Frankincense
Amber
Bergamot
Leather
Oud
Elysium
904 Reviews
Elysium
Helpful Review
3
The smell of a warrior Mandingo's essence
I've waited for Vibrant Leather Oud cologne for some time now, it was released at the beginning of 2019 and in my wishlist since then, yet I couldn't find it in any of the Zara stores nearby me. But last Friday, while surfing for new bargain colognes, this sought-after overtook my attention, it was sitting there next to Vibrant Leather, I couldn't believe it! Let me say that everything is not for everyone, we all have to search till we find that one scent that is magic for us. And when we do it will definitely not be for everyone. VLO is for me, earnestly. There were no paper strips available, so I straightaway sprayed the tester on my hand and... the Vibrant Leather DNA contaminated with a hint of smoked oud reached my nostril. I closed my eyes in search of some memories and I figured out it should have been the smell of a warrior Mandingo dark skin's essence, creamy wood blended with smoked leather.
So soft, smooth, pure, classy, a little bit spicy, smoky, masterfully blended in such a way that nothing is taking the lead role but all ingredients come together in perfect harmony as one. For some, it may be plain and boring but we are not all colorful or funky personalities. This scent is that man/woman standing in the corner of a room, not in the center but will still garner attention for his/her sophistication or mysteriousness. Well, it is an aroma highlighted by a bouquet of fragrant balsamic, bitter and smoky-scented tones that will bring a comforting, sensual and calming perfumed sensation. Examining it closer once applied you will notice a lingering quality of softer fragranced smoky, resinous and animal wildlife hints that hide an essence of attractive, deep and elegant feelings. It´s, however, a scent that, unlike some others, performs at its absolute best early on, straight out of the bottle, when it's at its fullest, and then it quickly stays close to the skin for a very long time.
Back to the juice, this oriental woody fragrance unfolds in a whiff of citrus opening top notes including bergamot. There is more than a powdery citrus note, I get the tropical vibe of the fruity pineapple, as in the original VL. In this thrill, I also perceive the hint of the birch spicy, which last about a minute, and then turns spicy and creamy.
The balsam and leather heart center notes blend in with mild leather and incense. I get both of the notes, the soft leather is smoked by the presence of the frankincense. Perhaps, the significant leather-presence here is likely to come from the oud, the synthetic ones tend to have a leathery quality to them. A truly perfect balance of fresh, smoky, sour, spicy and bitter.
As it dries down the deep amber and woody base notes leave an impression of oud. I can spot the oud as well. It's in the background, hidden, not screaming like the Arabian creatures, it's just an impression. And it's surely not real oud, but a synthetic oud by the firm Firmenich as aforementioned. It is not an animalic oud at all, but a very 'refined' sweet balsamic version. No ordinary oud like in Exclusive Oud, which is an amazing oud and amber fragrance that smells like niche quality. VLO is an Aventus clone enriched by a caress of smoked oud, not medicinal, not overstanding.
I think it has three stages, top notes fruit, then leathery, oud and a fair bit of amber spice. It's not beast mode projection but I would say it lasts longer than original Vibrant Leather, the amber is sticky to you the morning after if you rock it for a dinner or night out.
People need to stop chattering about this perfume's lack of projection. It's not supposed to scream out loud! This perfume is incredibly sexy and is meant to give your date something dangerously delicious to smell while nibbling on your neck. 1 Million is a perfume to clear out a room. This is one used to seduce. Definitely has a woodsy smell and it screams luxury. If you aren't all tied up in getting a ton of compliments from strangers that will most likely never run into you again this one is for you. Delicious and sexy! That said, it is more a fragrance for special occasions to me. Office wear? It is possible though. Despite the hint of oud, I recommend to wear during the warm seasons, spring and fall are ideal, but a summer night out might deserve it.
-Elysium
So soft, smooth, pure, classy, a little bit spicy, smoky, masterfully blended in such a way that nothing is taking the lead role but all ingredients come together in perfect harmony as one. For some, it may be plain and boring but we are not all colorful or funky personalities. This scent is that man/woman standing in the corner of a room, not in the center but will still garner attention for his/her sophistication or mysteriousness. Well, it is an aroma highlighted by a bouquet of fragrant balsamic, bitter and smoky-scented tones that will bring a comforting, sensual and calming perfumed sensation. Examining it closer once applied you will notice a lingering quality of softer fragranced smoky, resinous and animal wildlife hints that hide an essence of attractive, deep and elegant feelings. It´s, however, a scent that, unlike some others, performs at its absolute best early on, straight out of the bottle, when it's at its fullest, and then it quickly stays close to the skin for a very long time.
Back to the juice, this oriental woody fragrance unfolds in a whiff of citrus opening top notes including bergamot. There is more than a powdery citrus note, I get the tropical vibe of the fruity pineapple, as in the original VL. In this thrill, I also perceive the hint of the birch spicy, which last about a minute, and then turns spicy and creamy.
The balsam and leather heart center notes blend in with mild leather and incense. I get both of the notes, the soft leather is smoked by the presence of the frankincense. Perhaps, the significant leather-presence here is likely to come from the oud, the synthetic ones tend to have a leathery quality to them. A truly perfect balance of fresh, smoky, sour, spicy and bitter.
As it dries down the deep amber and woody base notes leave an impression of oud. I can spot the oud as well. It's in the background, hidden, not screaming like the Arabian creatures, it's just an impression. And it's surely not real oud, but a synthetic oud by the firm Firmenich as aforementioned. It is not an animalic oud at all, but a very 'refined' sweet balsamic version. No ordinary oud like in Exclusive Oud, which is an amazing oud and amber fragrance that smells like niche quality. VLO is an Aventus clone enriched by a caress of smoked oud, not medicinal, not overstanding.
I think it has three stages, top notes fruit, then leathery, oud and a fair bit of amber spice. It's not beast mode projection but I would say it lasts longer than original Vibrant Leather, the amber is sticky to you the morning after if you rock it for a dinner or night out.
People need to stop chattering about this perfume's lack of projection. It's not supposed to scream out loud! This perfume is incredibly sexy and is meant to give your date something dangerously delicious to smell while nibbling on your neck. 1 Million is a perfume to clear out a room. This is one used to seduce. Definitely has a woodsy smell and it screams luxury. If you aren't all tied up in getting a ton of compliments from strangers that will most likely never run into you again this one is for you. Delicious and sexy! That said, it is more a fragrance for special occasions to me. Office wear? It is possible though. Despite the hint of oud, I recommend to wear during the warm seasons, spring and fall are ideal, but a summer night out might deserve it.
-Elysium
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