but the actual fragrance proved extremely disappointing. The top note has a fleeting fresh character that fades very quickly to a synthetic soapy base which is unfortunately very persistent, but is definitely neither green nor clean. Very poor sillage, which is just as well, as the wearer is left to suffer alone.
It could be that it doesn't mesh with my husband's particular body chemistry, but I tried it on my skin, and the sickly soapy odour is the same. Maybe we got spoilt with boutique-type scents like Villoresi, or maybe the original recipe that everyone raved about has been significantly altered. Whatever it is, we are both very disappointed with it, and I regret getting the bigger bottle because it is unusable. The classic, clean masculine style is a great idea and what I was after, but the execution here is poor. I can't quite decide what my nose picks up that smells synthetic, but I don't get the sea water or the mint. It is, of course, possible that it is not the real thing although the bottle and box look authentic. |
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Gentleman by Givenchy |
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Great classic fragrance for men with very good sillage that will see you through the day.
It is a smoother fragrance than the more modern, sharper, aquatic scents by Givenchy, but it is a classic that seems to always draw comments about how it would have suited Cary Grant's style of chic. Refined, cultured and no blasts of “obvious” attention-getting anomalies. It is a harmonious complement to the fastidiously groomed man, and perfect for both daytime at work, or night time on the town. Suave and smooth with a fresh persistence that never gets boring. |
Nahema by GuerlainMy favourite fragrance since I first tried it, many years ago. The predominant, inescapable first impression is of the fascinating essence of Damask Rose, perfectly set off by a fresh and fruity middle note of peach and hyacinth, on a splendid base of patchouli and rosewood. I mostly smell rose and a touch of jasmine, but it really is an indescribable delight.
The sillage is unbelievable, a few drops can last the whole day. However, I have seldom worn this for the office as I consider the message it sends to be unsuitable for public consumption. Nahema is my private luxury and I have been looking for a lighter alternative but, so far, with no success. There isn't anything remotely like it. It is not well known and, consequently, very difficult to find. I could not believe it when my husband saw this listing on Amazon. Until now he has bought it for me on special occasions either in physical specialist shops, or on the Guerlain site itself. From my first whiff to the glorious realization that it suited my skin chemistry to perfection, I have always known that this perfume was THE one for me. It is elegant, fascinating, compelling, sensuous but never too obvious. The only problem: the price! If it weren't quite so expensive, I would never be without it. |
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Uomo by Lorenzo Villoresi
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This is a great men's fragrance, probably my favourite for its top note fresh lemon/bergamot burst at the outset. However, sadly, it does drift away quite quickly and then the sillage seems, to a certain extent, “wanting”. It is a great pity because the scent itself is knockout – but on my husband's skin it doesn't last as well as I would like.
He has also tried Villoresi's Vetiver and that is a longer-lasting powerhouse, but quite a different character altogether. But Uomo is my favourite and I am tempted to buy their perfume version to see if that tantalizing citrus note can be made to last longer. Great fragrance, great recipe. This brand uses mostly natural ingredients, which is something I value more and more. We discovered this proud artisan of fragrance some years ago, when his prices were not quite as eye-watering. Lorenzo Villoresi makes very unique, boutique-type perfumes, and there is a certain uniqueness to sporting a Villoresi scent. So for those in search of a “signature scent” that is unusual and not worn by everyone else, this one can make quite a statement. |
Piper Nigrum by Lorenzo Villoresi
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This fragrance is really a journey into the “fantasy” scents arena. It always conjures up the concept of warm, languid nights in exotic locations where the sharp tang of spices wafts in the air. Highly perfumed with aromatic spices and blended by the expertise of Lorenzo Villoresi.
I don't think it would really be a daytime scent, and certainly not for the office, but for a special occasion, or to make a very striking first-evening impression, this fragrance would stand out as more than memorable. Exotic, warm and highly spiced, a smooth concoction of inventive imagination. As the name implies, Black Pepper is a dominant note, playing beautifully against the Clove and Cedarwood. It suits my husband perfectly, but as usual, individual chemistry is the deciding factor. If this melds well with your skin, you will make a very durable impression! |
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