Driver

I just had to test this fragrance, especially since "Jon Snow" is endorsing it. And I was positively surprised. However, the scent of Jimmy Choo cannot deny who it is imitating. It is the flagship of Chanel.

I would describe Jimmy Choo as a more watery version of Bleu de Chanel. And that is also the reason why I am considering adding this fragrance to my collection. As much as I love Bleu, it is not particularly suitable for summer, as it tends to become a bit too sweet for my taste.

Unfortunately, this newfound lightness comes at the expense of longevity: I can’t perceive the scent for more than four hours...

In short: this fragrance certainly has "good genes" to be able to stand the test of time in the market.

I couldn't resist. The curiosity was just too great. So I ordered a sample set from Huitième Art. 11 fragrance samples for 31 euros including shipping costs: reasonable. However, I hadn't had the best experiences with Pierre Guillaume. So far, I've only tested two fragrances from his other brand called "Parfumerie Generale" (PG8 and PG10), and I didn't like either of them.

And to get straight to the point: Among the eleven fragrances from Huitième Art, most are average fare. There is also a total failure: Sucre d'Ébène. I've never smelled anything so disgusting before. At least nothing that is supposed to pass as perfume. I ended up burning the test strip with Sucre d'Ébène because otherwise, I would have vomited. And that's no exaggeration. Sucre d'Ébène is simply DISGUSTING. Almost a crime against humanity. Therefore, I give this dreadful creation 0 out of 100 possible points.

But now to the real star: Monsieur.
When I tested "Cuir de Russie" back then and only felt moderate enthusiasm, the saleswoman held a vial of another fragrance under my nose: "Sycomore. It's very popular with men. Nice and woody." She was right. I liked "Sycomore" immediately better than "Cuir de Russie." Unfortunately, there was a catch.

There are certain fragrances that, although you like them, quickly become "satiating." And that's exactly how it is (at least for me) with "Sycomore." In the first few minutes, it's still nice and interesting, but after five minutes, it becomes boring and, above all, too much of a good thing.

" Monsieur" is clearly the better, more exciting "wood scent" for me. Sometimes you smell more of the cedarwood, sometimes more of the vetiver. It was the same with "Sycomore." The biggest difference lies simply in the intensity. With "Monsieur," the volume is toned down, making it more wearable.

In short: If someone couldn't relate to "Sycomore" at all, they won't be happy with "Monsieur" either. However, if someone actually liked "Sycomore" but wished for a slightly subtler version, they might enjoy "Monsieur."

At least I like it significantly better. And yes, it will soon be part of my collection.

It's true: “Everything is worth what its buyer is willing to pay for it.” However, I would like to conduct the following thought experiment: Imagine for a moment that you have never heard of Guerlain, let alone smelled any of their fragrances, but one day you get the chance to test all the scents. The samples, of course, provide no clues about the respective bottle design. And you are also not informed about the price range you are testing - on the contrary. You are then asked to determine a price for each fragrance you tested.

Well, I know one thing: I would probably have downgraded the five men’s fragrances from Jean-Paul Guerlain (Arsène Lupin, Arsène Lupin Voyou, Chamade Homme, L'Âme d'un Héros, and Derby) to the level of fragrances available everywhere at Douglas. The general response to “L'Âme d'un Héros” would, in my opinion, be something like:
“You can hardly smell anything. And they want 75 euros for that? Who is supposed to buy this?”

In fact, I believe that none of the five fragrances would turn out to be a bestseller …
I just want to say: Even if those fragrances were available everywhere, and at more affordable prices - the feeling of “having to have it” would not arise for me with any of them. (or perhaps just for that reason …)

Certain fragrances from the “L'Art et la Matière” collection, on the other hand, I would (probably) attribute an exclusive character and thus a proud price. This is especially true for “Cuir Beluga” and “Tonka Impériale”.

