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Relax (Eau de Toilette) by Davidoff

Relax 1990 Eau de Toilette

Leimbacher
10/28/2013 - 10:31 AM
23
Top Review
10Scent 5Longevity 5Sillage 2.5Bottle

Most Likely the Best Discontinued Men's Fragrance of All Time

Actually, Relax would be a candidate for a smooth review, perhaps for the 1000th comment... I hold it in such high regard and it is rightly mourned. I am extremely glad to have it now as a 75 ml perfume in my collection - months ago, the mini version I bought on a whim blew me away. I need to test both the large and small versions again in direct comparison, but somehow the mini seems more intense to me. However, it could just be the enthusiasm in my memory from 3 months ago, as I had rarely smelled something so balsamic and beautiful, and now I knew what to expect and my expectations were correspondingly high.

What makes the scent so special, I can't say exactly; it lies somewhere between Zino and Cool Water in a humid, paradisiacal rainforest. It is balsamic, spicy, green, powdery, thick, sweaty, and sweet. A somewhat different but similar interpretation of the Epic Man theme. Lemon, lavender, and mint create a interplay that frees the mind from all burdens and is incredibly relaxing. Exactly fitting to the name and better than a long hot foam rose bath followed by a massage. The scent is laid-back but still masculine and very warm. Cozy, cool, and full of contrasts. A dream of a fragrance that I would trade without hesitation against all the new releases of the last 5 years. And one shouldn't expect such a thing from Davidoff anymore! The scent is rough yet liqueur-like, also reminiscent of a green version of Rochas Lui. Vanilla, benzoin, and moss with a hint of leather clearly form the last part of this extinct masterpiece. A blend that you must test; it is hard to describe. Another scent that reminded me a bit of Relax was Bogner's Deep Forest.

The bottle is a typical Davidoff and inconspicuous, almost ugly. The famous Pan on the box is, however, a nice gimmick/insider. The sillage is definitely there, but in my opinion, it is rated a bit too high. For me, the scent remains a relaxation fragrance for leisure, not a scent for going out. It has a good longevity of at least 9 hours, perhaps even double digits.

For me, the best Davidoff fragrance, which even makes Cool Water and Zino look old. There is nothing comparable, no substitute - just sorrow, melancholy, and even despair. Those who own an untainted specimen can, of course, mourn in deep relaxation and enjoy this scent from time to time. But sorrow must also be present, as it is one of the lost pearls of fragrance history. No ifs and buts.

Relax & enjoy!
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14 Comments
ChrisCacaoChrisCacao 10 years ago
I owned it many years ago too, it's a shame the scent was discontinued. Today, while looking for a deodorant spray, I sprayed the Axe scent "Deep Space," and after a while, it strongly reminds me of "Relax" - or am I wrong?
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MatrixMatrix 10 years ago
@hater: aside from the fact that some people don't like this scent, which is already a form of lèse-majesté, I can't agree with saying that Zino or CW would be better or more popular. So many people can't be wrong!
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SkylabSkylab 12 years ago
Beautiful tribute with a lot of enthusiasm! Fantastic!
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LotusLotus 12 years ago
Years later, when I worked in the industry, no one was buying this scent; Zino would come and go. So let's leave it be; there are plenty of nicer things in the here and now...
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LotusLotus 12 years ago
I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but if the scent was so great back then-I had it too, and everyone in the club smelled like Relax-why was it discontinued?? I didn't think it was that amazing; I had a bottle and didn't even finish it.
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CappellusmanCappellusman 12 years ago
"The 'best men's fragrance of all time'? Well, that's your opinion. For me, it's more like 'Jil Sander Men III' or 'Bogner Man (1985)'. This one is good, but it's a bit too bubblegum sweet and too 'undecent' for a true classic."
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JensemannJensemann 12 years ago
Well, I guess I'll just live without the legend... :)
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McQuadeMcQuade 12 years ago
Maybe we should submit a petition? ;)
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LeimbacherLeimbacher 12 years ago
Unfortunately, there isn't a suitable alternative unless you're willing to spend a bit more :( I've stayed under 100€ here in the forum.
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McQuadeMcQuade 12 years ago
I can totally agree with that! An absolute classic, and I only gave it 90% because I don't remember it clearly anymore. I want to have it back, just like the Bogner!!!
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JensemannJensemann 12 years ago
I really want to have it, but the prices are outrageous. Any alternatives?
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NomdeguerreNomdeguerre 12 years ago
Great comment. I totally agree 100%. Trophy!
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ILTISILTIS 12 years ago
A wonderful comment about a dream fragrance. I recently won a 75 ml EDT in an auction as well. The perfume is a true feel-good scent, but for me, Zino still has a slight edge over Relax; it just suited me better. Trophy for the comment!
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ChnokfirChnokfir 12 years ago
Amen!
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