MarielleP

This is a lovely aquatic: a refreshing marine with a slight hint of idodine, and a deep, ambery undercurrent. Like many fragrances, this one turns sweet on my skin. In this case, the fresh, green note of amyl salicylate. Aquatic fragrances aren't my thing, but if they were, I'd buy a full bottle right this minute. I look forward to revisiting Squid when summer returns.

What a charming fragrance this is! It starts out slightly indolic, but the indole quickly calms down and pleasantly intermingles with the rest of the incense-y notes. I did not know this fragrance in 80s when it was born, so I have no nostalgic associations. It doesn't smell goth or over-the-top 80s to me. It's lovely, a little precious even... but not in a bad way. LouLou is not an all-time favorite for me, but I can see why others might feel that way. I will enjoy the rest of this sample, but I'm not sure I want a full bottle. Though, the attractive price tag may change my mind. This review is for the current formulation.

I keep reading how the original formulation is absolutely glorious (it is), and the reformulation is a shadow of its former self (somewhat true). I purchased samples of both vintage and current BaV, and they both smell fantastic. The vintage edt sample I have is fuller and richer, but after years in the bottle, the top notes are somewhat degraded. Some are gone, some don't hold up for long. But there are so damn many notes in this unhinged formula, I still get a little hint of brightness here and there. And the heart and base... wowwowwowWOW!! It's resiny and herbaly. And poopy. But not in a bad way.

Today's formulation holds up, in my opinion. My current edt sample isn't nearly as potent as the vintage, but it has the same DNA. It's lighter, slightly less fecal, and all the notes are fully intact. If I could go back in time and smell the original BaV, I know I would like it best, but I can't so I'll enjoy what's available now. Ignore the naysayers, and try a sample of the new juice.