But especially for “Cuir Beluga.” Just recently, I was able to test the legendary “Cuir de Russie” from Chanel. My enthusiasm was limited. Primarily because “Cuir de Russie” delivers what the name promises - in contrast to the Guerlain scent.
In “Cuir Beluga,” leather only plays a role at the opening. And it is only the opening that does not completely appeal to me in this fragrance. That short phase where “Cuir Beluga” still comes across as a leather scent. I am simply not a fan of “leather,” especially not when it takes the lead.

However, that is not the case with “Cuir Beluga.” The outstanding scent arises here from a perfect symbiosis of vanilla and leather, with vanilla being the “host” and leather the “symbiont.” The result is truly unparalleled. Some may dismiss “Cuir Beluga” as too “polished,” meaning too agreeable. But I like this fragrance precisely for that reason. Because the composition is so harmoniously elegant that it lacks any rough edges. This may not appeal to everyone, but I love it - and HOW! Sometimes you just have to remind yourself what a masterful achievement it is to build a house that comes without any corners or edges ;)
My favorite Guerlain - by far. But of course, that is purely subjective, because as always, it holds true: “Everything is worth what its buyer is willing to pay for it.”

And “Cuir Beluga” is worth every cent that is charged at purchase for me.

Connoisseur: "Perhaps one should not make the mistake of measuring all fragrances from the house of Guerlain, even if unconsciously, against the great classics. Anyone who has Shalimar, Mitsouko, or Jicky in the back of their mind during every test is certainly more inclined to judge differently, perhaps not always objectively."

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Not just "perhaps"... To be honest, I don't understand at all why "Guerlain Homme L'Eau Boisée" should even be compared to the classics you mentioned, even unconsciously. Or do Shalimar, Mitsouko, and Jicky now count as popular summer fragrances? Of course, everyone should decide for themselves when to wear which perfume - however: In sweltering heat, I definitely prefer to reach for Guerlain Homme L'Eau Boisée rather than Shalimar and Co.

Yatagan is right. This Guerlain is very pleasing. And that's exactly what I've been searching for - a pleasing summer fragrance. Since I can't relate to most citrus scents, it's immensely harder for me to find something suitable for summer than for autumn and winter.

I was immediately taken with L'Eau Boisée, so I bought it right at our first encounter - or so I thought. Upon arriving home, I had to realize that the packaging did not indicate the addition "Boisée." As it turned out, I had fallen victim to misordered goods - or some joker had placed the L'Eau Boisée tester in front of the L'Eau bottles (and vice versa). Well, the difference isn't that significant anyway, which is why my annoyance was kept in check.

I can only say that both L'Eau Boisée and L'Eau bring exactly the fresh relief I crave on hot summer days, which is why "Guerlain Homme L'Eau" has long become my personal gold standard in this season.

I like incense; actually. However, as a central fragrance element, I find it somewhat problematic. Whether you want to wear a certain scent really depends on what you associate it with. And I can't spontaneously think of any other fragrance note that makes almost everyone think of the same thing. Or in other words: Who wants their surroundings to whisper "Habemus papam" when they enter a room?

With Eau Des Baux, this concern is unfounded. Does anyone still remember Cris Judd? Right, that was the background dancer whom Jennifer Lopez married at the time. In "Eau des Baux," the incense takes on the role of Judd, while the cypress plays the part of J.Lo. You definitely notice the incense, but only to the extent that you realize someone is flailing their arms in the background while J.Lo swings her hips. The combination of cypress and incense has addictive potential. As the fragrance develops, subtle hints of vanilla become noticeable, which grow increasingly dominant until they completely drive out J.Lo and her background dancer.

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@FLUidENTITY: As great as Eau Des Baux is, I still prefer "Eau de Nuit." Although I must admit that "Eau Des Baux" can win in terms of sillage and longevity. But when it comes to the scent itself: I am simply enamored with this subtly peppered, iris-infused nutmeg from Armani.
;)