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Delightful
While there is a fair amount of creamy vanilla, we're not dealing with baked cookies. Although that is likely subject to change from person to person. There is a floral presence, but blossoms very warm and full bodied. Love Delight is sophisticated, but safe for Amouage. It's a fun fragrance that will be enjoyable for Spring and other seasons going forward, as it is versatile. Unlike Guidance, which is amazing but a cold-weather performer at best. I imagine anyone adding Love Delight to their collection, will find it easy to reach for. Don't be intimidated by cacao. It's there, but doesn't make the composition chocolaty in any way. I find that it provides a certain balance between bright florals and sweet vanilla. Ginger and cinnamon are so well blended, that it's not apparent that they are present. It seems that for every aggressive or spicy note, there is a softer or sweeter note to counter. I find that what I'm smelling perfectly reflects the aesthetics of the bottle. The color scheme speaks to a composition that is pleasant, bright, warm, floral and just sweet enough.
It's not the journey, but the destination.
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. I purchased this blind as I own the original Red Tobacco EDP (screw cap), which in my opinion always felt like an Extrait. While I cannot compare to the reformulation of the EDP with the magnetic cap, I almost couldn't tell the difference between the Intense and vintage EDP. Dare I say, the performance of Red Tobacco EDP (2017) seems to be noticeably superior to Red Tobacco Intense. I also find that the patchouli was more prominent in the old formula. This was one of my favorite facets about Red Tobacco. Has the quality been reduced and slyly reintroduced as an "Intense" or simply redefined? This version starts out just as abrasive and noisy as the classic, however I find that 3 hours after application it attempts to take on a new identity. As it dries down, the patchouli note bows out gracefully and leather takes the stage. Here, we have a case where it is redundant to own both fragrances. However, considering the dry down differs with both formulas you may find yourself preferring one over the other. With Red Tobacco it's not the journey, but the destination.
Abrasive Personality
PM smells like the music industry in the 80s, at least for the first hour. Cocaine and smoke. Ironically inspired by a music producer or collaboration rather. Upon the opening there is this bitter sweet, ash-like, smoky leather; only slightly metallic. Reminiscent of TF Tuscan Leather and Byredo's Black Saffron, but turned up a few notches. This particular note allows very little room for other notes to shine outside of cardamom, patchouli and woody accords. 3-4 hours in, the floral notes are more detectable, but still leather dominant while moving into a powdery phase. There is a freshness of juniper felt in the late stages of wear as well. PM is quite masculine and intrusive, if that's your thing and could very well be worn by a woman. Well made and performed, but it's going to require an abrasive personality or much confidence to pull this one off.
Subtle, Safe & Pleasant
I do enjoy Phlur's avant garde titles and play on words. Father Figure is a big title for a fig fragrance. Phlur is technically a "clean" brand, but this fragrance performs decently. Go FIGure. It is currently 45 degrees where I'm located, and in these temperatures I find the fragrance to be subtle, safe and pleasant. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is a warm weather performer. We shall see as we approach the Spring and Summer months.
Father Figure broke the mold for me, as I do not gravitate towards fig fragrances. How is it different? Sparkling white florals, sandalwood and vanilla. This beautiful combination makes it both easy and tempting to wear. Overall, Father Figure is a very clean, floral and aromatic take on fig. I imagine this would do wonders layered with vanilla or something deeper, but lovely on its own.
Father Figure broke the mold for me, as I do not gravitate towards fig fragrances. How is it different? Sparkling white florals, sandalwood and vanilla. This beautiful combination makes it both easy and tempting to wear. Overall, Father Figure is a very clean, floral and aromatic take on fig. I imagine this would do wonders layered with vanilla or something deeper, but lovely on its own.
Youthful
I found that the heart notes in this fragrance aren't nearly as "devoted" as the top and base. Vanilla forward? Yes, with an obvious candied lemon note that is there from the opening through to the dry down. "Follow your nose" as Toucan Sam says. Many people have claimed to smell Fruit Loops or Fruity Pebbles after smelling Devotion for the very first time. While this wasn't my first impression, the combination of notes can EASILY put you in the mind of children's cereal. At least during the opening. The orange blossom here is quite transparent, as it has been submerged into a pool of vanilla. Think of it as young and sprightly without being juvenile. Devotion is a sweet, youthful and playful fragrance in a stunning vintage-esque bottle.