Anyone who remembers the bottle from Relax knows that there was always a small faun, Pan, or satyr on the back of the bottle and the packaging. Why that was or is remains a mystery of Davidoff. On the other hand, one can draw various comparisons to a faun when one knows or gets to know the scent. A faun could, if it existed, smell like this! The faun, or Faunus, is the protector of the forests and nature. When looking at old pictures or statues, this forest spirit or deity of antiquity is usually depicted as very relaxed, chilled, or laid-back. And relaxed is exactly what Relax by Davidoff truly is!
Relax
After a relatively short, cool introduction of freshly crushed mint and ethereal lavender and anise, Relax quickly gets to the point and shows what it has to offer. What always characterized Relax in those days was a maximum dose of heliotrope, which was often compared to woodruff in this context. At the time, in the late 80s and early 90s, this was highly unusual for a men's fragrance. Once the heliotrope comes into play, Relax becomes sweeter but never too sweet. The marzipan-like heliotrope is complemented by spicy-floral accents. Notes of masculine, herbaceous geranium and pungent, spicy clove weave through the scent like a fabric of spicy-wild greens. A humid-warm and earthy patchouli grounds the fragrance further and makes Relax darker and deeper. Warm, mossy nuances and golden-brown, spicy tones of tonka and creamy-sweet benzoin ultimately give Relax an incredibly beautiful, attractive, and deep-green warmth and aura. Associations of mysterious and relaxing forests, jungles, or oases quickly come to mind!
Conclusion
I find myself reaching for Relax almost every Sunday when I want things to be cozy and snug since I got it back. It has something incredibly calming and delivers on its promise. Relax radiates a very pleasant aura of sweet-green, spicy-earthy, and soft-warm warmth. The scent is incredibly chilling and also very attractive and seductive. Relax is immensely cuddly and almost warm-hearted, maintaining a calm, soft-harmonious pace. There are no hard edges or corners. Everything is smooth and very fluidly crafted. Its longevity is very good, accompanying one almost all day for many hours. The sillage is normal to strong depending on the dosage and always well perceivable. Those who still own this emerald-green oasis from Davidoff can consider themselves very lucky. Unfortunately, it is no longer available. Many men (and certainly women) still mourn its loss today, which I can understand very well. A fragrance that would still be contemporary, successful, and more than wearable today if it still existed. Fortunately, I managed to get a bottle and now do what a faun does best. Retreat into my emerald-green oasis and,....relax!..;)
When man has found peace, he acts.
- Francesco Petrarca -
Oh, look at what a gem this was among the Douglas fragrances. It's such a shame it's no longer available; the best ones always seem to disappear early, right?
You lucky one, to still have a bottle. I had it back in the day too :) Davidoff used to stand for excellent fragrances. Well, times change. It's great that you've brought it back to life!
A lovely comment about a great fragrance that instantly brings back a flood of memories for me. It was my former partner's signature scent, and I really liked it on him :)
Unfortunately, this scent passed me by, which I now find regrettable after reading your comment. Wishing you a lovely Sunday with some relaxation, dear Can!
Wonderful comment! I missed out on the scent back then. What a shame. Or maybe it's for the best, because I might be even sadder now that it's no longer available. By the way, I think chilling is just one of the two favorite pastimes of the faun ;-)
I'll leave it at this heartfelt yet informative comment today... it feels just right to slide into a cozy, feel-good weekend now... I really enjoyed reading it and thank you :))
I've always wondered what Relax smells like. Devoured the comments. A faun. With a touch of sweetness. You've described this scent more than vividly. Sometimes you need that emerald green oasis to tune out the northern lights. RELAX. Frankie goes to... that song is still playing in my head :)
I smiled while reading your comment and was already thinking about when to get this fragrance (I really need some relaxation), but only until the part where you mentioned it’s no longer available...
But your comment is, as always, wonderful and worth reading! And yes, such fragrance treasures must be cherished ;)
I'm wondering if you're describing yourself... or the perfume ;-}
Once again, masterfully written... it always makes you feel like you absolutely need to have the scents you describe so skillfully.
Relax always stood a bit in the shadows back then. What I never understood was how a fragrance could accompany me for so long until it was completely forgotten. Now you've brought back so many memories, and I realize just how good Relax really was.
A truly fantastic ;) and incredibly inspired comment from you! While reading your lines, I can almost imagine the pleasant and benevolent character of Relax. It’s a scent that I’m sure I would really enjoy as well...
The saying is so true. Such a beautiful and vivid description of a fragrance that I’m sure I would have liked. It’s often compared to Background. Do you think there’s any truth to that? It also has a heliotrope heart, green facets, and a lot of balsamic-sweet depth.
Whenever I hear Heliotrope, I always feel addressed ;-)). It's a note I love in many perfumes. Unfortunately, I never got to experience RELAX. I'm really glad you can enjoy it :-)). Wishing you a relaxing weekend!
This scent could be modern and from Creed (or another expensive brand). Back then, I think it was probably a bit too classic and thus faded away. Thanks to you, I got to know it, which makes me very happy.
I think Petrarca's thesis makes a lot of sense, and your comment sounds coherent. These are the men's fragrances of my dreams! (if they're not sweeter or dirtier) Wishing you a relaxing weekend!
Honestly, describing fragrances that are no longer available like this should really be banned ;-)
And now I've got Frankie Goes to Hollywood stuck in my head too, just like Jäckl... seriously, what a cheek!
Lately, I've come across some perfumes that sound really tempting while reading (or even worse, while testing). And then they're just not available anymore... sigh! Anyway, Faunus sounds lovely. Cherish your bottle! :-)
I’m also a proud owner of a vintage bottle; as far as I know, the newer ones don’t have the Pan on the back anymore. I usually wear it only in calm situations so it can live up to its name :-)
You've introduced me to this interesting scent that I don't know in a wonderful, precise, and informative way. Oh, and I also love the quote at the end!
Have a pleasant, relaxing time in your emerald green oasis,
little forest spirit ;-)
But your comment is, as always, wonderful and worth reading! And yes, such fragrance treasures must be cherished ;)
Once again, masterfully written... it always makes you feel like you absolutely need to have the scents you describe so skillfully.
https://youtu.be/bYyK922PsUw
Wishing you a relaxing weekend!
You're a naughty bunny!
And now I've got Frankie Goes to Hollywood stuck in my head too, just like Jäckl... seriously, what a cheek!