Grenouille8

I don't want to say much more, as everything has already been said about this classic. As a fragrance lover, I am a big admirer of the house of Guerlain, and Habit Rouge is certainly one of the important milestones in the art of perfumery for me. However, it has been many years since I regularly used HR. The numerous comments here have made me curious again to refresh my fragrance memory. I still like this masterpiece just as much as ever. However, I believe I notice a slight change. I remember Habit Rouge as overwhelmingly powerful. And it is definitely not that (anymore). Either my perception has changed, or the intensity of the composition has suffered due to a reformulation. I was almost surprised at how subtle I perceived this fragrance after just a short time. My memory told me that this is one of the scents that should be dosed rather carefully. I felt nothing of that anymore. Nevertheless, it remains a masterful composition and for me, an absolute Hall of Fame fragrance.

I can hardly say more....
What is this, please? Just a few scents thrown together? A bit sweet, a bit aquatic? Some Davidoff, a little One Million..?
Oh dear, oh dear......was someone drunk? A YSL...????? Seriously now??? Never! And then as a perfume? What a waste for something so unloved.

The fragrance notes sounded promising. Moreover, Dior is known for being a traditional house. So: Expectations were high. But: Disappointment is great. Once again, I tried to step away from the classic path and once again realized that it usually isn't worth it. For me. I was really looking forward to the announced oud accord and the leather note. However - I couldn't distinctly and prominently recognize any of that. At least not in the traditional way, which is how I prefer it. No, the scent is simply too modern for me, too typical of most newly developed men's fragrances. It is not individual. I wouldn't remember this scent; it doesn't engage me. Unfortunately. It could have been something good. Especially since there is indeed a parfum version, which is rarer for men, but fortunately with a rising trend. But in my eyes, the opportunity was not utilized; instead, it aimed more at the taste of the masses. Sorry, that's how I feel. I've already forgotten this scent..... :-(

Now I want to say something about Obsession.....
Actually, I feel like I've outgrown these shoes. I associate this scent with my first steps in the perfume universe. Plus, it's both mainstream AND Calvin Klein, which is rather taboo for me now. But one must be fair. Obsession is still one of the good ones in the commercial mainstream world. The special and extraordinary. Therefore, it deserves recognition. It is a beautiful oriental. Period. And a.) for its time and b.) still today a bold men's fragrance. Because it’s not so typical, because it’s very spicy and also sweet. But classic orientals should always include that to some extent. Therefore, Obsession is indeed a classic and not just a zeitgeist fragrance. Even if I might be overstepping a bit, I believe I can recognize a certain resemblance to Shalimar and Must de Cartier.
Very important: I am talking about the original version. I do not know the reformulated one.

I haven't had Afrah Jeddah for very long and I believe I need to give it a bit more time. Nevertheless, I dare to make a small comment here. I ordered it because, according to the description, Oud is the dominant note. And that is true. Beautiful. I have been in love with Oud for a long time. The Oud in Afrah Jeddah is very pleasant. I don't find it too overpowering, which I personally almost regret. Despite everything, it is strong, but not mighty. Compared to Mokhalat al Rehab, it is noticeably weaker and somehow quieter. The rose notes here are hardly noticeable at all. Almost not at all. I haven't been able to perceive the mentioned herbs very strongly, even though you can sense them in the dry down. As I said - I need to give this fragrance a little more time. But it is definitely beautiful. A classic for Oud fans, after all.